Can Dogs Eat Fresh Pitted Cherries?

Cherries are sweet and flavored treats that make perfect snacks on a hot summer’s day.

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It’s common to see your furry friend eyeing cherries when you’re eating them.

As a result, you start wondering if the dog can eat fresh pitted cherries safely.

So, can dogs eat fresh pitted cherries?

Yes, dogs can safely eat fresh pitted cherries as they are nutritious and full of vitamins, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like calcium.

However, care must always be taken to ensure the cherries are fully pitted, as the pits can expose dogs to cyanide poisoning.

What are the benefits of giving your dog fresh pitted cherries?

Are there risks associated with unpitted cherries?

If you’re asking these questions, stay tuned to find the answers, including safer practices for feeding dogs fresh pitted cherries.

Benefits of Fresh Pitted Cherries to Dogs

Fresh pitted cherries are excellent sources of:

Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Dietary fiber
Beta-carotene
Magnesium
Calcium

These nutrients are essential as they benefit dogs in the following ways:

Developing a Strong Immune System

Your furry friend needs a strong immune system to fight off infection and disease.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the immune system functioning correctly.

Vitamins C scavenges free radicals in a dog’s body.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, leading to inflammation.

The body needs vitamin C to create white blood cells.

These cells are the body’s first line of defense against infection.

Maintaining Good Eye Health

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good vision and healthy eyesight in dogs.

It also helps protect the eye’s surface from becoming dry and irritated.

Lack of sufficient vitamin A in dogs leads to poor night vision and can eventually cause blindness.

Vitamin A is also essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.

Promoting Healthy Skin and a Glossy Coat

Dogs need vitamin K to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.

This vitamin helps to form clotting proteins that are necessary for wound healing.

Vitamin A also helps to keep the skin healthy and the coat looking shiny.

This vitamin promotes the production of sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin and coat from becoming dry.

Sufficient dietary fiber is also essential for maintaining a healthy coat as it helps remove toxins from the body.

Improving Digestion

Dietary fiber is vital for keeping the digestive system functioning properly.

Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool and prevents constipation.

Dietary fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and promotes feelings of fullness after eating.

This can be helpful for dogs who are overweight or obese.

Getting Rid of Excess Water

Dogs suffering from water retention can benefit from the diuretic effects of fresh pitted cherries.

This is due to the presence of magnesium in cherries, which helps eliminate excess water by increasing urine production.

Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Unpitted Cherries

Unpitted cherries are unsafe for dogs.

These cherries contain pits that have cyanide, a toxic component for dogs.

The following are the main risks of unpitted cherries to dogs:

Cyanide Poisoning

Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs.

Cyanide prevents the cells from using oxygen, leading to cell death.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs are evident within 15 to 20 minutes and a few hours after consuming cyanide.

These symptoms include:

Dilated pupils
Hyperventilation
Increased heart rate
Weakness
Drooling
Collapse
Coma

In cases of severe convulsions, death occurs within 30 to 45 minutes.

Thus, if you think your dog has cyanide poisoning, seek veterinary care immediately.

Choking Hazard

Another risk of unpitted cherries is that the pits can choke your dog.

If the pit gets stuck in your dog’s throat, it can block their airway and cause them to suffocate.

Choking in dogs is a medical emergency, and you should immediately take your dog to the vet.

Intestinal Obstruction

Dogs are at the risk of intestinal obstruction if they eat unpitted cherries.

The pits can get stuck in your dog’s intestines and cause a blockage.

Symptoms of intestinal obstruction in dogs are:

Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Bloating

If you think your dog has an intestinal obstruction, take them to the vet for diagnosis.

Intestinal obstruction impairs the ability of dogs to digest food and absorb nutrients fully.

As a result, your dog can be malnourished.

Safe Practices for Feeding Dogs Cherries

You want your furry friend healthy and safe after consuming anything.

The following practices will help you feed your pup cherries the right way:

Only feed your dog fresh pitted cherries. Pits, leaves, and stems contain the poisonous cyanide.
Do not feed your dog cherries sweetened with sugar. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and diabetes.
Canned or frozen cherries are unhealthy as they may contain pits or other harmful chemicals.
Give your dog a few cherries at a time, as too much can lead to digestive problems.

How Many Pitted Cherries Should Dogs Eat?

Too much of any food is not suitable for dogs.

One to two pitted cherries are enough for dogs.

Excessive consumption of cherries can lead to gastrointestinal issues in dogs.

This is because of the high fiber content.

Although fiber is essential for digestion, it should not be consumed in high amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat fresh cherries without seeds?

Yes, dogs can eat fresh cherries without seeds.

The flesh of cherries contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for the well-being of dogs.

Dogs should not eat cherries with seeds to avoid cyanide poisoning.

Can cherries cause seizures in dogs?

Cherries can cause seizures in dogs if consumed with seeds, stems, or leaves.

These parts contain the toxic cyanide, which can cause seizures in dogs.

Final Thoughts

Fresh pitted cherries are safe for dogs to consume.

However, unpitted cherries are unsafe as they contain toxic cyanide pits.

Cyanide poisoning in dogs is fatal and can lead to death within minutes.

If you think your dog has consumed unpitted cherries, seek Veterinary care immediately.

Do not give your pup many cherries as this can cause gastrointestinal issues.

One to two cherries are enough for your canine friend.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.