Yes, dogs can indeed eat the sweet fruit of fresh cherries in moderation. But you shouldn’t feed your dog large amounts of cherries because it can actually make them very ill. Just like humans, dogs can’t simply eat chunks of raw cherries. These little hard seeds contain toxic levels of cyanide, which can harm their intestinal tracts, cause blockages inside their stomachs, and even cause death.
Dogs are designed to be eating things that are slightly acidic. The acidity of cherries is slightly higher than that of grapes, so they would work better as a snack than as a regular meal. In fact, studies have shown that ingesting tart cherries may increase a dog’s risk of developing bladder cancer. It’s not clear why, but it does appear that high levels of cyanide in cherry pits are potentially harmful. The substance has been linked to an increased incidence of bladder and kidney cancer among laboratory animals.
So can dogs eat cherries? The answer is probably yes, if you feed them the appropriate portions. The safe maximum amount of cherries that a dog can consume is approximately half a pound per pound of body weight. This amount is the equivalent of one cup of cherry juice. If a pet eats anything larger, such as a whole grape, he or she would also be putting themselves at risk for serious nutritional deficiencies.
Types of brands of canned cherries for dogs
There are many brands of canned cherries on the market today. Many canned cherries are actually made with fruit pits, which can contain toxic levels of cyanide. The pits within the fruit are the source of the “sweet” taste of the cherries, not the tart flavor we associate with natural fruit. This doesn’t mean that the canned cherries are necessarily safer than fresh fruit – it just means that, like with all food, it’s best to choose your favorite brand rather than go with the cheapest option.
Dogs can safely eat dried fruit, as long as the pieces of fruit are not overly sweet. Dried fruit pieces should be no more than 10 percent of the size of the dog’s head. Since the dried form of cherries is not really flavored, it is safe for dogs to eat them. Look for a flavor that is similar to dark cherry juice, such as a mixture of dark chocolate and cream or vanilla extract. If a dry piece is too bitter, it’s not a good choice – just add a little water.
Dogs can get sick if they eat too much of the pit, since it contains a lot of fiber. Because the pit is filled with sugar, and glucose that’s not metabolized immediately can cause a blood sugar surge and result in hypoglycemia. In addition, large quantities of the pit could get into the bloodstream and could get into the circulatory system, causing a potentially life threatening situation. Dogs that get hypoglycemic after eating large amounts of dried cherries may have an acute shortage of blood sugar and require prompt emergency treatment from their veterinarians.
Reason to assume that a dog won’t enjoy cherries
As with many other foods, if a dog likes it, he’ll like it; there’s no reason to assume that a dog won’t enjoy cherries. Nonetheless, it is important to be careful about feeding your canine cherry treats. A lot of commercial treats, including the popular “Maraschino” treat, are actually made with real cherries, which are mixed with other sweeteners to extend the shelf life and boost the flavor. Because this treat can be very addictive, dogs that have a difficult time controlling their appetites might develop a habit of eating the cherries, which could make them very sick. It’s recommended that owners feed their dogs a small amount of maraschino cherries once or twice a day while keeping them on a weight management diet so they don’t develop a taste for the real stuff.
can dogs eat apple core If you’re wondering whether your canine companion can eat cherries, the answer is yes. The flesh of the fruit itself is completely safe for canine consumption. The flesh of the fruit is highly nutritious and contains high levels of nutrients such as potassium, sugar, vitamins A and E, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and niacin. The stems contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. However, there are very few health risks associated with consuming the flesh of this delightful treat.
