Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Yes, dogs can eat cherries, but you should limit how many they have! If you have a cherry tree in your backyard, that might be a problem since dogs somehow seem to love cherries. But don’t worry—even though the pits are toxic in huge amounts, dogs usually don’t chew on them, and they are most likely to be fine!

I know you’ve probably heard that cherry pits contain cyanide, similar to nectarines, apples, and peaches, but the amount of cyanide in cherry pits is actually pretty small. Plus, if your dog swallows a pit, it will likely just pass through their stool without ever releasing any cyanide.

Still, I’ll cover this in detail, as according to ASPCA, cherries are toxic to dogs because of the cyanide, but again, we’ll dive into how cherry pits are digested (or not) so you can stop worrying!

Now, here’s the real danger that doesn’t get talked about enough: intestinal blockage, especially in smaller dogs! We’ll dive deeper into that, so keep reading. But if you want to share some cherries with your dog, you absolutely can. You just need to remove the pits. Dogs like cherries, similar to how most dogs love mulberries!

Can dogs eat cherries without pits?

Yes, they definitely can! Cherries are low-sugar fruits, with about 10-20g of sugar per 100g, and sour cherries have even less, around 8g. So, you don’t need to worry about your dog getting a sugar rush from a few cherries.

But like any source of fiber, too much will upset your dog’s stomach and cause digestive issues, like runny poo. So, if you decide to share some with your dog, just don’t go overboard!

While dogs can eat pitted cherries, it’s still important to limit the amount of fruit you give them and make sure it balances with their regular dog food.

Types of cherries and whether or not they are safe for dogs

Before I get into my favorite part—myth-busting—let’s look at the different types of cherries and whether or not they’re safe for dogs. The good news is that most cherries are fine for dogs, but they have different sugar levels, and some can be a bit acidic, which might cause stomach issues if your dog eats too many.

Sweet cherries

Out of all the types, sweet cherries are the best and safest for dogs. They’re low in sugar, tasty, sweet, and refreshing—perfect for sharing! They’re also high in fiber and contain vitamins that are good for dogs, so they’re completely safe in moderation.

What about sour cherries? Can dogs eat them?

Yes, dogs can eat sour cherries. They’re not as sweet, so your dog might not be a fan, but they’re lower in sugar and fun to eat. They’re perfectly safe, too.

Canned and dried cherries

Dried cherries aren’t really recommended for dogs. Unlike raisins, which are toxic, dried cherries aren’t toxic, but they’re loaded with sugar and are just empty calories that your dog doesn’t need.

Canned cherries are okay if they’re canned in juice, but again, there’s no real reason your dog needs them. Be careful with canned cherries in syrup—they’re very unhealthy and can upset your dog’s stomach with all that sugar. Too much sugar is never good, as it can cause all kinds of issues, starting with dental problems and leading to weight gain.

What’s the deal with cherry pits and cyanide?

Alright, let’s break it down. The toxic part in cherry pits is called amygdalin—a cyanogenic glycoside found in the pits. When amygdalin breaks down, it can release cyanide, which sounds scary, right? But here’s how it works: the process only starts when cherry pits are chewed or crushed. That’s when an enzyme called amygdalin lyase kicks in, breaking down amygdalin into prunasin and glucose. The prunasin then goes through another step and turns into mandelonitrile, which finally decomposes into benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).

So, how dangerous is this really? Studies show cyanide toxicity in humans can happen at doses between 0.5-3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that even a few crushed cherry pits could potentially cause harm, especially for smaller dogs or kids. But it’s not that straightforward. Let’s dig a bit deeper.

Does all the amygdalin in cherry pits turn into cyanide?

Not exactly! While amygdalin in cherry pits can break down into cyanide, not all of it actually makes that conversion. Several factors come into play here. First, you need specific enzymes to break down amygdalin properly, and if those enzymes aren’t present or there’s not enough of them, less cyanide gets produced.

Then there’s the digestive process itself—the conditions in the stomach, like acidity levels and the types of bacteria, can also affect how much amygdalin turns into cyanide.

And remember, the pits have to be chewed or crushed for this process to even start. So, if your dog swallows a whole cherry pit without breaking it, most of the amygdalin won’t convert into cyanide. While some might convert, it doesn’t mean all of it will.

So, while cherry pits could be dangerous, a lot depends on how they’re consumed and what happens next inside the body. It’s always safest to remove those pits before letting your dog have cherries!

Digestive blockage risks from cherry pits

Okay, so here’s the thing—cherry pits can cause more than just a minor stomach upset. If your dog swallows a cherry pit, it can get stuck somewhere in their digestive tract, especially if they’re a smaller dog. These pits are hard and not easy to digest, so they can end up causing a blockage that’s no fun for your dog (or you!).

If a blockage happens, you might notice some pretty obvious signs like vomiting, a loss of appetite, or your dog acting like they’re in pain, especially around their belly. They might not want to eat, or they could seem really uncomfortable and restless. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time to call your vet because a blockage can turn into a serious issue quickly.

So, just to be safe, always make sure to remove the pits before letting your dog munch on cherries!

What to do if your dog eats cherries with pits

You don’t have to do anything, but if you’re worried, please call your vet. However, if you think your dog ate a lot of cherries with pits, here’s what you can do:

I hope you liked the article about dogs and cherries and that you’ll enjoy some sweet cherries together, without the pits, of course!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs drink cherry juice?

No, dogs shouldn’t drink cherry juice. Even if it seems harmless, cherry juice often contains added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and they can be toxic to dogs. Plus, the high sugar content isn’t great for them, so it’s best to skip the juice and stick to fresh, pitted cherries if you want to share.

Can dogs eat cooked cherries?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked cherries, but please don’t give it to them. If you’re making jam or something similar, it’s best to keep cooked cherries to yourself. Cooked cherries should be fine, but only if they’re plain and without any added sugar, spices, or other ingredients that could upset their stomach, which is probably not what you’re making.

Can dogs eat black cherries without pits?

Yes, dogs can eat black cherries as long as the pits are removed! Black cherries are safe for dogs in small amounts. Just make sure you don’t overdo it because too many cherries can still upset their stomach or lead to other issues.

Are cherry-flavored products safe for dogs?

Not really. Most cherry-flavored products contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. Especially watch out for xylitol, a common sweetener that’s extremely toxic to dogs. It’s best to avoid anything artificially flavored and stick to real fruits.

Can puppies eat cherries?

It’s better not to give cherries to puppies. Their digestive systems are more sensitive, and even a little bit of fruit can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Plus, puppies are more at risk of choking or getting a blockage from the pits, so it’s safer to avoid cherries altogether.