
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Cherries are a delicious summer fruit enjoyed by humans worldwide, but their safety for canine companions requires careful consideration. While the flesh of cherries can offer some nutritional benefits, other parts of the fruit pose serious health risks to dogs.
This comprehensive guide examines the safety of cherries for dogs, exploring which parts are dangerous, potential benefits of the flesh, and veterinary recommendations for safe feeding practices. We'll provide clear guidelines to help you make informed decisions about feeding cherries to your dog.
Understanding the specific risks associated with different parts of the cherry can help prevent serious health issues while ensuring your dog receives appropriate nutrition from safer alternatives when desired.
Introduction: The Cherry Dilemma
Cherries present a complex safety question for dog owners. While the juicy flesh contains beneficial nutrients, the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that can convert to cyanide when ingested, posing serious health risks.
What This Guide Covers
This comprehensive guide provides:
Nutritional Analysis
Detailed breakdown of cherry components and their effects on canine health.
Safety Guidelines
Official veterinary positions from leading animal health organizations.
Risk Assessment
Specific dangers associated with different parts of the cherry.
Practical Recommendations
Clear feeding guidelines and safer alternative fruits for dogs.
The Cyanide Concern
Cherries belong to the Prunus genus, which includes plums, peaches, and apricots. All members of this plant family contain cyanogenic glycosides in their pits, stems, and leaves. When these plant parts are chewed or digested, these compounds can convert to cyanide, which is highly toxic to dogs. The flesh of the cherry itself does not contain these dangerous compounds, but the extreme difficulty of completely separating the flesh from the pit makes cherries a high-risk fruit for dogs. This is why most veterinarians recommend extreme caution or complete avoidance when it comes to feeding cherries to dogs.
Quick Answer
Proceed with extreme caution. While cherry flesh is not toxic, the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide compounds that can be fatal to dogs.
If you choose to feed cherries, they must be meticulously pitted and served in tiny amounts as an occasional treat.
Most veterinarians recommend avoiding cherries entirely due to the high risks and availability of safer alternatives.
The Veterinary Verdict on Cherries
Leading animal health organizations provide clear guidance on cherries and canine safety.
Official Stance from Major Organizations
Professional veterinary consensus on cherry safety:
ASPCA Position
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists cherry plants as toxic to dogs due to cyanogenic glycosides in pits, stems, and leaves.
Pet Poison Helpline
Classifies cherry pits as moderately to severely toxic, with the highest concern for intestinal blockage and cyanide poisoning.
General Veterinary Consensus
Most veterinarians recommend avoiding cherries due to the difficulty of safe preparation and the serious consequences of pit ingestion.
Clinical Evidence
Documented cases of cyanide poisoning and intestinal blockage from cherry pit consumption support the recommendation for extreme caution.
Key Concerns Identified by Veterinarians
Veterinary professionals highlight these specific cherry risks:
- Cyanide Toxicity: Pits contain cyanogenic glycosides that convert to cyanide when chewed or digested
- Intestinal Blockage: The size and hardness of pits can cause life-threatening obstructions
- Choking Hazard: Whole cherries or pits can become lodged in a dog's throat
- Difficulty of Safe Preparation: Nearly impossible to completely separate safe flesh from dangerous pits
- Unpredictable Reactions: Some dogs may be more sensitive to the compounds in cherries
- Dental Damage: Hard pits can fracture teeth when chewed
Critical Distinction: Flesh vs. Pit
It's crucial to understand that the flesh of cherries is not inherently toxic to dogs. The danger lies exclusively in the pit, stems, and leaves. However, this distinction offers little practical comfort because the pit is embedded within the flesh, making complete separation extremely difficult. Even small fragments of pit left attached to the flesh can pose significant risks. Additionally, dogs who enjoy the taste of cherry flesh may be tempted to seek out whole cherries in the future, potentially consuming the dangerous parts when unsupervised. This is why many veterinarians recommend complete avoidance rather than attempting to feed carefully prepared cherry flesh.
Dangerous Parts of Cherries
Understanding the specific risks associated with different cherry components is crucial for dog safety.
