Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Many dog owners like feeding their pets with all kinds of foods. They usually have the same question on their mind. Is that food safe? Today we are going to take a look at cherries. Are cherries good for dogs? They are great for us humans and they are delicious. They are also healthy and come with great advantages and benefits. What about dogs? Not so much.

Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Yes, dogs can eat cherries. They can eat almost anything, but they shouldn’t. Are cherries good for dogs? The answer is more complicated than you may believe. First of all, cherries themselves are safe for dogs in small amounts. But there is a much greater risk here, and as such, it isn’t wise to feed your pet cherries knowing this.

The best thing is to avoid feeding your pet cherries. Yes, they do have some nutrients dogs will need, such as vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. However, they also contain poison. More on that later.

There are much better alternatives. For instance, apples without the core and without the seeds are a much better option. These also contain vitamins and fiber. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, and they are much safer as well.

The bottom line is that dogs can eat cherries, but they should avoid them. You will have too much hassle preparing them to be partially safe for dogs, but your pet can actually get the same nutrients from much safer foods. As such, avoiding cherries is probably the best option.

Risks Involved

The main problem is in the stem, pit, and leaves. All of these contain cyanide! Yes, the toxin. In small amounts (one or two cherries), the amount of cyanide is very small, so there won’t be any issues. On the other hand, if your pet consumes a lot of cherries, he may get too much cyanide in his blood, which can be lethal. You will notice various symptoms, which will be discussed below.

Then there is the pit. It can choke your pet or block the intestines inside, which is a huge issue. You will have to take your pet to a vet immediately. Try to remember that dogs won’t and can’t remove the pit from any fruit, so they will swallow it. This is something you don’t want to see, and it can cause a severe issue. In many cases, it won’t, but in some, it can be fatal.

Other than this, there are no risks involved with eating ordinary cherries. On the other hand, we can see some potential risks when using other types. This will be mentioned below.

Different Types of Cherries

Not all cherries are the same. As a matter of fact, we can see a few different types. Each one is different hence we will have to explain the matter separately. Don’t forget that all of the facts we have revealed may apply to different types of cherries. Anyway, let’s see different types and how they can affect your pet.

• Maraschino cherries

These are very appealing and desirable. At first sight, these are a much better option for your pet. They do not have pits, and the stems are removed. This should remove the risk of the two biggest issues.

The cyanide poisoning and choking from the pit On the other hand, we can see a very high level of sugar. As a result, these cherries can cause obesity and diabetes in dogs. Once again, cherries are something you should avoid. These days, obesity in dogs is far more severe and common than you may believe. Trying to eliminate the risk as much as possible is a better choice.

• Cherry flavored foods

Here we can see all kinds of foods and products. These should have a flavor of cherries and can even look similar. In reality, this is something that all dogs should avoid. These foods usually contain artificial colors, sweeteners, chemicals, conservatives, preservatives, and so much more. At the end of the day, your pet can develop all kinds of issues related to his health. This is not something you want. 

• De-pitted cherries

Here we can see all kinds of cherries that have had their pits removed. They are safer for dogs, as you can deduce. But if their stems are not removed as well, the risk from cyanide is still present. If the stems are removed, there is no risk, but you will probably have to do this manually. This takes time. On the other hand, you have foods that are perfectly safe for your pet straight from a box and don’t require any manual labor of this kind. 

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats A Lot of Cherries?

The first thing you will have to do is stay calm. As you know, eating a couple of cherries is usually harmless. But if your pet ate a lot of cherries, the risk of cyanide poisoning is very high. It may occur instantly, so you will have to look for the symptoms. Cyanide poisoning symptoms include:

• Red gums
• Pupils are dilated
• Issues with breathing
• shock (in rare cases)

Make sure to monitor the symptoms for at least 24 hours. If they are still present, you will have to take your pet to the vet. On the other hand, if a dog ate a couple of cherries, the risk of choking or intestinal obstruction is much higher than from cyanide poisoning. In both cases, veterinary help is needed as soon as possible.

Proper medical care is mandatory in these cases, either to remove the obstructions or treat cyanide poisoning. Don’t forget that in some cases, a dog may also develop diarrhoea or vomiting.

Much Safer Options

As you can see and should know by now, cherries are not ideal for dogs, and they should be avoided. Yes, you can use one or two without pits and stems, but it can be too much of a hassle. Luckily, there are safer alternatives. These are fruits that are safe for all dogs and also don’t require special preparations or something similar.

• Apples

Apples are probably the best option for your pet. Keep in mind that the core that contains seeds must be removed. These are toxic for dogs and as such they must not be digested. Apples are loaded with vitamins C, A and also offer fiber. One of the benefits is related to oral health. Teeth will be much cleaner and believe it or not, breathing will be fresher. 

• Oranges

Oranges are great for dogs who need potassium and vitamin C which can make the immune system stronger. They are also low in sodium. You should give one or two small pieces to your pet per day. As always, seeds, stems, and peel must be removed. Do not give these to your pet. They can be dangerous. 

• Carrots

Carrots are great food for dogs. First of all, we can see plenty of healthy nutrients such as potassium. Vitamin A, fiber and so much more. They are healthy and many dogs like carrots. Here you have to remember that they can be given only in small pieces so your dog doesn’t choke with carrots.

• Bananas

Bananas are extremely safe and appealing for all dogs. The main perks here come from vitamin C. It will help your dog with his immune system and make it stronger. At the same time, bananas are loaded with fiber which will help your dog with diarrhea and digestion in general. Keep in mind that you must remove the peel before feeding your pet with bananas.

• Blueberries

They contain vitamins K and C and also plenty of antioxidants. Blueberries will contribute to the health of your pet and will affect the immune system so your pet will be even more resilient to various issues. In a nutshell, blueberries will keep your pet happy and healthy. 

• Strawberries

This fruit is just ideal for all dogs and you are going to love it. Strawberries are a perfect addition to the main diet of a dog due to the fact these will make your pet healthier in many ways. They also affect the immune system and make it stronger. Strawberries will help your pet manage a proper weight and at the same time slow down the aging process. As such, it might be ideal for large dogs. Although safe and beneficial, strawberries must not be given to dogs in large amounts. These can upset the stomach! 

The Final Word

Here you were able to see an answer to one of the most important questions. Are cherries good for dogs? In essence, they are not. There are too many risks involved for any dog owner to feed his dog cherries. You can give him one or two (without the stem and the pit), but there are no actual reasons why you should do that. It is a much better option to feed your pet with one of the alternatives we have covered above.

Here  you can find a list of fruits that are bad for dogs.