If you have plum trees on your property or access to fresh plums, you might wonder if these sweet fruits are safe to share with your goats. Yes, goats can safely eat plums, but with important precautions - the pits must be removed as they contain toxic compounds and present a choking hazard. The fruit flesh itself is nutritious and makes an excellent occasional treat. For comprehensive information about goat nutrition, check out our feeding goats guide.

Plums offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your goats' health when fed properly. However, like all stone fruits, plums require careful preparation to ensure safety. Understanding how to properly prepare and feed plums to your goats is essential for their wellbeing.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about feeding plums to goats, including nutritional benefits, proper preparation methods, serving sizes, potential risks, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you're raising dairy breeds like Saanen or Nubian goats, or keeping goats as pets, this guide will help you safely incorporate plums into their diet.

Why Plums Can Be Safe for Goats (When Prepared Correctly)

Plums can be a healthy treat for goats, but they require more preparation than many other fruits. The flesh of the plum is safe and nutritious, containing vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. However, the pit (stone) at the center contains cyanogenic compounds that can release cyanide when chewed or digested.

While goats are browsers with diverse natural diets, they cannot safely consume plum pits. The pits also present a significant choking hazard, especially for smaller goats or kids. Therefore, plums should always be pitted before feeding them to your herd.

Nutritional Benefits of Plums for Goats

When properly prepared, plums offer impressive nutritional value that can complement your goat's regular diet.

Rich in Vitamins

Plums contain several important vitamins:

1. Vitamin C - Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant. While goats produce their own vitamin C, supplemental amounts can be beneficial during stress or illness.
2. Vitamin K - Essential for blood clotting and bone health
3. Vitamin A - Important for vision, immune function, and reproductive health
4. B Vitamins - Support energy metabolism and nervous system function

Essential Minerals

These fruits provide beneficial minerals including:

• Potassium - Supports proper muscle function, nerve signaling, and heart health
• Copper - Important for iron absorption and red blood cell formation
• Manganese - Aids in bone development and metabolic processes
• Magnesium - Essential for numerous enzymatic reactions

Antioxidants and Phytonutrients

Plums are particularly rich in antioxidants, especially:

• Anthocyanins - The compounds that give plums their deep purple color
• Chlorogenic acid - May support overall health
• Phenolic compounds - Help protect cells from oxidative damage

The antioxidant content is highest in darker-colored plums and in the skin.

Fiber Content

Plums contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can support digestive health. While goats primarily need roughage from hay and forage, the fiber in plums can contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Natural Sugars for Energy

The natural sugars in plums provide quick energy. However, this also means plums should be fed in moderation to prevent excessive sugar intake and potential digestive upset.

Hydration Support

Plums contain approximately 87% water, making them a hydrating treat during hot summer months. While fresh water should always be available, juicy fruits like plums can provide supplemental moisture.

How to Properly Prepare Plums for Goats

Proper preparation is crucial for safely feeding plums to goats. Follow these guidelines carefully.

Removing the Pit (Most Important!)

This step is non-negotiable:

• Cut the plum in half around the pit
• Remove the entire pit completely
• Inspect to ensure no pit fragments remain
• Discard all pits safely away from the goats

Never feed whole plums to goats, even large adult goats. The risk of choking or cyanide exposure is too significant.

Washing Thoroughly

Always wash plums before feeding:

• Rinse under clean running water
• Remove any pesticide residues
• Choose organic when possible to minimize chemical exposure
• Pat dry if desired, though moisture is fine

Preparation Methods

Once pitted, plums can be prepared several ways:

• Halved - The simplest method after removing the pit
• Quartered - Better for smaller goats or kids
• Sliced - Makes portions easier to control
• With skin on - The skin is safe and contains additional nutrients

Fresh vs. Dried Plums (Prunes)

• Fresh plums - Preferred option, most nutritious when in season
• Dried plums (prunes) - Concentrated sugar content; feed even more sparingly if offering at all
• Avoid sweetened - Never feed plums with added sugar or preservatives

Introducing Plums Gradually

When offering plums for the first time:

• Start with just a small piece per goat
• Monitor for 24-48 hours for any digestive issues
• Gradually increase to recommended serving sizes
• Watch for any signs of adverse reactions

Serving Sizes and Frequency

Moderation is essential when feeding plums due to their sugar content and the effort required for proper preparation.