The Pit - Extreme Danger
| Risk Type | Severity | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Cyanide Poisoning | High to severe | Pits contain amygdalin which converts to cyanide when chewed or digested |
| Intestinal Blockage | High to severe | Hard, small pits can obstruct the digestive tract, requiring emergency surgery |
| Choking Hazard | Moderate to high | Pits can lodge in the throat, causing breathing difficulties |
| Dental Damage | Moderate | Extremely hard pits can fracture teeth when chewed |
Stems and Leaves - Also Toxic
These plant parts present additional risks:
Stems
Contain concentrated cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning if ingested.
Leaves
Also contain toxic compounds, though dogs are less likely to consume these voluntarily.
Wilting Plant Material
Wilted or damaged leaves may release cyanide more readily, increasing toxicity.
Concentration Variation
Toxin levels can vary based on cherry variety, growing conditions, and plant maturity.
The Flesh - Generally Safe with Caveats
While cherry flesh itself isn't toxic, it still requires careful consideration:
- High Sugar Content: Can contribute to weight gain and dental issues
- Digestive Upset: The high fiber and sugar can cause diarrhea in some dogs
- Pit Fragment Risk: Nearly impossible to guarantee no pit fragments remain
- Pesticide Concerns: Conventionally grown cherries may contain pesticide residues
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may have allergic reactions or sensitivities
- Behavioral Concerns: Dogs who enjoy cherries may seek out unsafe whole fruits
The Cyanide Mechanism in Cherry Pits
Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that remains harmless until the pit is damaged through chewing, cracking, or digestion. When the pit's structure is compromised, amygdalin comes into contact with enzymes that convert it to hydrogen cyanide. This cyanide then binds to cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, preventing cells from using oxygen. This cellular suffocation affects all tissues but is particularly damaging to organs with high oxygen demand like the brain and heart. The amount of cyanide released depends on the size of the pit and how thoroughly it's chewed. Even one thoroughly chewed pit can release enough cyanide to cause serious illness or death in a small to medium-sized dog.
Potential Benefits of Cherry Flesh
While the risks often outweigh the benefits, cherry flesh does contain some nutrients that could theoretically benefit dogs.
Nutritional Components in Cherry Flesh
| Nutrient | Potential Benefit | Reality for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant support, immune function | Dogs synthesize their own vitamin C; dietary sources are unnecessary |
| Vitamin A | Vision health, immune function | Supports eye health and immune system function |
| Potassium | Electrolyte balance, nerve function | Adequately provided in complete and balanced dog foods |
| Fiber | Digestive health, regularity | Can be beneficial but may cause digestive upset in excess |
| Antioxidants | Reduce oxidative stress | Theoretical benefits not proven in dogs; minimal impact |
Risk-Benefit Analysis
When evaluating cherries for dogs, the risks significantly outweigh any potential benefits:
Significant Risks
Cyanide poisoning, intestinal blockage, choking hazard, dental damage, and potential need for emergency veterinary care.
Minimal Benefits
Nutrients already provided in balanced dog food, theoretical benefits not proven in dogs, no essential nutrients unique to cherries.
Poor Risk-Benefit Ratio
The potential for life-threatening emergencies far outweighs any unproven nutritional benefits for canine health.
Better Alternatives
Many other fruits provide similar nutritional benefits without the associated risks of cherries.
The Fiber Consideration for Dogs
While fiber can be beneficial for canine digestive health, the type and amount matter significantly. Cherry flesh contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help with digestion in moderate amounts. However, excessive fiber can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea in dogs. More importantly, dogs obtain sufficient fiber from high-quality commercial dog foods formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs. The additional fiber from cherry flesh provides no meaningful benefit while introducing potential digestive upset. This is just one example of how human nutritional concepts don't always translate beneficially to canine nutrition, especially when weighed against significant safety risks.
Real Risks of Cherries for Dogs
Beyond theoretical concerns, cherries present documented, practical risks to canine health.
Cyanide Poisoning from Pits
Cyanide toxicity from cherry pits can cause severe symptoms:
Early Symptoms
Dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums and tongue, and agitation or anxiety.
