Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Effects of Cherries for Dogs as a Dog Food

No, dogs cannot eat cherries. Although the flesh of cherries is safe for dogs to consume, the other parts of these fruits are harmful. Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, a toxic substance that can cause poisoning in dogs if ingested in large amounts.

Cherry pits are another major concern when feeding these fruits to dogs. When swallowed, the pit can get lodged in the intestinal tract leading to intestinal obstruction, which is fatal to dogs. Although this risk is more pronounced in small dogs, it can also occur in large dogs.

Cherries are also very high in sugar. A single cup contains 22 grams of carbohydrates in glucose or natural sugars. Too much sugar leads to stomach upset, obesity, or worsening diabetes in dogs. Like any other treat, feeding cherries in large amounts to dogs can cause them upset stomachs.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Flesh Safely? 

Yes, dogs can safely eat cherry flesh without being negatively affected. This is the only part of cherries that’s safe for dogs.

Is cherry flesh healthy for my dog?

Yes, cherry flesh is packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamin A, C, and E, magnesium, potassium, iron, and melatonin, boosting dogs’ health. Eating cherries can help: 

• Strengthen and improve the immune system, 
• Promote eye health, 
• Minimize cell damage and help prevent diseases, 
• Enhance blood formation, 
• Promote healthy sleep patterns, 
• Boost heart
• Reduce inflammation
• Aid in weight management

Can cherry flesh affect the dog’s mood?

Yes, feeding cherry flesh to dogs can help improve their mood because it boosts the production of the mood-enhancing hormones serotonin and noradrenaline in a dog’s brain. It’s also rich in potassium which aids in improving the health of the nervous system. Cherry flesh is also abundant in melatonin which promotes healthy sleep patterns and consequently helps to boost mood in dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Seeds Safely? 

No, dogs cannot eat cherry seeds safely.

Why cherry seeds are unhealthy for dogs

Like cherry leaves and pits, the seeds of cherries are toxic and should never be fed to dogs. They contain cyanide, a highly poisonous substance that causes poisoning in dogs when consumed in large doses. Cyanide poisoning makes it impossible for key enzymes to carry oxygen to blood cells. This condition is potentially fatal if not promptly handled.

What do I do if my dog ate cherry pits?

Cherry pits contain cyanide which can lead to cyanide poisoning if a dog chomps it down. In addition, pits pose the risk of intestinal obstruction, a fatal condition to dogs. If you suspect your pup has eaten cherry pit, you should talk to your vet immediately. Watch out for symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including:

• Dilated pupils
• Collapse
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Bright red gums
• Inadequate oxygen levels
• Difficulty breathing

Can Dogs Eat Frozen Cherries Safely? 

No, frozen cherries are unsafe for dogs to consume.

Are frozen cherries healthy for dogs?

Just like fresh versions, frozen cherry flesh is not toxic to dogs. However, frozen cherries are still loaded with sugar making them unhealthy for dogs. The high sugar content can lead to unhealthy weight gain, diabetes, and gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Additionally, the pit and seeds in frozen contain cyanide, leading to poisoning in dogs. Frozen cherries also risk choking or intestinal blockage to dogs if swallowed.

Can old or young dogs eat frozen cherries?

No, both old and young dogs can not eat frozen cherries. Besides posing a choking or obstruction risk, frozen cherries may cause cyanide poisoning in dogs. Although the flesh is safe for dogs, the pit and seeds contain cyanide which is harmful and deadly if taken in high amounts. Again, old and young dogs have very sensitive digestive systems and can experience stomach upset from consuming cherries.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt Safely? 

No, dogs can’t eat cherry yogurt safely.

Is cherry yogurt healthy for dogs?

Cheese yogurt is not healthy for dogs and thus should not be given. While plain natural yogurt is safe and healthy for dogs, processed and flavored yogurt is not. This is because flavored yogurt contains artificial sweeteners such as xylitol and other additives which are harmful to dogs. Additionally, processed yogurt, cheese yogurt included, is high in sugar, leading to sugar spikes leading to diabetes or complicating the condition in dogs.

Can Maltase dog puppies eat cherry yogurt?

No, it’s best not to feed cherry yogurt to Maltese dog puppies. They are very sensitive and can get tummy upsets from cherry yogurt. The high-sugar content in this yogurt is also not good as it may lead to unhealthy weight gain and risk of diabetes to these puppies. Some Maltese puppies may also be intolerant to lactose present in yogurt and can thus suffer from allergic reactions if fed on cherry yogurt.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Ice Cream Safely? 

No, cherry ice cream is not safe for dogs to eat.

Is cherry ice cream healthy for dogs?

Unfortunately, cherry ice cream is not among the healthiest options for dogs. Ice cream generally has no nutritional value to dogs. It’s thus safer to avoid giving it to your dog due to the following reasons:

• Lactose intolerance: Ice cream is a dairy product and thus contains lactose. Many dogs are unable to digest lactose. Feeding cherry yogurt to these dogs may cause them to get stomach upset.
• Too many fats: Ice cream, cherry ice cream included, is loaded with fats. This can lead to obesity or even pancreatitis in dogs.
• Too much sugar: Cherries are high in sugar, increasing blood sugar levels and leading to diabetes and obesity.

Can dogs with diarrhea or other diseases eat cherry ice cream?

