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Is Natal Plum Toxic to Dogs?

✅ Non-Toxic
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
No, natal plum is non-toxic to dogs. It is on the ASPCA pet-safe list, and the main thing to watch is the shrub’s sharp Y-shaped thorns.

Also known as: Large Num-Num, Amatungulu, Carissa macrocarpa · Carissa macrocarpa

What to do if your dog eats it

Nothing required for the plant itself. Only large amounts of any rough plant fiber cause simple stomach upset. If the dog ran into the hedge, check paws and muzzle for spine splinters.

Common questions

Can my dog eat natal plum fruit from the ground?

A few ripe fruits are not a toxicity concern, but fruit on the ground may be spoiled or attract wasps, so sweeping up fallen fruit is still sensible.

Is natal plum related to true plums?

No — despite the name it is an apocynaceae shrub, not a Prunus. Unlike true plums, its leaves and stems are not cyanogenic, which is why it makes the safe list.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.