Progressive Symptoms
Shock, collapse, seizures, and eventually respiratory failure leading to death.
Onset Time
Symptoms can appear within 15-20 minutes of ingestion or may be delayed up to several hours.
Treatment Urgency
Cyanide poisoning requires immediate veterinary intervention with specific antidotes.
Intestinal Blockage from Pits
Cherry pits can cause life-threatening intestinal obstructions:
- Size Mismatch: Cherry pits are often too large to pass through a dog's digestive tract
- Obstruction Locations: Can block the stomach outlet, small intestine, or colon
- Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, inability to defecate
- Emergency Surgery: Most blockages require surgical removal of the pit
- Tissue Damage: Prolonged obstruction can cause tissue death and rupture
- Secondary Complications: Infection, sepsis, and prolonged recovery
Documented Cases of Cherry Toxicity
Veterinary literature includes cases supporting cherry risks:
| Case Type | Symptoms Observed | Treatment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cyanide Poisoning | Respiratory distress, bright red mucous membranes, collapse | Emergency oxygen therapy, cyanide antidote, intensive supportive care |
| Intestinal Blockage | Persistent vomiting, abdominal distension, dehydration | Emergency surgery to remove obstruction, hospitalization |
| Choking Incident | Respiratory distress, panic, blue-tinged gums | Emergency airway clearance and oxygen support |
| Dental Fracture | Oral pain, difficulty eating, tooth exposure | Dental surgery, root canal, or tooth extraction |
The Blockage Emergency
Intestinal blockage is one of the most common serious risks associated with cherry consumption in dogs. The size and hardness of cherry pits make them likely to become lodged in the digestive tract. Symptoms of blockage include vomiting (especially if it contains undigested food or occurs repeatedly), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, and inability to pass stool. Blockages are medical emergencies that often require expensive surgical intervention. If left untreated, they can cause tissue death, rupture of the intestine, and sepsis. The risk of blockage exists for dogs of all sizes, though smaller dogs face greater relative risk due to their smaller digestive tracts. This serious risk is a primary reason veterinarians recommend avoiding cherries entirely.
Safe Preparation (If You Must)
If you choose to feed cherry flesh despite the risks, meticulous preparation is absolutely essential.
Step-by-Step Safe Preparation
These steps must be followed precisely if feeding cherry flesh:
Rinse the cherries under cool running water to remove any pesticide residues, dirt, or contaminants.
Carefully remove all stems from each cherry, as they contain toxic compounds.
Use a cherry pitter to remove the pit from each cherry, ensuring no pit fragments remain.
Examine each pitted cherry closely under good lighting to ensure no pit fragments remain.
For smaller dogs, cut the cherry flesh into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
What to Absolutely Avoid
These preparation mistakes can have serious consequences:
- Never Feed Whole Cherries: Dogs cannot separate flesh from pit safely
- Never Allow Access to Pits: Dispose of pits immediately in secure trash
- Never Assume "Just a Lick": Even tasting can encourage future dangerous behavior
- Never Feed Wilted or Damaged Fruit: May have higher concentrations of problematic compounds
- Never Feed Canned Cherries: Typically contain added sugars and syrups
- Never Feed Cherry Products: Pies, jams, and baked goods contain added sugars and other unsafe ingredients
Storage and Handling Safety
Proper handling prevents accidental exposure to unsafe parts:
| Aspect | Safe Practice | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit Storage | Keep cherries in closed containers out of dog's reach | Prevents accidental consumption of whole fruits with pits |
| Pit Disposal | Dispose of pits immediately in secure, lidded trash | Prevents dogs from retrieving and chewing dangerous pits |
| Preparation Area | Clean preparation surfaces thoroughly after use | Removes any pit fragments that could be accidentally consumed |
| Yard Safety | Prevent access to cherry trees and fallen fruit | Eliminates risk of unsupervised consumption of dangerous parts |
The "Why Risk It?" Philosophy
When evaluating whether to feed any food to your dog, consider the "why risk it?" philosophy. For cherries, the potential benefits are minimal at best and non-existent at worst, while the risks include life-threatening emergencies. There are no essential nutrients in cherries that dogs cannot obtain from safer sources. Many other fruits provide similar nutritional profiles without the associated risks of cyanide poisoning, intestinal blockage, or dental damage. When safer alternatives are readily available, there's simply no compelling reason to take the risk with cherries. This precautionary approach is why most veterinary professionals recommend complete avoidance rather than attempting complicated preparation methods that still carry some risk.
