Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Here are the risks if you feed your dog cherries with pits and without restrictions.

Cyanogenic glycosides are toxins found in cherry pits, leaves, and stems. These toxins are harmless when the pits are intact as they will pass straight through, but once your fur baby damages or crushes the cherry pit by chewing it, these natural toxins will be released into the digestive tract and cause poisoning.

Cyanide poisoning symptoms occur within 15–20 minutes to a few hours after your fur baby has eaten cherry pits, leaves, or stems. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Bright red gums

• Loss of appetite

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Dilated pupils

• Abdominal pain

• Tremors

• Paralysis

• Convulsions and seizures

Cyanide poisoning can be fatal to your fur baby. So, what should you do? Ensure you hide your precious cherries away from them!

What is the next step if your four-legged friend ate cherry pits and you suspect it now has cyanide poisoning? You must act fast! Seek veterinary care as this is life-threatening.

Do not attempt to induce vomiting if your dog ate lots of cherries even though you may see it as a quick fix. This will only worsen the situation.

Once at the vet, they may provide oxygen therapy to support your dog's respiration. They may also administer intravenous fluids and use specific antidotes like sodium nitrite or hydroxocobalamin to neutralize the cyanide.

Cherries are high in natural sugars which can lead to a range of health issues if overeaten, from an upset stomach to more severe conditions like diabetes and obesity. Can a dog have cherries if they are obese or have diabetes? No. It's not advisable.

Obesity in dogs can contribute to related hip and joint problems, which can severely impact their mobility and quality of life, thus the need to avoid a high sugar intake. (Fortunately, Paw Origin's  Happy-Furever™ CBD oil has proven effective in managing canine joint pain.)

While cherries can be dangerous for dogs, there are also some potential benefits to feeding cherries in moderation and with proper preparation. Cherry flesh contains soluble and insoluble fiber that helps to prevent constipation as they bulk up the stool.

They also contain anthocyanins that modulate cognitive and motor function, and minerals e.g., calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, which ensure proper muscle function, heart health, bone health, and normal red blood cell functioning.

Dried cherries contain preservatives and extra sugar. This can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Dried cherries can also be a choking hazard. Also, the cherries' chewy texture can make them difficult to swallow, increasing the risk of choking or obstruction in the digestive tract.

Added ingredients like sulfites, artificial colors, and sugar can cause allergic reactions in your pup and may cause other health problems. Also, most dried cherries contain pits which as we have seen can harm your fur baby. In light of all this, it's best not to feed dried cherries to your dog.

Maraschino cherries lack the pits that cause cyanide poisoning, making them a much safer choice. However, you shouldn't feed maraschino cherries to your canine friend on purpose since they contain lots of sugar. The high sugar levels can contribute to stomach upset, obesity, diabetes, and dental problems in your pet.

Give small portions to your pup if you really want to, but watch out for signs and symptoms that your pup is in pain. If your pup eats one maraschino cherry, they may be okay, but if they eat a handful, you should consider alerting your vet.

Here are dog-safe fruit alternatives for your furry friend:

• Blueberries: Blueberries are a fantastic treat for your pup. They are low in calories and high in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber. These small, tasty fruits can help boost your pup's immune system and support overall health.

• Apples: Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber. Ensure you remove the seeds and core, as apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, similar to those found in cherry pits, which can be toxic to dogs.

• Watermelon: Watermelon is hydrating and rich in vitamins A, B6, and C. It's also low in calories, making it an excellent treat for hot days. For safer feeding, remove the seeds and rind before giving it to your pup to avoid potential choking hazards or digestive issues .

Other fruits you can give your pup include mangoes, peaches, pears, cantaloupe, cranberries, strawberries, and cucumbers.

Yes, a dog can eat cherry flesh without the pit, stem, or leaves. However, even though unprocessed cherries are considered dog safe fruits, do not feed more than a handful. Remember, snacks such as cherries should only account for 10% of your pup's daily food intake. Can a dog have cherries without severe issues? Yes, but the key is moderation.