Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Fruits which are fun for pet parents to crunch on, like strawberries and blueberries, are tasty and healthy treats for dogs too. But can dogs eat cherries? The answer is a qualified no. In the event of accidental consumption, the pit, leaves and stems of the cherry pose some dangers to dogs. If your pet accidentally eats several whole cherries, phone your veterinarian or pet poison hotline.
Are dogs allowed to have cherries without the pit?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? No, cherries—with or without the pits—can be toxic to dogs. Cherry stems and pits hold cyanide, which can be harmful to dogs. Even without the pits, the fruit’s flesh may still pose health risks for your pet.
If you think your dog has eaten a cherry or cherry pit, call your vet immediately. Eating cherries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing in dogs. In severe cases, it can be deadly.
Why are cherries toxic to dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Can dogs have cherries? No. Pits aren’t just a choking and blockage risk—they also hold small amounts of cyanide, which is likewise present in the stems and leaves. True, a single pit is not full of cyanide to cause serious harm—so relax if your dog gobbles one off the floor—the compound is deadly or disastrous if ingested in sufficient quantities.
What would happen if dogs consume cherries
Common signs of an intestinal obstruction may result in 24 hours from when your dog consumed the pit. If they ingest several entire cherries by mistake, your dog can show signs of cyanide poisoning. Some of the more severe ones are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Hyperventilation
- Unusually red gums
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
Are Cherries Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? When prepared safely and eaten in moderation, cherries can be helpful to the well-being of dogs. Some of the potential nutritional value that cherries can have is identified below:
- They’re full of nutrients. Cherries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
- They might reduce inflammation. Cherries are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce inflammation and make joints stronger, especially in older dogs.
- They can support immune health. The antioxidants and the vitamin C in cherries can be beneficial to your dog’s immune system.
- They can support weight control. Cherries have a very low fat and calorie content, meaning they are a low-fat and low-calorie infrequent treat for dogs on a limited diet.
- They offer natural hydration. With their high water content, cherries can provide a minimal burst of hydration, especially on hot days.
Are Cherries Bad for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Of course, just because cherries have some health benefits doesn’t mean that they are necessarily a safe treat. So are cherries safe to give your dog? That really just depends entirely on how they’re prepared and in what amount.
Here is a list of problems with giving cherries to your dog:
- Cherries have a high level of natural sugars, which may cause digestive discomfort or stomach upset in dogs. Feeding your dog excess sugar in the long term worsens your dog’s health problems like diabetes and obesity. For this reason, diabetic dogs or obese dogs should not be fed cherries.
- Choking hazard: Cherry pit, leaves, and stems can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage. Whole cherries also present a choking hazard to small dogs.
- Risk of cyanide poisoning: Far greater is the risk of cherry pit toxicosis in a dog. The pit, leaves, and stems each contain a substance called amygdalin, which is broken down to cyanide, much like the seeds on an apple. How many pits would be needed to poison a dog would depend on the size of the dog and whether they chewed on the pits. Chewing on the pits releases amygdalin from the seed inside, which is enough to produce cyanide poisoning.
Accidents are certain to occur, so it is not out of the question to picture your dog eating a complete cherry (or two). Luck be to their favor that one or two cherries with the pit will not hurt them. They may have a minor reaction and develop an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Even if he eats only one or two cherries, watch for signs of intestinal obstruction, such as constipation, loss of appetite and vomiting. A single cherry pit can cause an intestinal blockage in small dogs, though larger dogs should also be monitored closely.
If your dog ate a handful or more of cherries, monitor for the signs of cyanide poisoning, including labored breathing, red gums and dilated pupils. Regardless of whether they show any of the above signs, please contact your vet for further advice.
Are There Safer Alternatives?
Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Yes. Although cherries aren’t a safe choice for dogs, there are many other fresh fruits and berries they can enjoy without the same risks. Blueberries are the best, as are pitted and peeled mangoes and core and seed-free apples.
Of course, if unsure, you can always fall back on traditional dog treats, which your dog will probably find no less exciting and delicious than fresh fruit.
