At A Glance
Cherries are a delightful summer fruit for humans, but can dogs have them? The answer is complex, and we’ll tell you why.
Last Updated on: May 16, 2023
From fresh cherries to freshly baked pies and bright red cherry sundaes, there are many ways to enjoy the summer fruit. They’re delicious, versatile, and easy to munch on.
Moreover, they’re low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So naturally, they’re a healthy snack option for humans. But can dogs eat cherries?
Are cherries bad for dogs? The short answer is yes and no. Keep reading to know why I have a tough time giving a straight answer to this question.
Some parts of the fruit are safe for your dog’s consumption, while others (like the pits) could have toxic effects on your pet. The fruit can manifest symptoms ranging from an upset stomach to cyanide poisoning.
But why exactly are cherries bad for dogs, you ask?
The pit, leaves, and stem of cherries contain cyanide. And while we humans know to leave those out when snacking on the fruit, dogs cannot necessarily decipher what’s good and bad when gobbling food and may consume the whole thing – the result: cyanide poisoning.
Obviously, a single pit or stem won’t cause cyanide poisoning. Moreover, the pit can become a choking hazard for small dogs. It can also result in an intestinal blockage – something that can affect dogs of all sizes.
So, it’s best to keep the cherries away for your peace of mind and your dog’s health.
Fresh cherries are packed with nutrients and beneficial antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. But they aren’t all that beneficial for dogs, though. Eating too many cherries could lead to your pet having an upset stomach.
That said, you can feed your dog fresh cherries in moderation. Just make sure to remove the cherry pit, stem, and leaves first.
Also, cherry jam or maraschino cherries are a strict no-no! These products have tons of additives and artificial sugars, which could trigger an upset stomach and other health concerns.
Cherries are a good source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, melatonin, and fiber. But it doesn’t mean dogs can eat cherries by the dozen. If your dog is overweight or diabetic, avoid giving it cherries altogether. However, if your pet is fit as a fiddle, small, regulated amounts of cherries might do it good.
When it comes to how much is too much, the following chart should help:
Make sure the cherries for Fido are fresh, unprocessed, washed, and de-pitted.
If you’re wondering, “Can dogs eat cherries without seeds?” Yes, they can. Nevertheless, you have to be mindful of how much fruit you feed them. Otherwise, they might get sick.
According to Dr. Andrew Miller, a vet, “If your dog eats too many cherries, they could suffer from stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some pooches with particularly sensitive stomachs might be sick after eating a few cherries because of the naturally-occurring sugars found in the fruit.”
Cherries have vitamins A and C, but your dog would have to eat large quantities to derive any benefit from the fruit, which is risky. In my opinion, the minimal nutritional content is not worth the health risks associated with the fruit.
Let’s break down the most common side effects of cherries on dogs:
Intestinal obstructions could occur if dogs swallow cherry pits and experience an intestinal blockage.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, a bloated abdomen, and constant whining. Surgery would be required to treat the condition.
Dogs are susceptible to cyanide poisoning if they accidentally eat the cherry pit, leaves, or stems. Symptoms include abnormal breathing, convulsions, increased heart rate, or tremors. In severe cases, dogs may collapse due to the poisoning.
That being said, one pit alone won’t cause poisoning. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Dogs can eat the flesh of a cherry without complications. However, this doesn’t mean they can eat large quantities of the fruit, since it could cause an upset stomach.
A mild case of an upset stomach can be treated at home with lots of water and bone broth.
However, extreme stomach upset could also trigger vomiting and diarrhea, which would lead to dehydration. In such cases, your pet will need medical attention.
Accidents happen, especially if you have a curious dog. You have to be on high alert if your dog has an entire cherry for the following reasons:
Ardent animal lover Echo Ridley warns pet parents,
“They [cherry pits] can potentially be harmful. One probably isn’t going to kill it as long as it’s not a small dog, but cherries actually contain a bit of cyanide. The amount in cherries is usually fine for humans, unless someone eats a whole whole lot, but it’s often enough to make a dog sick. They can also choke on the pit, which can tear their esophagus or cause them to asphyxiate and pass out or die.”
As a responsible pet parent, you should be extra vigilant of what your dog eats and how much. If you feel your pet has eaten a whole cherry, I recommend contacting the veterinarian, regardless of whether your dog shows symptoms.
Cherries are not the safest snack for dogs. Instead, fruits like bananas, blueberries, mangoes, and apples (sans peel and pit/core) are better options. Of course, you can stick with traditional doggy treats that come in an assortment of flavors.
However, if you want your dog to enjoy cherries, here are a couple of pet-friendly recipes you can prepare.
With Mac at the dog park eating cherries 🍒 pic.twitter.com/UMfyHJI8DZ
— Christina Haftman (@Cr8DigitalAsset) June 2, 2017
Yes, you can safely feed your dog some cherries as long as you remove the stem, pit, and leaves beforehand. This minimizes the likelihood of choking or potential cyanide poisoning.
Also, cherries are only good for your dogs in small portions. Too many can lead to digestive problems.
No. Although maraschino cherries don’t have a pit, they have a high sugar content, which is not healthy for canines. You may see many different types of cherries available when grocery shopping-bing, black, rainier, and maraschino.
Since these haven’t been studied extensively, the safest thing to do is to simply avoid feeding any and all kinds of cherries to your dog.
You can feed dried cherries in small portions to a healthy dog, and it shouldn’t impact its health.
However, it’s best to prepare the dried treat at home using a dehydrator, rather than getting store-bought alternatives, which are usually filled with harmful preservatives and extra sugar. Store-bought dried cherries might also contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
