Yes, dogs can eat 1-2 cherries given that you remove the pit, leaves, and stem before serving. These parts of cherries contain cyanide which is poisonous for dogs. The cherry pits can get lodged in a dog’s digestive tract, which can lead to some serious problems.
One cup of cherries contains 95 calories, 24g carbohydrates, 19.2g sugar, 1.6g protein, and 0.3g fat.
Health benefits
- Studies have shown that cherries can reduce uric acid levels in the body, which is a waste product that can lead to kidney stones.
- All cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that can help protect against chronic diseases, keep your dog looking younger, and promote overall health.
- Tart cherry products like juice and powder may improve athletic performance in dogs and relieve muscle soreness.
- Cherries are rich in potassium and polyphenols which exhibit strong protective properties for the dog heart.
- Research suggests that cherry extract may help dogs manage their arthritis and gout by reducing inflammation.
Risks
- The main problem with cherries is that it contains cyanide in seeds, stem, and leaves. This is a toxic substance that can kill dogs if ingested in large quantities.
- Cherry pits can also get lodged in their digestive tract and cause an intestinal blockage.
- While cherry fruit contains a host of vitamins, it can also cause an upset stomach in dogs.
- If you give your dog too many cherries, it might get stomach cramps or experience vomiting or diarrhea. Dogs with sensitive stomachs could even get sick after eating just a few of these fruits because of the naturally-occurring sugars they contain.
How to feed cherries to a dog?
- Consult your vet before serving any new food to your pup.
- Choose fresh cherries.
- Only buy the organic cherries. Make sure to wash before serving to rule out any chances of insecticides and pesticides.
- Remove leaves, pits, and stems before serving.
- Do not let your dog eat more than 2 cherries at a time.
- Avoid feeding cherries daily.
What happens when a dog eats a whole cherry?
Did your dog eat a cherry pit when you weren’t looking? There’s nothing to be worried about. A single cherry pit won’t cause cyanide poisoning. But keep your dog under your observation for 24 hours and observe if your dog is suffering from intestinal blockage, including vomiting, decreased appetite, or constipation.
What to do when a dog eats a lot of cherries?
If your dog has eaten multiple cherries, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning. These include labored breathing, bright red gums, and dilated pupils. If you do find that your pet has eaten so many whole cherries, call your vet immediately.
Can dogs have maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can give a dog maraschino cherries but these are not a healthy treat for your pet. They contain tons of sugar and little nutritional value, so it’s better to find another suitable treat.
Can dogs have dried cherries?
Although pit-free dried cherries are not toxic for dogs. They do contain a lot of added sugars that can cause gastrointestinal issues for your dog.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
