Are Cherries Bad For Dogs? (Explained)

The cherry is a fruit that has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. However, many people don’t know that cherries can also be dangerous to your dog. 

Before you give your companion any kind of food, it’s important to make sure that it won’t harm their health or cause an allergic reaction. In this article, we’ll discuss whether cherries are bad for dogs and what you should do if your dog eats a cherry tree or its fruit.

Fruit Dogs CAN or CAN’T EAT?
Takeaways
Cherries can be harmful to dogs.
Dogs should not consume cherry pits or stems.
Cyanide compounds in cherries can be toxic.
Cherry poisoning can occur in dogs.
Feed cherries to dogs in moderation as a treat.

Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Cherries are very nutritious, providing a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium. In addition to these benefits, they also contain dietary fiber and antioxidants which are believed to help prevent cancer in humans. They also contain vitamin K which is important for blood clotting. 

If given in moderation (a small amount) there should be no problems with your dog eating cherry stones or the flesh of cherries just be sure not to feed them too much since it could cause diarrhea in some dogs as well as other side effects such as bloating.

swelling in their throat area due mainly from swallowing larger pieces whole instead of chewing them up first before ingesting them into their systems.”

Looking for healthy and delicious treats for your furry friend? Our guide on benefits of bananas for dogs will provide you with valuable insights into the nutritional advantages of this fruit for your canine companion.

Are Cherries Bad For Dogs?

Cherries are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. They’re a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. However, cherries also contain cyanide compounds which make them unsafe for dogs to eat in high amounts.

If you want your dog to enjoy the benefits that cherries can give him, always make sure they’re organic because they don’t contain any pesticides on them as conventional cherries do!

You must keep an eye on how much your pup is eating though so he doesn’t overindulge himself!

FruitSafety for DogsNutritional BenefitsNotes
CherriesNot RecommendedLimited nutrientsAvoid stems and pits
BlueberriesSafeHigh in antioxidantsGreat for canine health
ApplesSafeGood source of fiberRemove seeds and core
WatermelonsSafeHydrating and low calorieRemove seeds and rind
BananasSafeHigh in potassiumModeration is key

Can Dogs Eat Sour Cherries?

You may be wondering if your dog can eat sour cherries. The answer is yes! Sour cherries are safe for dogs to eat, and they’re a great addition to their diet!

Sour cherries are not toxic to dogs, but as with any fruit or vegetable, you must keep an eye out for signs of food poisoning. If you notice that your dog has been vomiting or experiencing other symptoms of foodborne illness after eating sour cherries, speak with your veterinarian right away.

When it comes to sharing snacks with your dog, it’s essential to know which foods are safe. Discover the truth about almonds and dogs in our comprehensive guide, ensuring you make informed choices for your pet’s well-being.

Are Cherry Pits Toxic To Dogs?

Cherries are a popular fruit, and they taste great in pies and desserts. However, cherry pits contain cyanide which is poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and other animals. The toxicity of the cherry pits depends on the species of tree it comes from.

Some trees have higher concentrations of cyanide than others. For example, chokecherries on a chokecherry bush contain about twice as much cyanide as wild cherries do. If your dog eats cherry seeds or pits from wild cherries or chokecherries he can become very sick or even die from them.

Is The Cherry Tree Itself Poisonous To Dogs?

If you have a cherry tree in your yard and have been wondering whether it’s poisonous to dogs, the answer is no. Just like with humans, cats, and birds, the cherry tree itself is not poisonous to your pet.

However, if you’ve picked some cherries from your trees and given them to your dog as a treat that’s when things get interesting! Cherries contain cyanide compounds which can be very dangerous for dogs if ingested at high levels of concentration.

AspectSafety for Dogs
Consuming cherry tree barkNot recommended
Ingesting cherry tree leavesToxic to dogs
Contact with cherry tree sapPotential irritant
Chewing on cherry tree branchesNot recommended
Playing around cherry tree fruitCaution advised

Can Dogs Get Cyanide Poisoning From The Stems Or Leaves?

No.

Cyanide is a poisonous substance that can be fatal to dogs if ingested in large amounts. It’s found in cherry leaves and stems, but those parts of the plant have been removed from most commercially available cherries. 

If you do find a cherry leaf or stem, it’s best to remove them before feeding your dog any cherries both for his safety and so he doesn’t think fruit is okay to chew on (see below).

Looking for a healthy addition to your dog’s diet? Dive into our article on the benefits of carrots for dogs to learn how this crunchy vegetable can provide essential nutrients and contribute to your dog’s overall health.

