Can Dogs Eat Prunes? Understanding the Risks and Safe Alternatives

Prunes are a healthy snack for humans, but can dogs have prunes? Dogs cannot have prunes because of their high fiber and sugar content, which can cause digestive issues. In addition, the pits in prunes can be a choking hazard and contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs. Instead, there are other fruits that are safer.

To learn more about the risks of giving prunes to dogs, we reviewed research on the nutritional needs of dogs. This article will cover how a dog’s body processes the sugars and fibers in fruits like prunes and the best alternatives to support a dog’s well-being. This will help you better understand how to make the best choices for your dog’s diet.

Canine Digestive Physiology and the Role of Fruits

The dog digestive system is designed to process a wide range of foods, but it has some key differences from the human digestive system. According to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Washington State University, the dog digestive system consists of the mouth, teeth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder.

Although dogs have adapted to eating a mixed diet that includes some carbohydrates, The Veterinary Teaching Hospital explains that the digestive anatomy of the dog is still best suited for a carnivorous diet.

Dogs digest sugars and fibers differently than humans. A study in PMC explains that the size of the dog impacts its digestive physiology, which in turn impacts the absorption and metabolism of nutrients like the sugars and fibers found in fruits. Dogs can experience digestive upset due to high sugar and fiber consumption because their digestive systems aren’t designed to handle large amounts of these nutrients, such as those found in prunes.

According to PetMD, too much sugar can throw off a dog’s digestive system and lead to problems like diarrhea and constipation. Some fruits, especially prunes, can be difficult for dogs to digest because of their high fiber and sugar content. As a result, while some fruits can be helpful, it’s important to know which fruits are safe and how to feed them to dogs to avoid potential health issues.

How Too Much Sugar and Fiber Affect Dogs

While dogs’ diets have changed over time, their ability to process high levels of sugar has not. According to a press release from Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, too much sugar in a dog’s diet can lead to obesity, which is a major problem in the canine community with 25–30% of dogs being overweight, especially senior dogs.

The press release from PR Newswire also states that this obesity is causing more dogs to develop diabetes, which is on the rise in pets.

Fiber is important for a healthy gut, but as Dr. Laci Schaible explains, an imbalance can cause digestive problems like diarrhea or constipation. This means that pet parents need to be careful to make sure that their dog’s diet is well-balanced. Too much fiber can also interfere with mineral absorption and cause health problems, so it’s important to make sure that dogs aren’t getting too much.

In addition, Volhard Dog Nutrition offers real-life examples of how poor dietary choices, especially those that are high in simple carbohydrates and sugars, can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs.

When you think about the health of our four-legged friends, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to make sure that dogs are getting a well-balanced diet and not too much of any one thing. This is a good reminder that when it comes to dogs, we need to make sure that the fruits we give them are helping, not hurting, their health.

How to Find Safe and Healthy Fruits for Dogs

While prunes are not a good option for dogs, there are many fruits that are safe and healthy for dogs to eat.

For example, apples are a great source of vitamins A and C and fiber and can be fed to dogs as a snack if the seeds and core are removed, according to the American Kennel Club.

Cranberries and blueberries are both high in antioxidants and can be fed to dogs in small amounts. Watermelon is hydrating and provides dogs with vitamins A, B-6, and C, and can be fed to dogs if the seeds and rind are removed. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in vitamins K, C, and B1 and can be fed to dogs as a snack, especially if they are overweight.

On the other hand, cherries and grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause cyanide poisoning and kidney failure, according to the ASPCA. Avocado is also toxic to dogs and can cause heart congestion and difficulty breathing because it contains persin.

When introducing new fruits to a dog’s diet, it’s important to do so slowly and in small amounts to avoid digestive upset.

It’s also important to make sure to remove any parts of the fruit that are toxic to dogs, like pits and seeds, to avoid a choking hazard.

It’s also important to make sure that dogs are getting a balanced diet and that fruit is not replacing other important nutrients. A veterinarian can help you find the right balance for your dog and make sure that they are getting the nutrients they need while enjoying these healthy treats.

The Best Way to Feed Your Dog Fruits

If you are feeding your dog fruit for the first time, make sure to monitor them closely to see how they react. The American Kennel Club recommends starting with a small amount and increasing the serving size if your dog doesn’t experience any negative side effects like an upset stomach. If your dog does experience negative side effects, make sure to check with your vet before continuing to feed them fruit.

If you are planning to feed your dog a diet that includes fruits, make sure to introduce them slowly. According to The Farmer’s Dog, a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber is important for a dog’s gut health, and this can be found in vegetables and some fruits. However, too much fiber can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea, so it’s important to make sure your dog’s diet is balanced.

To make sure your dog’s diet is balanced and healthy, make sure to take them to the vet for regular check-ups. Your vet can help you determine the right amount of fiber for your dog based on their age, breed, and health.

A study published in PMC also found that older dogs may need different amounts of fiber, so make sure to check with your vet to make sure your dog is getting the right amount.

In addition to their diet, make sure your dog has access to clean water and gets plenty of exercise. Both of these things are important for your dog’s overall health and can help with digestion and metabolism. If you make sure your dog has all of these things, you can be sure that they are on the right track to living a long, healthy life.

Final Thoughts on Dogs and Prunes

While prunes are a healthy food for humans, they are not a safe food for dogs. Prunes can cause a variety of health issues for dogs, including digestive problems, obesity, and diabetes.

While the fiber in prunes can be good for digestion, it can also be too much for a dog’s system to handle, leading to digestive problems. In addition, A-Z Animals and DogTime warn that the cyanide in prune pits can be toxic to dogs, making them a dangerous food for your pet.

It’s important to understand the limitations of a dog’s digestive system when planning their diet. As Hepper explains, dogs rely on their owners to provide them with a well-balanced diet, and treats like prunes are not only unnecessary but can also be harmful. Instead, opt for healthier treats like apples, blueberries, and carrots, which offer the same health benefits without the risks.

Being a responsible pet owner is about more than just loving and caring for your pet; it’s also about understanding and meeting their dietary needs. By choosing the right treats for your pet and keeping an eye on their health, you can help ensure that they live a long, healthy life.