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Dogs are always eating things they shouldn’t. Whether they help themselves to a package off the counter or steal something from your plate, it’s impossible to avoid the odd accident. Finding out which fruit is suitable for dogs is a bit of a minefield. While your pup can reap amazing benefits from blueberries, peaches, and even apricots, many fruits are dangerous for canine consumption. Grapes, for example, aretoxic to dogs.
The topic of whether dogs can eat cherries is a slightly more complicated one. Keep reading to learn whether cherries are safe dog for your dog to eat and what to do if they eat the pit.
Yes and no. The flesh of cherries contains a bounty of amazing nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins A and C and fiber. However, the risks far outweigh the rewards when it comes to feeding your dog cherries. The pit, stem, and leaves of cherries all contain cyanide. Although one cherry won’t do any harm, it can only take a small number of cherries to cause serious ill effects in your dog.
Not to mention the fact that a cherry pit could cause internal damage to your precious companion, such as a bowel obstruction.
Even cherries without pits hold risks. Maraschino cherries contain far too much sugar to make the benefits worth it. While frozen pitter cherries probably won’t do much harm, there are far superior alternatives on the market.
Cherries are a unique fruit. The pit, stem and even leaves all contain cyanide, a rapid-acting chemical that’s deadly to both humans and dogs. Cyanide can inhibit oxygen uptake, causing a lack of oxygen to your dog’s tissues. This can affect all areas of their body, including the heart and brain. It only takes a few small dosages of cyanide, just a few cherries, to invoke this reaction. So, cherries aren’t really worth the risk when it comes to picking a fruity treat for your dog.
If your dog eats one cherry, there’s no reason to worry. However, if your pup gets a hold of a whole packet then this could cause a serious issue. It’s important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible, as they may require stomach pumping or other treatment to combat the ill effects of the fruit’s cyanide.
Signs of cyanide poisoning include shortness of breath, red gums, and dilated pupils. You may even notice your dog go into shock. Cyanide poisoning can be fatal so it’s paramount that you get your companion to the vet immediately after consuming whole cherries.
Although cherries are rich in nutrients, they are not the optimum source for such ingredients for dogs. Blueberries are a far superior fruity treat for your pup as they don’t contain a pit. These magical berries are a burst of flavor your dog is bound to love. Why not try frozen blueberries for a crunchy snack in the summer months?
Strawberries are another fantastic alternative to cherries for your dog. On top of all the benefits of blueberries,strawberries contain an enzyme that’ll keep your dog’s teeth white! You can even try blackberries for your pup, as they are proven safe for doggy consumption. With all these berry alternatives, there’s no reason to risk feeding your dog cherries.
If you feel that your dog is still missing something in their diet, supplements are also a viable option to help your furry friend! check out our full line of supplements here.
Always feed your pup suitable fruit in moderation, as the fiber may upset their stomachs. You should also keep an eye on your dog’s sugar intake as this can have a detrimental effect on their health, just like for humans.
