Can Dogs Eat Cherries? A Detailed Guide for Pet Owners
If you're a dog owner who loves to share snacks with your furry friend, you might wonder: can dogs eat cherries? The answer isn't simple. Cherries can be both tempting and risky for dogs, depending on which parts they eat and how much.
The Dangers Lurking in Cherries
Cherries seem harmless, but several parts of the fruit pose real dangers to dogs. While the flesh of cherries isn't toxic, the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide compounds that can be hazardous if ingested.
- Cyanide Poisoning: Chewing cherry pits releases cyanide. Symptoms may include labored breathing, bright red gums, drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting, abdominal pain, collapse, or even seizures.
- Choking Hazard: Cherry pits are just the right size to get stuck in a dog's throat or intestines. This risk is especially high for smaller breeds.
If your dog chews and swallows multiple pits or any cherry plant material (like leaves or stems), the risk increases significantly. The severity depends on your dog's size and how much was eaten. A large dog might need to chew a handful of pits for severe toxicity; a small dog could be affected by just a few.
What About Maraschino and Canned Cherries?
You might think preserved cherries are safer since they're pit-free. Unfortunately, that's not true. Maraschino cherries and other preserved varieties are loaded with sugar and additives. These can upset your dog's stomach and contribute to obesity or diabetes over time. Canned cherries often contain preservatives and more sugar—definitely not suitable for pets.
Recognizing Symptoms of Trouble
If your dog manages to snag a cherry or two (pit included), watch them closely for at least 24 hours. Signs that something's wrong include:
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
If you spot rapid breathing, bright red gums, weakness, or collapse—these are emergencies. Get veterinary help immediately.
Safe Ways to Offer Cherries as a Treat
If you want to share cherries with your dog safely:
- Only offer fresh, ripe cherries with all pits, stems, and leaves removed.
- Wash thoroughly to remove any chemicals.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces to prevent choking.
Avoid canned, maraschino, or sugar-preserved types entirely. And don't overdo it—cherry treats should be rare and portioned by size:
- Extra-small dogs (2–10 lbs): 1 cherry
- Small dogs (11–20 lbs): 2 cherries
- Medium dogs (21–50 lbs): 3 cherries
- Large dogs (51–90 lbs): 4 cherries
- Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs): 5 cherries
No more than two or three times per week—and always alongside their regular balanced diet.
If Your Dog Eats Cherry Pits or Plant Parts
If you suspect your pup has eaten cherry pits or plant material:
- Check their breathing and gum color.
- If they're vomiting or showing severe symptoms like weakness or collapse—get emergency care right away.
You can offer small sips of water if they're not vomiting but avoid home remedies unless advised by a vet.
Tasty Alternatives to Cherries
You don't have to risk it! There are plenty of safer fruit treats for dogs:
- Blueberries
- Sliced strawberries (without tops)
- Sliced apples (no seeds)
- Watermelon chunks (no seeds/rind)
No matter what new food you try with your dog, start small and watch for any adverse reactions.
Avoiding Accidental Exposure at Home
- Keep all cherries and cherry products out of reach from pets.
- If you have cherry trees in your yard, clean up fallen fruit promptly.
- Tell family members not to feed cherries to dogs without checking first.
The Main Takeaways About Dogs and Cherries
- Never feed whole cherries—with pits—to dogs; remove all stems and leaves too.
- If ingestion happens, monitor closely for symptoms; seek veterinary care if needed.
- The safest treats are those made for dogs or single-ingredient fruits/veggies without seeds or pits.
- Your veterinarian is always the best resource before adding new foods to your pet’s diet.
Your dog's health comes first—so when it comes to cherries, caution is key!
