Can dogs eat plums?
Not recommended. A little plum flesh with the pit removed is not the main worry, but plum pits are toxic to dogs and can cause choking or an intestinal blockage. The stems, leaves and seeds of the plum plant contain cyanide.
Updated:
Why
The plum plant is listed as toxic to dogs because its stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides. A pit can also be swallowed and get stuck. Some vets allow plum flesh as an occasional treat with the pit removed; because the plant itself is listed as toxic, we use the stricter rating. Prunes are even higher in sugar.
Signs to watch for
- Choking or gagging
- Signs of a blockage: repeated vomiting, not eating, tiredness
- Dilated pupils, brick-red gums, difficulty breathing (cyanide)
What to do
If your dog ate a plum pit, contact your vet right away. Note when it happened and how many pits were eaten.
How to give it
If you share any, give only a little fresh flesh with the pit and stem removed. Skip prunes. Check with your vet first.
Questions and answers
Are prunes okay for dogs?
Prunes are even higher in sugar than fresh plums, so they are not a great option for dogs.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Plum — ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Can Dogs Eat Plums? — PetMD (Updated Jul 5, 2023; reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Can Dogs Eat Corn? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 16, 2026)
- Dog has half of his intestines removed after swallowing deadly corn on the cob — PDSA (26 August 2016)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.