Can Dogs Eat Frozen Cherries?

Dogs love to eat just about anything.

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It’s no surprise to see your furry friend staring at your frozen cherries with begging eyes.

As a loving dog parent, you’ll wonder whether your pup will be safe after eating frozen cherries.

So, can dogs eat frozen cherries?

No, dogs should not eat frozen cherries as they may contain pits, stems, and leaves that have cyanide.

Cyanide is toxic to dogs and can cause cyanide poisoning.

Are there risks in giving dogs frozen cherries?

What should you do if your furry friend consumes frozen cherries accidentally?

Keep reading to find answers to these questions, including safer alternatives to frozen cherries.

Risks of Frozen Cherries to Dogs

The flesh of frozen cherries is not toxic to dogs.

However, feeding your pup whole frozen cherries with pits, leaves, and stems exposes him to the following risks:

Cyanide Poisoning

Cherry pits, leaves, and stems contain toxic cyanide that causes poisoning in dogs.

Cyanide poisoning is a severe issue in dogs.

It lowers the ability of body tissues to use oxygen.

When these tissues fail to use oxygen, they malfunction and eventually die.

A dog with non-functional body tissues is at the risk of dying.

Your furry friend will not survive without enough oxygen in the body.

Signs of cyanide poisoning become evident within 15 to 20 minutes and a few hours of eating cherries with pits.

Some of the symptoms you’ll notice are:

Increased heartbeat
Drooling
Watery eyes
Increased breathing rate
Voiding of urine and feces
Vomiting
Muscle spasms

Death occurs within 30 to 45 minutes in case of severe convulsions.

However, the chances of your dog surviving are high if he lives more than 2 hours after the signs.

This is only possible if more cyanide is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Choking Hazard

Feeding your dog whole frozen cherries is a choking hazard.

The pit of the cherry can get stuck in his throat, causing him to choke.

The stem and leaves of the cherry are also a choking hazard as they’re sharp.

They can cut or puncture your pup’s throat when he tries to swallow them.

If you notice your dog choking, take him to the emergency vet immediately.

Do not try to remove the object stuck in his throat at home as you may end up hurting him further.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Frozen cherries can obstruct your pup’s gastrointestinal tract.

The cherry’s pits, stems, and leaves can block his intestines, preventing food from passing through.

When foreign bodies block your pup’s intestines, he’ll experience the following symptoms:

Vomiting
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Abdominal bloating and pain
Loss of appetite
Dehydration

If you notice these signs, take your furry friend to the vet immediately.

Intestinal obstruction is a life-threatening condition that may require surgery to remove the blockage.

Can Dogs Eat Pitted Frozen Cherries?

Yes, dogs can eat pitted frozen cherries safely.

With pitted cherries, the risks of cyanide poisoning, choking, and gastrointestinal obstruction have been eliminated.

It’s worth noting that frozen cherry flesh is healthy and nutritious for dogs.

Cherries are high in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Your furry friend needs these nutrients for a strong immune system, healthy bones and teeth, and good vision.

Pitted frozen cherries are an excellent treat for hot summer days.

The cold flesh of the cherry will help your pup cool down and feel refreshed.

Make sure to give your furry friend pitted cherries in moderation as they’re high in sugar.

Excess sugar can lead to weight gain and diabetes.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Whole Frozen Cherry

Accidents are bound to happen, and it’s not unrealistic to think that your dog can eat a whole frozen cherry.

One or two frozen cherries with pits are not likely to harm your pup.

The dog can have a mild reaction like an upset stomach or diarrhea.

You should watch for intestinal blockage signs like constipation, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

An intestinal blockage from one or two cherry pits is likely to happen in puppies.

However, it’s safe to err on caution and monitor even your dog for intestinal blockage.

If your pup consumed many whole frozen cherries, you should watch for signs of cyanide poisoning.

Such symptoms include red gums and breathing difficulties.

Whether or not your dog portrays these signs, consult your vet because cyanide poisoning can cause death within minutes.

Safer Alternatives to Frozen Cherries for Dogs

It’s now clear that frozen cherries are unsafe for your dog.

Instead of these toxic fruits, give your pup the following:

Blueberries: These are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals needed by dogs.
Watermelon: It’s a healthy and refreshing fruit perfect for hot summer days. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C.
Strawberries: Like blueberries, strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Pitted mangoes: These are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Canned pumpkin: It’s rich in fiber which helps with digestion. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron and potassium.
Carrots: These are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K.

Remember that dogs have sensitive digestive systems.

Therefore, you must gradually introduce a new food or treat as you monitor the reaction.

Increase the amount only if the dog does not portray negative signs like gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.

It’s also advisable to consult your vet before giving your pup new food.

The vet will assess your dog for any underlying health conditions that may affect his reaction to the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat frozen black cherries?

No, dogs should not eat frozen black cherries.

These fruits have pits that contain cyanide, a toxic substance to dogs.

Dogs that consume cyanide are at risk of cyanide poisoning.

Can dogs have cherries without the seeds?

Yes, dogs can have cherries without seeds, stems, and leaves.
The only concern with giving a dog cherries is the cyanide in seeds, leaves, and stems.

The Bottom Line

Frozen cherries are not safe for dogs because they may contain pits that have cyanide.

Feeding your pup frozen cherries with pits exposes him to cyanide poisoning.

If you must give your dog frozen cherries, ensure they’re fully pitted.

This is the only way to prevent cyanide poisoning, choking, and gastrointestinal upset.

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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.