How Much (If Any) Is Safe?
While complete avoidance is recommended, understanding potential tolerance levels helps assess risk in accidental consumption scenarios.
Small Dogs: Extreme Caution Required
Guidelines for small breed dogs (under 20 lbs):
Weight Consideration
Smaller body size means even minimal exposure to pit fragments can have significant effects.
Choking Hazard
Even small pieces of cherry flesh can pose choking risks for very small dogs.
Proportionate Impact
Even tiny amounts represent a substantial portion of a small dog's digestive capacity.
Veterinary Advice
Most veterinarians recommend complete avoidance for small breed dogs due to heightened vulnerability.
Medium/Large Dogs: Strict Limits Apply
If absolutely necessary, these strict limits apply to larger dogs:
- Absolute Maximum: No more than 1-2 meticulously pitted cherries for large breeds
- Frequency: No more than once per month, if at all
- Preparation: Must be meticulously prepared with zero pit contact
- Monitoring: Watch closely for any signs of digestive upset for 24 hours after consumption
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may react negatively even to properly prepared flesh
- Not Recommended: Most veterinarians still advise complete avoidance
Most Vets Say: Just Skip It Entirely
The veterinary consensus strongly favors complete avoidance:
| Reason for Avoidance | Rationale | Alternative Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-Benefit Ratio | Life-threatening risks with minimal to no proven benefits | Choose fruits with better safety profiles and proven benefits |
| Preparation Difficulty | Nearly impossible to guarantee complete separation from dangerous parts | Select fruits that are safe in their entirety or easy to prepare safely |
| Unpredictable Reactions | Individual dogs may have unexpected severe reactions to trace compounds | Stick to fruits with well-documented safety records |
| Better Options Available | Many safer fruits provide similar nutritional benefits | Incorporate proven safe fruits into your dog's diet instead |
The Behavioral Consideration
Beyond the immediate physical risks, there's an important behavioral consideration when feeding cherries to dogs. Dogs who develop a taste for cherry flesh may be more likely to seek out whole cherries in the future, whether from fruit bowls, kitchen counters, or outdoor trees. This learned behavior creates ongoing risk, as dogs cannot distinguish between safe prepared flesh and dangerous whole fruits with pits. This is particularly concerning for dogs with access to yards containing cherry trees, where fallen fruit presents constant temptation. By completely avoiding cherries, you eliminate this learned preference and reduce the risk of your dog seeking out and consuming dangerous whole cherries when unsupervised.
What If My Dog Already Ate Cherries?
Accidental consumption happens. Knowing how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Small Amount of Flesh Only → Monitor
If your dog consumed a small amount of cherry flesh without pit contact:
Determine approximately how much flesh was consumed and whether there was any contact with pit, stems, or leaves.
Ensure no more cherries or cherry parts are accessible to your dog to prevent further consumption.
Provide fresh water to help with digestion and prevent dehydration if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal discomfort for 24-48 hours.