What If My Dog Ate A Whole Bag Of Fruit Snacks That Include Cherries?

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a poisonous amount of anything related to cherries, call the vet. Cherries are not considered toxic to dogs, but they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. If your dog is vomiting or experiencing abdominal pain after eating cherries, seek medical attention immediately.

How much is too much? The ASPCA says that ingesting less than half a cup of pitted cherries will not harm your furry friend but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Has Ingested A Poisonous Amount Of Anything Related To Cherries?

If you think your dog has ingested a poisonous amount of anything related to cherries, call your vet or local animal hospital immediately. Bring the plant or cherry with you so they can identify it and determine if there is any serious risk to your pet. 

Do not wait until later to assess whether or not your dog is okay; this could put them at greater risk for serious injury or death. Also, do not give them any more cherries or any other fruit until they have been examined by a vet even if they appear to be fine at first glance.

ActionImportance Level
Contact a veterinarian immediatelyHigh
Provide detailed information about the ingestionHigh
Follow vet’s instructions and guidanceHigh
Avoid inducing vomiting without professional adviceModerate
Monitor dog’s behavior and symptoms closelyModerate

How About Maraschino Cherries Without The Pit, Will Those Kill My Dog?

Maraschino cherries are not toxic to dogs. They are also not cherries, but they’re still safe for your pup to eat. Maraschino cherries have been a staple in cocktails and desserts for years due to their sweet flavor and bright red color, but they are not toxic to humans either. 

Maraschino cherries are also safe for cats, horses…and most other species of animal on Earth (except bears).

Wondering if you can bring your furry companion along on your next shopping trip? Discover the store policy in our guide on dogs allowed in Target stores, and find out how to enjoy a day out while keeping your four-legged friend by your side.

Do I Need To Worry About Cherry Laurel Plants Being Poisonous To My Dog?

Cherry laurel is a flowering shrub that can be commonly found in your local garden center. The flowers are small and pink, which makes them an attractive addition to any garden or yard. 

Since cherry laurel is an ornamental plant, it may not have been on your radar as something potentially toxic for your dog until now. But the fact of the matter is that this woody plant contains a substance called cyanide that can poison your pup if eaten or chewed on by him/her.

If you notice that your dog has been chewing on cherry laurel leaves or stems (or any part of the plant), try to get him/her away from it immediately! Your furry friend’s saliva will contain small amounts of cyanide at first the longer he/she goes without treatment and continues to chew, though, the more likely he/she is to experience serious side effects like vomiting and diarrhea.

So Are Dried Cherries Okay?

If you feed your dog dried cherries, don’t worry. They’re perfectly safe to eat in small amounts.

Dried cherries contain no cyanide and are not toxic or poisonous. They’re not harmful at all! So go ahead and give them to your dog as an occasional treat.

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Conclusion

So there you have it. Our answer to the question ‘are dried cherries bad for dogs?’ is that, yes, they are safe! They are actually a healthy snack for your dog to enjoy. 

However, just like with any other food or treat you give them (especially if it’s something new), make sure that you stick with the recommended serving size and keep an eye on their reaction after they eat them so that if they do happen to be poisonous in any way then you know how quickly act accordingly before things get out of hand!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of dogs and cherries:

Can Dogs Eat Cherries?: Purina provides valuable insights into the safety of dogs consuming cherries, highlighting potential risks and considerations.

Cherry Poisoning in Dogs: WagWalking explores the specific condition of cherry poisoning in dogs, discussing symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Can Dogs Eat Cherries?: Bulldogology offers an informative article on whether dogs can safely consume cherries, addressing concerns and providing recommendations.

FAQs

Can dogs eat cherries?

Yes, dogs can eat cherries, but it’s important to be cautious and mindful of certain factors.

Are cherries toxic to dogs?

While cherries themselves are not toxic to dogs, there are parts of the cherry, such as the stem and pits, that can pose risks.

What are the potential risks of dogs eating cherries?

The stems and pits of cherries contain substances that can be harmful to dogs, including cyanide compounds that may cause digestive issues or more severe complications.

Can dogs experience cherry poisoning?

Yes, cherry poisoning can occur in dogs if they consume large quantities of cherries, particularly the pits or stems. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and seek veterinary assistance if necessary.

How should cherries be prepared for dogs?

To safely offer cherries to dogs, it’s recommended to remove the stems and pits entirely, and only feed them the flesh of the cherry in moderation as an occasional treat.