Can Dogs Eat Cherries? What You Need to Know

If you’re enjoying a bowl of cherries and wondering whether it’s safe to share some with your furry friend, you’re not alone. Cherries are a delicious, juicy treat for humans, but are they a healthy snack for dogs too? While cherries are not entirely off-limits for dogs, there are important considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll explore whether dogs can eat cherries, the potential risks, and how to safely serve them.

written by

Barbara Perez

Source: Pinterest

Are Cherries Safe for Dogs?

While the flesh of cherry is not toxic to dogs, certain parts of the fruit, like the pit, stems, and leaves can pose significant health risks. The cherry pit, stems and leaves contain cyanide, a substance that can be highly toxic if ingested by your dog. Even small amounts of cyanide can cause severe poisoning in dogs, making it crucial to remove the pits before offering cherries as a treat.

Health Risks of Cherries for Dogs

To ensure your dog’s safety, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with cherries.

Here’s a closer look at the key dangers.

Choking Hazard from Cherry Pits: One of the biggest concerns with cherries is the pit. Cherry pits can cause choking, especially in small dogs. If the pit gets lodged in your dog’s throat, it could block their airway and lead to suffocation.
Cyanide Toxicity: The cherry pit contains cyanide, which is highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting cherry pits can lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as drooling, difficulty breathing, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that all cherry pits are removed before feeding them to your dog.
Digestive Issues: Even without the pits, cherries can cause digestive upset in dogs if eaten in large quantities. Too many cherries can lead to stomachaches, diarrhea, and vomiting. Moderation is key.

How Many Cherries Can Dogs Eat?

Treats, including healthy fruits like cherries, should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily diet. The remaining 90% should come from a balanced, nutritious dog food. When giving cherries to your dog, it’s important to feed them in moderation and adjust based on your dog’s size.

Below is a general guideline for how many cherries you can safely give your dog, depending on their size and dog breed:

Dog Size	Weight Range	Safe Cherry Amount	Examples
Extra-small dog	2–20 pounds	1 cherry	French Bulldog, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua
Small dog	21–30 pounds	Up to 2 cherries	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Cockapoo
Medium dog	31–50 pounds	Up to 4 cherries	Siberian Husky, Bulldog, Shiba Inu, Border Collie, Catahoula Leopard Dog
Large dog	51–90 pounds	Up to 5 cherries	Doberman, Akita, Boxer, Samoyed, Dogo Argentino, Vizsla
Extra-large dog	91+ pounds	Handful of cherries	Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Boerboel, Chinook

Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten Too Many Cherries

If your dog accidentally ingested too many cherries, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach and intestinal obstruction:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Painful or distended stomach

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Flesh?

Yes, the flesh of a cherry is good for dogs to eat, but it should be fed in moderation. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, all of which can offer health benefits to dogs. However, due to the potential for digestive issues, it’s best to limit the number of cherries you offer your dog.

How to Safely Feed Cherries to Your Dog

If you’re planning to give your dog cherries as a treat, follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:

Pit the cherries: Always remove the pit, stem, and leaves before feeding the cherries to your dog. This minimizes the risk of choking and cyanide poisoning.
Moderation: Limit the number of cherries you offer your dog. A few cherries as an occasional treat should be sufficient.
Serve in small pieces: To avoid any choking risk, cut the cherries into small pieces that your dog can easily chew and swallow.
Observe for allergies: As with any new food, start by giving your dog a small amount and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues.

Can Dogs Eat Cherries and Cherry-Flavored Treats?

Not all cherry-based treats are safe for dogs. Here’s a breakdown of which ones to avoid.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Cherries?

Dried cherries in small amounts can be safe for a healthy dog, especially if you make them yourself using a dehydrator. Store-bought dried cherries often contain preservatives, added sugars, or xylitol, which can cause digestive issues or be toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Maraschino Cherries?

While maraschino cherries aren’t toxic to dogs, they are not a healthy option. These cherries are packed with preservatives and high sugar content, which can upset your dog’s stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt?

Cherry-flavored yogurt is bad for dogs. It typically contains high levels of sugar, preservatives, and unnatural additives, along with the potential presence of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Ice Cream?

Cherry-flavored ice cream is also not recommended for dogs. It contains too much sugar and may include preservatives, additives, and xylitol, which can be harmful to your pet.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Cherries

If your dog accidentally eats cherries with pits or stems, don’t panic—take immediate action. Follow these steps:

Contact your vet: If you suspect your dog has consumed cherry pits or stems, call your vet immediately. They may recommend inducing vomiting or monitoring your dog for symptoms of poisoning.
Watch for symptoms: Signs of cyanide poisoning or digestive distress may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care right away.

Alternatives to Cherries for Dogs

If you’re concerned about the risks of cherries but still want to treat your dog to something sweet, there are many other dog-safe fruits to try:

Apples (without seeds): Dogs can safely enjoy apples, but be sure to remove the seeds, as they contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
Blueberries: Blueberries are safe for dogs and packed with antioxidants, making them a healthy treat.
Watermelon (without seeds or rind): Watermelon is a safe snack for dogs, as long as you remove the seeds and rind.
Strawberries: Strawberries are safe for dogs in moderation and are a great source of vitamins and fiber.
Bananas: Bananas are safe for dogs, providing potassium and fiber.

These fruits are safe and healthy alternatives that can be just as delicious for your dog.

While cherries can be a tasty treat for dogs, they come with some significant risks, especially if the pits, stems, or leaves are ingested. The flesh of the cherry is generally safe in moderation, as long as the pits are carefully removed.

Always prioritize safety by serving cherries in small amounts and without any dangerous parts. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Key Takeaways

Healthy treat: Cherries can be a healthy treat for dogs when fed in moderation, but it’s important to remove the pit and seeds to prevent choking and potential toxicity.

Dog Size and Breed Guidelines: The safe amount of cherries for your dog depends on their size and breed, so make sure to adjust portions accordingly to avoid digestive issues.

Avoid Certain Cherry Products: Dried cherries, maraschino cherries, cherry yogurt, and cherry ice cream are not safe for dogs due to the presence of preservatives, added sugars, or xylitol, which can harm their health.

Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage: Overconsumption of cherries or their pits can lead to symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs, such as vomiting, pain, and lack of appetite.

Monitor After Treats: Always watch for signs of distress after giving your dog cherries. If you notice symptoms of intestinal blockage or digestive problems, contact your vet immediately.

Can dogs have cherries without pits?

Yes, dogs can have cherries without pits in moderation. The pit is the main concern, as it can be a choking hazard and contains cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Always remove the pit before feeding cherries to your dog.

Can I give my dog cherry?

Yes, you can give your dog cherries, but only in small, safe amounts. Ensure you remove the pit and seeds, as these can cause serious health risks. Also, avoid giving cherries in large quantities to prevent digestive upset.

Can a dog eat cherries with skin?

Yes, dogs can eat cherries with the skin. The skin itself is not harmful to dogs, but it’s important to remove the pit to avoid potential choking hazards or toxicity.

What if my dog ate a bowl of cherries?

If your dog ate a bowl of cherries, especially with the pits, watch for symptoms of digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure there are no serious health risks, including intestinal blockage or cyanide poisoning from the pits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barbara Perez

Barbara Perez is the Lead Pet Expert and an avid animal advocate at ThePetWorld.org, bringing over a decade of experience in pet care, training, and animal welfare. With a deep passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners, Barbara combines expert knowledge with a heartfelt commitment to educating and empowering pet lovers everywhere. Whether it's through her insightful articles or hands-on advice, she is dedicated to fostering a stronger bond between humans and their furry companions, one wagging tail at a time.