You may have taken a look at the java plums you’re snacking on and wondered whether your furry friend might benefit from these small fruits.
Yes, dogs can safely eat java plums if you remove the skin and the pit. The feeding should also be in moderation because excess consumption may harm your pet.
Java plums are rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, and many other nutrients helpful to your dog’s health. However, veterinarians recommend giving your dog the juicy flesh part only. Here is a complete guide on feeding dogs with java plums, including the nutritional benefits.
Keep reading.
Java Plums Nutritional Value Facts
Java plums are small purple or deep blue colored fruits native to India and other tropical countries. They have a small seed commonly referred to as the pit. Other names for java plums are black plum, jamun, jambolan, and Malabar plum. Usually, the java plum fruit bears fruits during summer and can grow for up to ten years before it starts bearing the plums.
Java plums contain multiple nutrients, which make them ideal for human and pet consumption when taken in the right amounts.
Here is a list of the main nutrients found in java plums.
135g portion of jambolan contains the following:
- Calories – 81
- Total fat – 0.3g
- Total carbohydrates – 21g
- Protein – 1g
- Calcium – 26mg
- Sodium – 19mg
- Potassium – 107mg
- Iron – 0.3mg
- Phosphorus – 23mg
- Magnesium – 29mg
- Vitamin C – 19.3mg
135g of java plums is equivalent to one cup, which should be enough for an adult dog. Consult your vet officer before feeding java plums to your dog, especially if it’s a puppy or has never tasted any plums.
Are Java Plums Safe For Dogs?
Java plums are safe for dogs when given in small quantities. Also, you should only feed the juicy flesh part and remove the pit. Like other plums, the java plum pit easily breaks into hydrogen cyanide when ingested.
Hydrogen cyanide interferes with oxygen supply in the brain and blood vessels and may sometimes be fatal. Plus, the large seeds in java plums may block the esophageal tract of your dog and cause other health complications.
For the best results with java plums, wash them well, remove the pit, and feed your pet in small quantities.
How to Safely Give Java Plums to Your Dog
Java plums pit may be harmful to your dogs, and excess sugar in the flesh is also not recommended for your dog’s health. If you want to share java plums with your furry friend, follow these few tips for the best results.
Start Small
Do not overfeed your dog with java plums for the first time. Since this is a new diet, you will have to start small and only increase the quantity with time if you don’t notice adverse reactions.
If your dog is diabetic, stick to small amounts all the time, or avoid the plums because the high concentration of sugar in java plums may not be healthy for your dog.
Consult Your Vet
Dogs react differently to plums, so it’s best to consult your vet before feeding your dog java plums. The vet should advise you on the right quantity, especially if your dog has an underlying health issue.
Feed in Juice Form
Feeding java plums in juice form is a great idea if you don’t want to risk the dog swallowing the pits. Take a small amount of the plums, make a juice, and give your dog a small amount.
Watch for Side Effects
Dogs react differently to new diets and fruits. You should be keen on your dog’s reaction after taking the java plums. Inform your vet expert immediately if you notice unwanted effects like vomiting and diarrhea.
What Are The Risks Of Java Plums To Dogs?
While java plums are rich in nutrients, they have a few risks you should be aware of before feeding your dog. However, most risks are associated with excessive consumption, so your dog may be safe if you only feed in moderation. Here are some of them:
Allergic Reactions
Some dogs may show allergic reactions to java plums. The main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, which can appear if you don’t clean the plums well before feeding. Be keen on cleaning the java plums, and contact your vet immediately when you notice signs of allergic reactions. You may also discontinue the feeding to avoid future reactions.
High Sugar Content
Java plums are sweet and tasty. They have high sugar levels, which might not be ideal for your dog. If your dog is allergic to excess sugar, avoid the plums, or feed in moderation.
Choking
Choking happens when a dog takes large quantities of java plums with the pits. Some pits are big, and the dog may accidentally choke when eating in a hurry. You can avoid this problem by removing the pits before feeding and taking the right measures, including calling your vet when a dog chokes.
Healthy Alternatives to Java Plums on Your Dog’s Diet
Java plums have plenty of nutrients, but other healthy fruits can be used as alternatives. If you cannot feed your dog with java plums, check out these alternatives to consider:
- Apples
- Avocadoes
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Mangoes
- Papayas
Each fruit has its nutritional value, but excess consumption is not advisable. Always start with small amounts as you watch for adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the commonly asked questions on whether dogs can eat java plums.
Are java plums poisonous to dogs?
The flesh part of the fruit is technically safe for dog feeding. However, the pit, leaves, and stems could be toxic to your dog’s body. If your dog is interested in java plums, pluck the fruit, clean it well, and remove the pit. Feed in moderation because excessive consumption is not recommended.
What should I do when my dog eats Java Plums?
There’s nothing to worry about if your furry friend ate java plums without your knowledge. The fruit itself is safe, so unwanted effects may not happen. However, you should carefully observe the dog’s reaction and contact your vet expert immediately if you notice adverse effects.
Can java plums make my dog sick?
Yes, your dog may show signs of allergies or other side effects in cases of excess intake. If your dog must take java plums, feed in moderation and ensure they are clean. Remove the pits, and remember to contact your veterinarian officer if you notice signs of sickness.
How many java plums should my dog eat per day?
The exact amount depends on multiple factors, like your dog’s age, size, and underlying health issues. Consult your veterinarian officer for the best diet recommendation.
Final Thoughts
Can dogs eat java plums? You may or may not share java plums with your dog. If you decide to share, remember that moderation is the key. During their season, java plums fall everywhere near the tree, so your dog may easily find them near your compound and feed on them. Carefully observe your dog’s reaction after taking java plums, and call your vet immediately if you notice unwanted signs.