Recommended Serving Sizes

Adult goats (full-sized breeds): 2-3 medium plums per feeding (pitted) Miniature breeds: 1-2 small plums per feeding (pitted) Kids (baby goats): 1/2 to 1 small plum per feeding (pitted and cut into small pieces) Pregnant or lactating does: 2-3 medium plums (pitted) due to increased nutritional needs

Frequency Guidelines

Plums should be offered as an occasional summer treat:

• 1-2 times per week maximum for adult goats
• Once per week for kids and miniature breeds
• Only during plum season (summer) for freshest options
• Space out treat days to maintain dietary balance

Remember that treats, including plums, should make up no more than 10% of a goat's total diet. The remaining 90% should consist of quality hay, pasture, grains, and minerals.

Potential Risks and Dangers

Understanding the risks associated with plums helps you feed them safely and avoid serious problems.

Cyanide in Plum Pits (CRITICAL DANGER)

This is the most serious concern with plums:

• Plum pits contain amygdalin, which converts to cyanide when chewed or digested
• Never feed whole plums - Always remove pits completely
• Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, trembling, and collapse
• If you suspect cyanide poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately

Choking Hazard

Whole plums or large pieces can cause choking:

• Always pit and cut plums into appropriate sizes
• Supervise goats while they eat plums
• Smaller goats and kids are at higher risk
• Cut into smaller pieces for young or small goats

High Sugar Content

The natural sugars in plums can cause problems when overfed:

• Digestive upset and diarrhea
• Weight gain and obesity over time
• Disruption of rumen pH balance
• Reduced appetite for essential roughage

Pesticide Exposure

Conventionally grown plums may contain pesticide residues:

• Always wash plums thoroughly
• Choose organic plums when possible
• Never feed plums from unknown sources or those treated with pesticides you're not familiar with

Mold and Spoilage

Never feed spoiled fruit:

• Inspect plums carefully before feeding
• Discard any moldy, rotten, or fermented plums
• Moldy fruit can contain dangerous toxins
• Only offer fresh, ripe plums in good condition

Digestive Upset from Overfeeding

Too many plums can cause:

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Bloating and discomfort
• Gas and digestive cramping
• Loss of appetite for regular feed

Signs of Problems After Eating Plums

Monitor your goats carefully after feeding plums, especially if it's their first time or if you suspect they may have gotten into whole plums with pits.

Signs of Cyanide Poisoning (EMERGENCY)

Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Trembling, muscle twitching, or seizures
• Weakness or collapse
• Bright red gums (in severe cases)
• Confusion or staggering

Signs of Overfeeding or Digestive Issues

• Diarrhea or very loose stools
• Bloating or distended abdomen
• Reduced appetite for hay and regular feed
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Unusual manure odor

If you notice digestive symptoms, discontinue plums and ensure your goats have access to plenty of fresh hay and water. Most mild digestive issues resolve within 24-48 hours. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.

Safe Alternatives and Variety

While plums can be fed safely with proper preparation, consider these alternatives that require less preparation or offer similar benefits:

Other Stone Fruits (All Require Pit Removal)

• Peaches - Similar nutrition profile (remove pit)
• Cherries - Small and sweet (must remove all pits)
• Apricots - Rich in vitamin A (remove pit)

All stone fruits require the same careful pit removal as plums.

