No, dogs cannot eat prunes. Prunes are excessively high in sugar and fiber. They can cause harm to your dog’s health. In addition, prunes are man-made as they are not found in nature, and your dog’s body will not get accustomed to it and digesting it.
Table of Contents
What are Prunes?
Prunes are dried plums. They are often sold in cans or tins. Usually, they are without the stone or pit. But, prunes with the pits are available as well. Prunes are high in sugar. But, they are also high in fiber, potassium and vitamin K.
Are Prunes Safe for Dogs?
Prunes are NOT safe for dogs. They can cause your dog many health issues. Pitted prunes are not safe for dogs, as pits contain cyanide and can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Why are Prunes Bad for Dogs?
Consumption of prunes can cause or lead to the following health issues:
Digestive issues: Prunes are pretty high in fiber. Excessive fiber can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, irregular stools and vomiting in your dog.
Diabetes and obesity: Prunes are extremely high in sugar content. Excessive sugar can cause diabetes and obesity in dogs.
Cyanide Poisoning: Pitted prunes contain cyanide. They can lead to cyanide poisoning. Some of the side effects of cyanide poisoning are listed below.
- Diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
- Aggression
- Bloody stools
- Bodily spasms
- Generalized weakness
- Seizures
- Incontinence
- Death
How Much Prunes to Feed Your Dog?
Prunes should not be fed to your dog. Not even as a treat.
What if my Dog ate Prunes?
Symptoms to look out for if you are dog has eaten prunes:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
Alternatives to Prunes
There are plenty of healthy foods that replace prunes. Here are a few dog-safe alternative options to them:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cooked fish
- Plain boiled chicken
Alternatives of Prunes for Constipation
Water: Dehydration is often the root cause of constipation. Ensure that your dog is consuming enough water to make sure that it is hydrated.
Pumpkin: Cooked and mashed pumpkin is a great way to treat your dog’s constipation.
Aloe Vera Juice: Adding small amounts of pure aloe vera juice in your dog’s water or sprinkling it over your dog’s will help a great deal in alleviating your dog’s constipation.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar in your dog’s water, as it is an excellent remedy to treat your dog’s constipation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs have Prune for constipation?
No, prunes help humans when it comes to constipation. But they do not help dogs. In fact, they can cause digestive issues for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked or Boiled Prunes?
No, dogs cannot consume cooked or boiled prunes as even they have the same adverse health effects as their dried counterparts.
Can Dogs Have Black Prunes?
No, black prunes will have the same effects as that of traditional prunes.
Can Dogs Have Red Prunes?
No, red prunes will have the same effects as that of traditional prunes.
Can Dogs have Yellow Prunes?
No, yellow prunes will have the same effects as that of traditional prunes.
Can Dogs Have Canned Prunes?
No, canned prunes are not recommended for your dog, as they will even have a bad impact on your dog’s health like other forms of prunes.
Can Dogs have Prune Juice?
No, prune juice or any other juices are not recommended for dogs. Juice contains fructose and sugar which can lead to obesity and diabetes. It can also lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is recommended that dogs only drink water.
Why are Prune Pits Dangerous?
Prune pits that retain their stones are known as pitted prunes. It is dangerous for dogs because it is sharp, rough and indigestible. In addition, the rough surface can scratch and damage a dog’s gut lining, causing diarrhea, discomfort, and bleeding. It contains cyanide. Excessive cyanide leads to cyanide poisoning causing severe health issues.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dogs should not eat prunes as the high sugar and fiber content in them can negatively impact their health. In addition, your dog can fall prey to diabetes, obesity and even cyanide poisoning if it consumes prunes. If you are considering prunes to treat your dog’s constipation, there are better and healthier ways to treat it.
