Cherries are a small fruit that is big on deliciousness. Not to mention, it’s nutritious as well. As a pet parent, you feel that it’s nice to share a little something with your dog every now and then. However, there are some things you need to know before you decide if feeding cherries is safe for your dog.
Can dogs eat cherries? We will answer this question shortly. On top of that, we will also discuss the risk of feeding cherries and whether or not they are a good idea. In addition, we’ll also discuss what alternatives you can feed your dog. Let’s get started with what you need to know.
Are Cherries Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat cherries? To begin, the short answer is no. To extend this answer further, cherries are mostly unsafe for dogs to consume. The cherry flesh itself isn’t toxic, but what is considered such is the stems, leaves, and pits. These parts contain cyanogenic compounds that are toxic when ingested in large quantities.
Nonetheless, the cherry pit can also pose more risks beyond toxicity. They are also a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage, especially in smaller breed dogs. While it is disappointing to hear, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to knowing what to feed your dog and what you shouldn’t feed them even as a snack.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Cherries to Dogs?
It is important to make sure that you understand the risk of feeding cherries to dogs. Here are the following risks to be aware of:
Cyanide Poisoning
As mentioned, cherry pits, stems, and leaves will contain cyanide. Cyanide is extremely dangerous to dogs and cyanide toxicity can be fatal. If they have consumed too many pits or other chery parts, you will need to contact your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Bright red gums
- Dilated pupils
- Shock
- Death in severe cases
Choking hazard
Because cherry pits are small and hard, they are considered a choking hazard for small dogs. Even if they swallow a cherry pit, the risk of an intestinal blockage can still exist. If there is an active blockage, it can lead to additional albeit serious health issues. Another reason why no is the answer to when someone asks “can dogs eat cherries”.
Digestive Upset
Even if the pits and other cherry parts are removed, the risk of digestive upset will still exist when feeding cherries to dogs. This leads to the other reason why cherries are not good for dogs: the high amounts of natural sugar content. As such, your dog could experience symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, and bloating.
Intestinal Blockage
As mentioned, this can occur if your dog swallows a pit. This can also apply to swallowing whole cherries. Please note that intestinal blockage in smaller breed dogs can be even more severe compared to their larger counterparts. This can be due to the fact that their digestive system will make it difficult to pass foreign objects that they consume.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Cherry Pit?
If your dog eats a single cherry pit by accident, monitor them closely and calmly. It’s important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible as the risk for cyanide poisoning exists. Nevertheless, you will also need to consider the following between then and the time you arrive at the vet:
- Look for signs of cyanide poisoning: If your dog is showing symptoms like bright red gums, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian to seek emergency care immediately.
- Watch for digestive issues: Monitor any signs of intestinal blockage including loss of appetite, constipation, and vomiting. Blockage issues in the digestive tract can be serious in smaller breed dogs, which would warrant an emergency vet visit.
Contacting your veterinarian even if your dog appears fine is highly recommended. Seeking professional advice on the next steps to take will be crucial - especially when the potential for cyanide poisoning is possible (and can be fatal in severe cases). To prevent such accidental incidents, be sure to dispose of the pits and cherry parts properly and remind your family members to never feed cherries to a dog.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries: What About Maraschino Cherries?
Maraschino cherries, which are found in cocktails and desserts, are also not safe for dogs. Despite the fact that they are free of pits and other parts, they are notorious for their high levels of sugar and preservatives that are harmful to dogs. Nevertheless, feeding your dog maraschino cherries can increase the risk of digestive issues, obesity, and diabetes. As a result, they carry almost the same risk as any other sugary food that should not be fed to dogs in the first place.
If consumed by your dog accidentally, maraschino cherries should not be a cause for alarm compared to cherry pits and the health risks they carry. However, it may be wise to monitor your dog for any possible digestive issues that could arise including bloating, gas, and mild diarrhea.
What Do Cherries Contain That Are Beneficial to Dogs?
The vitamins and minerals known for providing health benefits to dogs can also be found in cherries. Because dogs should not be fed cherries, it will deprive them of those vital nutrients. Not to worry though, you’ll get them in some of the safer alternatives to cherries that we’ll list here later on. What exactly is found in cherries that will be beneficial to dogs includes the following:
- Vitamin C: This is an excellent vitamin that is known for supporting immunity in dogs and humans alike.
- Fiber: For the purpose of healthy digestion, fiber will be abundant in cherries. However, dogs can enjoy a great deal of it in a numerous amount of chews and bland diet foods offered by Under The Weather.
- Antioxidants: When it comes to inflammation, antioxidants can be great in fending off the free radicals that cause it. It can also be great for your dog’s overall health.
Already, your dog will most likely get these necessary nutrients from their own diet. Another good reason why cherries should be out of the question - whether it’s for a snack or something that is part of their usual meal. The good news is that there are safer alternatives.
What Are the Safer Alternatives to Cherries?
Indeed there are safer alternatives to cherries that your dogs can eat including many fruits. Whether it’s treats from our Under The Weather brand or something that humans can eat too, there are some small safe alternatives that your four-legged friend will enjoy. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Blueberries: If you are looking for something that is packed with antioxidants and safe for dogs, these are it. Blueberries are quite tasty and they are small enough for dogs to enjoy as a healthy snack.
- Apples: These are rich in fiber and vitamins. They can also be quite delicious as well. However, there is a caveat to be aware of. The risk of cyanide poisoning is possible in feeding your dogs apples - but mainly it’s due to the apple seeds found inside. That’s why you should remove the apple seeds and dispose of them properly. It is highly recommended that you slice the apples and feed your dog smaller portions instead of a whole apple.
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, soft in texture, and easy to digest. These are three things we can say about bananas. And yes, they are indeed a safe treat for dogs.
- Strawberries: Like blueberries, they are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are excellent in taste and your dogs just might not get enough of them. Another great treat for dogs? Definitely.
- Watermelon: This will be the perfect alternative for dogs. It can also give them plenty of water adequate for hydration. Some tips to follow before serving watermelon is making sure the seeds are removed. Chop up watermelon into small, consumable pieces that your dog can easily enjoy.
- Carrots: If your dog deserves a nice boost in immunity, then carrots just might be the best option. Packed with Vitamin C and beta carotene, this crunchy little treat when sliced or diced can be quite enjoyable.
- Cucumbers: Like watermelons, these can be quite perfect for hydration. Slice these and give your dog small cucumber slices and they will certainly enjoy them alongside you.
- Pumpkin: This is one of the ingredients found in Under The Weather’s Chicken, Rice, & Pumpkin Bland Diet For Dogs. It also happens to be an excellent alternative to cherries that will be gentle on a dog’s stomach. Pumpkin that is small and diced can be something your dog will love, especially if they typically deal with sensitive stomach issues and the like.
Final Thoughts
Cherries are not safe for dogs, period. That’s why it is important to make sure you never feed them regular or maraschino cherries as they can be harmful to dogs. The good news is there are plenty of alternatives to consider for your dog when it comes to providing them a delicious treat you both can enjoy while they get excellent vitamin and mineral benefits.