Safer Fruit Options (No Pit Concerns)

• Apples - High in fiber (remove seeds) - see our can goats eat apples guide
• Pears - Good fiber source (remove seeds)
• Berries - No pits or large seeds:
  • Strawberries - check our can goats eat strawberries article
  • Blueberries - packed with antioxidants
  • Blackberries - rich in vitamin C
• Watermelon - Extremely hydrating - see our can goats eat watermelon guide
• Bananas - No preparation needed (feed with peels)

Vegetable Treats

Don't forget nutritious vegetables that require minimal preparation:

• Carrots (excellent for dental health)
• Pumpkin (great for digestive health)
• Sweet potatoes (high in nutrients)
• Lettuce and leafy greens (low-calorie options)

Rotating Treats

Create a variety schedule to provide diverse nutrients:

• Monday: Carrots
• Wednesday: Apples (seeds removed)
• Friday: Plums (pitted) or berries
• Adjust based on seasonal availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can goats eat plum tree leaves?

Plum tree leaves contain the same cyanogenic compounds as the pits, though in lower concentrations. It's best to prevent goats from browsing on plum tree foliage. While small amounts may not cause immediate harm, regular consumption could lead to cyanide toxicity over time.

What if my goat ate a whole plum with the pit?

If your goat consumed one whole plum with the pit, monitor closely for signs of distress or cyanide poisoning (difficulty breathing, drooling, trembling, weakness). The danger depends on whether the goat chewed the pit (releasing cyanide) or swallowed it whole. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Can baby goats eat plums?

Yes, kids can eat pitted plums once they're eating solid foods (typically around 2-3 weeks old). Start with very small amounts - just a small quarter of a pitted plum. Young kids have sensitive digestive systems, so introduce carefully. For beginners learning about goat care, our best goat breeds for beginners guide offers valuable insights.

Are wild plums safe for goats?

Wild plums require the same precautions as cultivated plums - the pits must be removed. If goats are browsing in areas with wild plum trees, try to limit their access during fruiting season to prevent them from consuming whole plums with pits.

Can pregnant goats eat plums?

Yes, pregnant does can eat properly prepared (pitted) plums in moderation. The vitamins and minerals can support healthy pregnancy. However, maintain appropriate portion sizes and don't overfeed due to the sugar content.

Will plums increase milk production in dairy goats?

Plums won't directly increase milk production, though their nutrients support overall health which contributes to good milk production. Proper nutrition from quality hay, grains, and minerals is far more important for milk production than treats.

Can I feed dried plums (prunes) to goats?

Dried plums (prunes) can be fed to goats, but the sugar content is much more concentrated than fresh plums. If offering prunes, feed very sparingly - just 1-2 prunes per adult goat maximum, and ensure they're pitted. Fresh plums are preferable when available.

What about plum jam or plum products?

Avoid feeding processed plum products like jam, jelly, or plum sauce to goats. These contain added sugar, preservatives, and other ingredients that aren't appropriate for goats. Stick to fresh, whole plums with pits removed.

Can goats eat fallen plums from the ground?

Fallen plums can be fed if they're still fresh and in good condition, but you must still remove the pits. However, fallen fruit often begins fermenting quickly, which can cause problems. Only feed fresh, firm plums and always inspect carefully for signs of fermentation, mold, or spoilage.

Are all plum varieties safe for goats?

All common plum varieties (European, Japanese, American, etc.) are safe for goats when properly prepared with pits removed. The nutritional content varies slightly between varieties, but all require the same safety precautions regarding pit removal.

Conclusion

Plums can be a nutritious and delicious treat for goats when prepared properly. These summer fruits provide vitamins A, C, and K, beneficial minerals like potassium and copper, and powerful antioxidants. However, safety must always come first - never feed whole plums to goats, as the pits contain cyanide compounds and present a serious choking hazard.

Remember the key principles: always remove pits completely, wash thoroughly, feed in moderation (2-3 pitted plums per adult goat), offer 1-2 times weekly maximum, and ensure plums don't replace essential hay and forage. By following these guidelines carefully, you can safely incorporate plums into your goat care routine during the summer season, providing enjoyment and nutritional benefits while maintaining optimal health.

For more information on goat feeding practices, explore our feeding goats guide and learn about the best hay for goats to ensure your herd receives complete nutrition.