So, can dogs eat cherries? The straight answer is no, but the real answer is more complicated. Dogs can eat some parts of the cherry but not others.
Some foods, like bananas and carrots, are good for dogs to eat as treats. On the other hand, cherries, grapes, onions, and chocolate are bad for your dog’s health. They can lead to anything from an upset stomach to death.
Experts explain why dogs and cherries don’t go together and suggest better ways to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Why Are Cherries Bad For Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Cherries are bad for dogs because the pit, leaves, and stem all have cyanide in them, which is poisonous to dogs. Also, the pit could cause a blockage in the intestines.
Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs if they eat enough of them. Cyanide poisoning from a single cherry pit or stem isn’t common, but there’s no reason to take the chance. Also, if you eat the cherry pits, you could choke on them or get an intestinal blockage.
The cherry’s flesh has vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, but it has also been known to make dogs sick to their stomachs.
Can Dogs Have Cherries of Any Kind?
So, can dog eat cherry? You should never give a dog any kind of cherry. There are a lot of different kinds of cherries, like bing, rainier, black, and maraschino. Even though maraschino cherries don’t have a pit, they aren’t good for dogs to eat because they have a lot of sugar.
Since canned fruits have added sugars and preservatives, giving them to your dog is not a good idea. Too much sugar can cause weight gain, diabetes, stomach problems, and even cavities.
You could give your dog a fresh cherry, but you’d have to take out the pit, the stem, and any leaves first. That’s a lot of work, especially since your dog won’t eat enough fruit for it to help.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Cherries?
A cherry or two shouldn’t do much harm. But you should still watch for signs that your dog has been poisoned by cyanide. The chance of your dog getting sick goes up the more cherries he or she eats.
Some of the signs that a dog has been poisoned by cyanide are:
- Dilated pupils
- Dogs can go into shock in very bad situations.
- Difficulty breathing
- Bright red gums
So, can dog eat cherries? No, they cannot. Even if a dog isn’t poisoned, it could still have an upset stomach or diarrhea. You should call your vet immediately if you observe any of these symptoms.
When your canine friend only eats one or two cherries, you should be more worried about the pits getting stuck in its digestive tract. Constipation, losing your appetite, and throwing up are all signs of a blocked intestine.
After your dog eats cherries, you should watch for these signs for at least 24 hours. If you see any of these signs, then you should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
More to Read: CAN DOGS EAT CANTALOUPE: KNOW WHAT EXPERTS SAY!
Are There Safer Alternatives?
Since you know the answer to the question, can dogs eat cherries? But yes, there are other alternatives. Cherries are not a good option for dogs, but there are many other fresh fruits and berries that your dog can eat without the risks listed above. Blueberries, mangoes that have been peeled and the pits taken out, apples without the core, and seeds are all great options.
When in doubt, a person can always give your dog traditional treats. Moreover, your dog will probably find it just as exciting and tasty as fresh fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Cherry Tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and other varieties are safe for dogs to consume in moderation as long as they are red and ripe and the green parts (stems and leaves) have been removed.
What About Maraschino Cherries?
By now, you know the answer to the question: Can dogs eat cherry? Maraschino cherries are sweet fruits often served in drinks, and they don’t have pits. The stems are sometimes also taken off.
The biggest issue is that maraschino cherries are full of sugar, which is bad for dogs. Long-term, too much sugar can lead to diabetes or obesity, and short term, it can cause stomach problems.
Dogs might like cherries better if the pits have been taken out and the stems have been cut off. Cherries may be good for you because they have vitamin A and C, fiber, antioxidants, melatonin, and other nutrients.
What About Other Cherries Without Pits?
So, can dogs eat cherrys? No, they can’t. Still, there are a lot of other fruits and foods that don’t have the risks that cherries do, and you don’t have to take the time to take the pits out of them. Apples without the core or seeds still have fiber and vitamins, for example. There are many antioxidants in blueberries.
Because these fruits have sugar and may make some dogs sick, you shouldn’t give them to every dog or give them a lot. But they are safer than cherries and can be very good for your dog’s health if you serve them the right way. Before giving these foods to your dog, you should talk to your vet.
Most foods with cherry flavoring are full of sugar, chemicals, and artificial flavoring. These things are bad for dogs. Even foods that naturally taste like cherries tend to have a lot of sugar.
It’s best to stick to real food items that you know are safe for dogs and have ingredients you’re familiar with. You can get more information about which foods are safe and healthy for your dog from a nutritionist or your vet.
FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries Without Pits?
Dogs can eat cherry fruit without stems or seeds. But the stems and seeds have a small amount of cyanogenic glycoside, which is a poison (cyanide, essentially). To get the poison out of the seeds and stems so that a dog can get sick, they must be chewed.
How Many Cherries Can A Dog Eat?
Luckily, eating one or two cherries (pits and all) won’t hurt them. It’s possible they’ll experience a moderate reaction, such as a stomachache or diarrhea. Constipation, loss of appetite, and vomiting are all symptoms of an intestinal blockage that could occur even if your dog only eats one or two cherries.
Can Dogs Have Fresh Cherries?
Cherry pits, stems, and leaves all have cyanide in them, which is poisonous and can make dogs sick if they eat too much.
What To Do If Dog Eats Cherries?
If your canine friend ate a lot of cherries without pits, you should probably call your vet just to be safe. Your vet may decide that the best way to prevent cyanide poisoning is to make your pet throw up.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries and Strawberries?
No, fruit snacks are not the right thing for dogs. Fruit snacks are not dangerous for dogs, but they have a lot of sugar, so you should avoid them.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