If any concerning symptoms develop, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Any Pit or Large Quantity → Emergency Vet
These situations require immediate veterinary attention:
- Any Pit Consumption: Even if not chewed, pits can cause blockages
- Chewed Pit: Significantly increases cyanide poisoning risk
- Stem or Leaf Ingestion: These parts also contain toxic compounds
- Large Quantity of Flesh: More than the recommended maximum for your dog's size
- Whole Fruit Consumption: Dogs cannot separate safe from dangerous parts
- Unknown Quantity: If you're unsure how much or what was consumed, err on the side of caution
Emergency Contact Information
Keep these resources readily available:
| Resource | Contact Information | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Your Regular Veterinarian | Keep clinic number in your phone | First contact for non-life-threatening concerns during business hours |
| Emergency Veterinary Clinic | Research and save local emergency clinic info | After-hours emergencies or when regular vet is unavailable |
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply) | Expert guidance on potential toxicity, available 24/7 |
| Pet Poison Helpline | (855) 764-7661 (fee may apply) | 24/7 animal poison control service with veterinary toxicologists |
Never Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Guidance
It may be tempting to induce vomiting if your dog consumes something potentially harmful, but this should never be done without explicit veterinary instruction. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous or even fatal in certain situations, such as if the dog has already vomited, is having trouble breathing, is lethargic or unconscious, or consumed the substance more than 2 hours ago. Additionally, with cherry pits, inducing vomiting could cause the pit to become lodged in the esophagus during expulsion. Only your veterinarian or a poison control expert can properly assess whether inducing vomiting is appropriate and safe for your specific situation. Always consult a professional before taking any action beyond basic monitoring.
Much Safer Fruit Alternatives
Many fruits provide similar nutritional benefits to cherries without the associated risks.
Recommended Safe Alternatives
These fruits are generally safe and well-tolerated by dogs:
Blueberries
High in antioxidants, low in calories, small size appropriate for dogs of all sizes, and generally well-tolerated.
Seedless Watermelon
Hydrating, low in calories, and most dogs love the sweet taste. Always remove seeds and rind.
Cantaloupe
Rich in vitamins A and C, low in calories, and easily digestible when served in moderation.
Peeled Apples
Excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. Always remove seeds and core before feeding.
Other Safe Fruit Options
Additional safe fruit options for dogs:
- Bananas: High in potassium and easily digestible, though higher in sugar
- Strawberries: Good source of vitamin C and fiber, easily digestible
- Pears: Remove seeds and core, good source of fiber and vitamin C
- Peaches: Remove pit completely, provide vitamins A and C in moderation
- Raspberries: Contain antioxidants, though should be fed in moderation due to natural xylitol
- Pumpkin: Excellent source of fiber, particularly good for digestive health
Comparison of Stone Fruits
How safer alternatives compare to cherries:
| Fruit | Safety Profile | Preparation Difficulty | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherries | Poor - pits contain cyanide | High - small fruits hard to pit | High to severe |
| Peaches | Caution - pits contain cyanide | Moderate - easier to separate from pit | Moderate to high |
| Plums | Poor - pits contain cyanide | High - difficult to separate from pit | High to severe |
| Apples | Good - remove seeds and core | Easy - simple to prepare safely | Low |
| Blueberries | Excellent - very safe | Easy - ready to serve | Very low |
The 10% Rule for Treats
When feeding fruits or any treats to your dog, remember the 10% rule: treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food. This ensures your dog receives all essential nutrients in proper proportions while still enjoying the variety and enjoyment of treats. For example, if your dog eats 500 calories daily, only 50 calories should come from treats including fruits. Since fruits contain natural sugars, moderation is important even with safe options. This approach allows you to provide healthy treats while maintaining nutritional balance in your dog's overall diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dogs should not eat maraschino cherries. These cherries are processed with artificial colors, preservatives, and high amounts of sugar or corn syrup. They typically contain no pits, which eliminates the cyanide risk, but the high sugar content and artificial ingredients make them unhealthy for dogs. The sugar can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and potentially diabetes. Some maraschino cherries may also contain artificial sweeteners or other additives that could be harmful to dogs. Even though they don't have pits, the nutritional drawbacks make maraschino cherries an inappropriate treat for dogs. It's best to stick to fresh, safe fruits that provide nutritional benefits without the added sugars and chemicals.
Dogs should not drink cherry juice or consume cherry extract. Cherry juice is concentrated and contains high levels of natural sugars without the beneficial fiber found in whole fruits. This can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and may contribute to weight gain. Additionally, commercial cherry juices often contain added sugars, preservatives, or other ingredients that are not suitable for dogs. Cherry extract is highly concentrated and may contain compounds from various parts of the cherry plant, potentially including toxic elements. There's no nutritional benefit to giving dogs cherry juice or extract that justifies the potential risks. If you're considering cherry products for potential health benefits, consult your veterinarian for safer alternatives specifically formulated for canine health.
