Find Out Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

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We believe that cherries are one of the best and tastiest things nature offered us. If you are a dog owner, you probably wondered before, can dogs eat cherries?

The shortest answer would be - yes. Cherry meat is absolutely delicious and can offer certain health benefits. However, there are far safer alternatives you can give your dog than cherries. Here is what you need to know before giving your dog cherries.

Are cherries safe for dogs?

This is a tricky question that needs explanation. The meaty part of the cherry is safe in moderate quantities. Other parts of the cherry are not. The stem, leaves, and pit contain cyanide that is very toxic to dogs.

If you decide to give your dog cherries, keep in mind that you give them only the meaty part without the pit. They can also present a choking hazard, so maybe some other fruit would be a better option. Dogs can have apples, pears, oranges, and watermelon, which are refreshing and delicious.

Do you know what you have to do if your dog has diarrhea? Here is a helpful article - Dog diarrhea.

What are the benefits cherries offer?

Cherries are full of healthy nutrients humans can benefit from. They are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Here are the best cherry nutrients.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is present in many fruits and vegetables. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and is vital for proper immune system functioning. Not only that, vitamin A helps our vision, reproduction, kidneys, lungs, heart, and other organs to work correctly.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, and it plays many vital roles in proper body functions. It is essential for creating and repairing new tissue; it boosts the immune system and helps with cartilage, bone, and teeth maintenance.

Fiber

Fiber is a vital part of a balanced diet. It is necessary for a healthy bowel movement. It softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. If you have a constipated dog or a dog with diarrhea, introducing fiber is an excellent way of helping them.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants became popular in the last 50 years when scientists started studying their benefits and influence on the human body. The main goal is to help protect your cells from free radicals, which can cause all sorts of health problems such as heart issues and cancer.

How are cherries bad for dogs?

Cherries are delicious, there is no denying that, but you should play safe when it comes to your dog's health. Cherries can be really bad for dogs because they can cause several health problems. These are the ones you should look out for.

Upset stomach

Even the fleshy part of cherries can cause an upset stomach. An upset stomach can include pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are better fruit options for dogs than cherries.

Blockage and constipation

The meaty or fleshy part of the cherry won't probably cause a blockage, but the stem and the pit could. Dogs don't think about safety when something smells good to them; they just eat it whole. And when they do, the cherry pit can cause constipation and intestinal blockage.

If this happens to your dog, here is an article that could help you - Dog constipation.

Cyanide poisoning

As mentioned earlier, cherry pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanide, which is very poisonous. If your dog eats a whole cherry, nothing will probably happen, but remember to keep a close eye on them. Cyanide poisoning could occur when a dog eats too many cherries, and if that happens, call your vet immediately.

What to do if your dog eats a lot of cherries?

Too many cherries can have dire consequences for your dog, so the best thing to do would be to call your vet and schedule an appointment. If there are no visible signs of problems, your vet might advise you to watch for symptoms like:

• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Intestinal blockage
• Decreased fecal production (a dog poops only little bits and pieces)

In short

Cherries can be delicious, and some dogs might tolerate them pretty well. This delightful fruit offers benefits, but your dog should eat many cherries to feel those benefits. In this case, the risks outnumber the benefits. The best thing would be to choose an alternative like blueberries or watermelon.

World Dog Finder team