Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Dog owners often want to share their favorite fruits with their pets, hoping to add variety to their diets. It's tempting to feed cherries to dogs because they are sweet and juicy, but are they safe for dogs?

Some parts of the cherry fruit are safe for dogs to eat on their own, but other parts are dangerous. Before you decide to offer cherries as a dog treat, you need to know about the possible risks.

The Risks of Cherries for Dogs

Cherries contain pits, stems, and leaves that carry substances unsafe for dogs when eaten in certain amounts. The fruit itself is soft and juicy, but the pit inside can cause more than one type of problem.

• Pits as potential hazards: The cherry pits are hard and can become a choking risk or cause blockages in your dog’s digestive tract. In smaller breeds, a single pit might be enough to cause an issue that requires urgent medical attention.
• Stems and leaves: The green parts of the cherry plant are not safe to consume. Even in low amounts, they may be irritating to your dog.
• Digestive troubles: Even if a pit does not cause blockage, swallowing one may result in stomach upset and discomfort that lingers for hours or longer.

Because of these factors, cherries are not considered a safe fruit to casually feed to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Fresh Cherries Without Pits?

What if you carefully take out the pits and only give the cherry flesh? Technically, very small amounts of the fruit meat are not bad for dogs. That being said, it brings up new worries:

• Portion matters: Too much fruit in your dog’s diet can lead to loose stools or stomach upset, since the sugar content in fruit is high for their systems.
• Accidental pit consumption: No matter how careful you are, there’s always a risk that a small piece of pit remains. Dogs often swallow food quickly without chewing thoroughly, increasing the chances of ingestion.
• Better alternatives exist: Since other fruits can be given to dogs without such hazards, pet owners might want to consider skipping cherries altogether.

If you choose to feed your dog cherry flesh, it must be seedless, stem-free, carefully prepared, and offered in very limited amounts.

Dried cherries may seem safer since they lack pits, but they come with their own issues. These products are often packed with added sugar, which is excessive for dogs. The chewy texture can also stick to teeth and create dental hygiene problems over time. In this way, dried cherries aren’t a good choice either for dogs, even though they don’t have pits.

Safer Fruits for Dogs

Even if you just want to give your dog healthy treats, there are much safer fruits that don't need as much care or preparation. Dogs can safely eat a range of fresh fruits in small amounts. 

Here are some examples:

• Blueberries: Small, easy to eat, and rich in flavor.
• Apples: Crunchy and refreshing, but make sure to remove the seeds and core.
• Bananas: Soft texture and natural sweetness work well for many dogs.
• Strawberries: A fun occasional treat with refreshing sweetness.
• Watermelon: Perfect for hot days, but must be offered without seeds or rind.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Cherries

If your dog eats some cherries with pits by chance, keep a close eye on them. Changes in their hunger, bowel habits, energy level, or the ability to pass stool are all things you should keep an eye on. It's best to call your vet right away if your dog eats more than one cherry, including the pits, stems, or leaves.

The next steps will depend on how many cherries were eaten, how big your dog is, and whether the pits were included. Because their bodies can't handle obstructions as well as those of bigger breeds, smaller dogs and puppies are much more likely to have problems.

Cherries in Processed Foods

People who own dogs also sometimes wonder if cherry-flavored foods are safe. Most of the time, the answer is no. A lot of prepared foods that taste like cherries have sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or chocolate coatings that are bad for dogs. Xylitol is often used as a sugar substitute in snacks for people, but even small amounts are very bad for dogs.

Because of this, you should never give your dog cherry-flavored snacks, even if they don't have pits in them.

Why Dogs Don’t Need Cherries

You might want to share your favorite foods with your dog, but dogs have very different nutritional needs than people do. A lot of different foods are good for people, but dogs don't need to eat them. The vitamins and minerals dogs need to stay healthy are already in dog food.

Pet owners should only give their pets fruit as a special treat once in a while. Cherries aren't the best choice for your dog because they have more risks than benefits. There are better fruits that will still give your dog variety and fun.

How to Resist Sharing Unsafe Treats

Dogs can be very persuasive with their wagging tails and eager eyes. The instinct to give in and share can be strong, but there are ways to resist offering unsafe foods like cherries.

• Keep bowls of fruit out of reach to avoid temptation and accidents.
• Have a stash of safe dog treats available so you can reward your pup without worry.
• Learn which fruits are safe and prepare them in advance, so you can quickly offer your dog a safe alternative.

Are Cherries Safe For Dogs?

So, can dogs eat cherries? While the fruit flesh itself is not harmful in tiny amounts, the risks associated with pits, stems, and leaves make cherries a dangerous risk overall. 

Dog owners should pick fruits that are known to be safe for their dogs to eat. Your dog won't miss out on anything by not eating cherries, and you'll feel better knowing you gave them a safe, pet-friendly snack instead.