If your dog ate a cherry pit, this is a potential emergency situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away. The size of your dog relative to the pit will influence the urgency - smaller dogs face greater risk from both blockage and cyanide poisoning. Your veterinarian will likely want to see your dog immediately to assess the situation. They may take X-rays to determine the pit's location and size relative to your dog's digestive tract. Treatment may include inducing vomiting (if the ingestion was very recent), endoscopic removal, or in some cases, surgery. Do not attempt to induce vomiting yourself without veterinary guidance.
While cyanogenic glycoside content can vary slightly between cherry varieties, all cherry pits contain these compounds and pose significant risks. Sweet cherries and sour cherries both contain pits with cyanide compounds. The size of the pit may vary between varieties, which could influence the blockage risk, but all cherry pits can cause intestinal obstructions. Some cherry varieties might have relatively smaller pits, but they still pose choking hazards and contain toxic compounds. There are no cherry varieties that can be considered "safe" for dogs due to the universal presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the pits, stems, and leaves. The minor variations between varieties don't change the fundamental recommendation to avoid feeding cherries to dogs entirely.
No, puppies should never be given cherry flesh. Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs and may react more strongly to the sugar and fiber in cherry flesh. More importantly, puppies are in a critical developmental stage where establishing safe eating habits is crucial. Introducing risky foods like cherries, even in carefully prepared form, can create preferences that may lead to dangerous behavior later. Puppies are also more vulnerable to the effects of potential toxins due to their smaller size and developing systems. There are no nutritional benefits in cherries that puppies cannot obtain from their puppy food and safer treat options. It's best to completely avoid feeding cherries to puppies of any age.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from cherry pit ingestion can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, stumbling, seizures, and eventually collapse and respiratory failure. Symptoms can appear within 15-20 minutes of ingestion or may be delayed for several hours depending on whether the pit was chewed and how thoroughly. The bright red mucous membranes are a characteristic sign of cyanide poisoning, resulting from the blood's inability to release oxygen to tissues. If you observe any of these symptoms after suspected cherry pit ingestion, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Cyanide poisoning progresses rapidly and can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Conclusion & Final Recommendation
Cherries present significant and potentially life-threatening risks to dogs due to the cyanogenic glycosides contained in their pits, stems, and leaves. While the flesh itself is not toxic, the extreme difficulty of completely separating it from dangerous parts makes cherries a high-risk food for canine consumption.
The risk-benefit analysis strongly favors complete avoidance of cherries for dogs. The potential benefits are minimal and theoretical, while the risks include cyanide poisoning, intestinal blockage, choking, and dental damage. With many safer fruit alternatives available, there's no nutritional justification for taking the cherry risk.
When accidents happen, appropriate monitoring and knowing when to seek emergency veterinary care are crucial. For intentional feeding, however, the consensus among veterinary professionals is clear: cherries are best left out of your dog's diet in favor of proven safe alternatives.
The One-Sentence Rule
While cherry flesh itself isn't toxic, the extreme difficulty of safe preparation and life-threatening risks associated with pits make cherries not worth the risk - avoid feeding cherries to your dog entirely.
By choosing safer fruit alternatives and following veterinary guidance, you can provide your dog with healthy treats while avoiding unnecessary health risks. When it comes to cherries, the safest approach is simple and complete avoidance.
Printable "Free Download" Cheat Sheet
This quick-reference guide summarizes the key information about cherries and dogs.
Cherries for Dogs: Quick Reference Guide
How to Use This Cheat Sheet
Keep this reference guide handy as a quick reminder about cherry safety for dogs. Remember that while the flesh itself isn't toxic, the difficulty of safe preparation and serious risks associated with pits make complete avoidance the safest approach. If you're ever uncertain about any food's safety for your dog, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's specific health needs and history.
About the Author
Caitlyn Getty
Author
Dr. Caitlyn Getty, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition) — Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist and PhD scientist at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, dedicated to advancing dog and cat health through innovative, science-based nutrition. Based in Fishers, Indiana.


