Cherries are delicious no matter where you put them – pies, on top of a sundae, or in a smoothie. They’re quite nutritious, too. Fresh cherries are full of antioxidants and vitamins that can boost your health in many ways. However, the same may not be exactly true for dogs.
So, can dogs eat cherries? Well, the answer is yes and no. While the flesh is equally nutritious for your pup, the rest of the fruit is quite toxic to dogs.
Traces of Cyanide in Cherry Pits, Stems & Leaves
The American Kennel Club (AKC) points out that all parts of the cherry – the flesh, leaves, stems, and pits – contain amygdalin. These chemicals release cyanide when they come into contact with acid, such as your dog’s stomach acid.
Cyanide is a very poisonous substance and is lethal in high enough doses.
While the level of cyanide in cherries isn’t typically high enough to cause problems in people, it can be very dangerous for dogs due to their sensitive stomachs and smaller body size.
Cherry Pits & Stems Can Cause Intestinal Blockages
Another problem with feeding your dog cherries is that the pits and stems can block their intestines.
Cherry pits may be small, but they’re tough and can cause an obstruction in your dog’s digestive system. The same is true for the stems, which can also be sharp.
Small dogs are especially at risk for intestinal blockage since their intestines are smaller in diameter. If a pit or stem gets stuck, it can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
What happens if a dog eats cherries?
Your dog will most likely be fine after eating one or two cherries, pits, and all.
Still, observe your pet for any symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms may occur within a few hours of eating cherries and can last for several days. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
If your dog ingests a large amount of cherries, cyanide poisoning may occur. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Bright red gums
- Pawing at the mouth
- Collapse
The moment you know your dog ate cherries, call your veterinarian or the animal poison hotline ASAP.
Which cherries are toxic to dogs?
All cherries can potentially be toxic to dogs, as they all contain the compound amygdalin.
This includes common cherry varieties like bing cherries, rainier cherries, black cherries, and Royal Anne cherries, and sour cherries like Morello and Montmorency.
Can dogs eat cherries without pits?
Technically, yes, cherry flesh is fine for dogs. If you really want to try feeding your dog cherries, use the sweet varieties. Sour cherries can be too acidic for some dogs and may cause stomach upset.
As long as you remove the pits, stems, and leaves and only give them a tiny bit, they should be fine eating cherries without pits.
Can dogs eat maraschino cherries?
Never give your dog maraschino cherries. Unlike raw cherries, these cherries are soaked in a sugar syrup that can upset their stomach. They also often contain added colorings and flavorings that can be harmful to your dog.
Alternatives to Cherries: 8 Safe Fruits for Dogs
Many dogs enjoy eating fruit, which can be a healthy part of their regular diet. Instead of cherries, consider giving your dog one of these pup-friendly fruits:
1. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also low in calories and easy to digest. In fact, bananas are a common ingredient in many dog treats and foods.
You can feed your dog fresh banana slices, baked into treats, or even dried as a healthy snack. You can also puree bananas, freeze them, and give them to your dog as edible enrichment.
2. Watermelon
Watermelon is another terrific fruit for dogs. It’s 90% water, so it’s hydrating and low in calories. Watermelon is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
Make sure to remove the seeds and rind before giving your dog watermelon, as they can be hard to digest. You can also give your dog watermelon puree or juice without added sugar.
3. Apples
Dogs love the sweetness of apples, and the crunchy texture is excellent for their teeth. They’re also loaded with nutrients and are good for your dog’s digestion.
Always remove the seed and core before giving your dog apples to prevent blockages or an upset stomach. As for how to feed your dog apples, feel free to get creative!
You can dehydrate slices for a crispy treat, give them a big chunk to gnaw on, or even freeze them in a Kong for a longer-lasting snack.
4. Blueberries
These little berries are big on flavor and nutrition. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, low-calories, and most dogs go crazy for these yummy treats!
Serve them fresh or frozen, mixed into their food, as part of homemade treats, or pureed and turned into pupsicles.
5. Pears
Pears are another fruit that’s safe for dogs to eat. Pears are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. Try freezing crunchy pears for a sweet and delicious dental treat alternative.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are another great fruit for dogs. Like blueberries, they’re full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fiber. They’re also absolutely delicious.
As with other fruits, remove the stem and leaves before feeding your dog strawberries. Cut them up for small dogs, or give them as a whole fruit to larger breeds.
7. Mangoes
Another safe and tasty fruit for dogs, remove the pits and peel mangoes before feeding them to your pup. You can give them fresh mango slices, use them as a meal topper, or mix them into homemade treats.
8. Pineapple
Pineapple is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Pineapple is a good source of fiber and vitamins C and B1. Just like other fruits on this list, it’s also a fantastic source of antioxidants.
When feeding your dog pineapple, make sure to remove the core, skin, and eyes. These parts of the pineapple can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Avoid canned or sugary pineapple.
Bottomline – Can dogs eat cherries?
Ultimately, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to giving your dog cherries. Unless you can guarantee that the cherries are pitted and seedless, you may want to avoid them altogether. Toss your fruit-loving pup some apple chunks, bananas, or blueberries instead!