No, dogs with diarrhea or other diseases should not eat ice cream. This is because it may cause them gastrointestinal upset worsening diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Jam Safely? 

No, dogs can’t eat cherry jam safely.

Why cherry jam is unhealthy for dogs

Any type of jam is very high in sugar. Cherries also have a very high sugar level. This means that cherry jam packs a lot of sugar which offers no nutritional value to dogs. It’s therefore not recommended to feed this to dogs. Feeding cherry jam to dogs can lead to: 

• Gastrointestinal upset 
• Excessive weight gain 
• Diabetes 
• Tooth decay

Cherry seeds, pit, and leaves also contain cyanide. Thus when included in the jam, it may cause cyanide poisoning in dogs. Processed cherry-flavored jam may contain other ingredients that can harm dogs and should not be fed to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Pop-Tarts 

No, dogs can’t and should not eat cherry pop-tarts as they contain various ingredients that are not safe. Pop-tarts are high in sugar content, artificial additives, and colorings which cause diabetes and other nasty health conditions in dogs. These treats are considered empty calories as they offer no nutritional benefit to dogs. 

The following ingredients make cherry pop-tarts harmful to dogs:

• Wheat: This can trigger allergic reactions if your dog is sensitive to gluten. Symptoms of gluten allergies include stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, red and itchy skin.
• Sugar: Pop-tarts contain various sugar and artificial sweeteners, making them too high in sugar. Excessive sugar can lead to diabetes, dental issues, weight gain, obesity, and pancreatitis.
• Oils: Pop-tarts are high in oils like soybean oil and palm oil, leading to weight gain and other health issues in dogs.
• Artificial colors and flavors are harmful as they offer no nutritional value and may arouse allergic reactions in some dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Twizzlers

No, dogs can’t eat cherry Twizzlers.

Twizzlers are loaded with sugar and thus should never be fed to dogs because they can cause a spike in their blood sugar levels leading to or exacerbating diabetes. Excessively sugary foods can also lead to unhealthy weight gain and consequently obesity.

These snacks also include artificial flavors. Dogs are also incapable of digesting the artificial flavors, colors, and other chemical additives that dogs have difficulties digesting. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and an upset stomach.

Like other Twizzlers, cherry Twizzlers are also extremely sugary and should be avoided. Too much sugar can also cause dental issues in dogs. Some other types of Twizzlers contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. This substance causes a rapid drop in insulin levels resulting to:

• Seizures
• Liver failure
• Death

Can Dogs Eat Glace Cherries 

No, dogs can’t eat glace cherries.

Cherries are unlike anything dogs naturally eat, but they are also highly deadly.

All kinds of cherries put dogs at the risk of cyanide poisoning when consumed. Glace cherries are no exception. Although glace cherries have had their pits removed, these fruits are preserved with a lot of sugar. This makes them harmful to dogs as they lead to poor oral health and put them at risk of diabetes and obesity.

It’s therefore not recommended to feed dogs on glace cherries or any other candied cherries to avoid adverse health problems.

Can Dogs Eat Sour Cherries 

No, dogs can’t eat sour cherries.

Although sour cherries have lower sugar content, it’s still harmful to dogs. The seeds, leaves, and stems of sour cherries contain cyanide. Feeding these cherries to dogs puts them at the risk of cyanide poisoning.

The pits of sour cherries can lead to choking or gastrointestinal blockage, quickly turning fatal.  With the dangers of consuming these fruits outweighing the benefits, it’s best to keep them away from your dog.

What Else Can Dogs Eat together with Cherries?

Although cherries can harm dogs if consumed in the wrong way, your dog is unlikely to be adversely affected if it consumes one or two cherries. The following are some other foods that dogs can eat with cherries:

1. Strawberries: Dogs can consume strawberries without any repercussions on their health. These fruits are not only delicious but also bursting with nutrients. Strawberries make a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs that are packed with antioxidants, fiber, omega-3, vitamins C, K, B1, and B6, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, iodine, and folic acid.

Strawberries have the following health benefits for dogs:

• Boost immune system
• Promote healthy digestion
• Enhance skin and coat health
• Help with weight management
• Aid in teeth whitening

However, strawberries should be taken in moderation. Giving strawberries in large amounts to dogs can cause them upset stomach or gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high sugar content.

Canned or processed strawberries contain additional ingredients like artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, harming dogs. Some dogs can also have allergic reactions to consuming strawberries.

2. Blueberries: Blueberries, whether fresh, frozen, mashed, or dried, are safe for dogs to eat. These superfoods are brimming with numerous vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals. As such, they go very well with cherries.

Some of the nutrients in these fruits include minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

However, blueberries are high in natural sugars and starch, leading to gastrointestinal upset if taken in large amounts. It’s thus crucial to observe moderation when feeding these to dogs.

Processed or packaged blueberries contain added ingredients that are bad for dogs’ health and should thus be avoided.

Eating blueberries can help dogs: 

• Fight effects of free radicals and slow down the aging process
• Minimize inflammation
• Boost immune system
• Promote healthy functioning of the heart, skin, muscles, and nerves
• Aid digestion

3. Plums: Plums may not be very nutrient-dense, but they still offer some nutritional benefits to dogs. They are good sources of vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant that supports the immune system and reduces inflammation.

These fruits also contain vitamin A which aids in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat and promotes eye health. The fiber present in plums is crucial for healthy digestion, reducing constipation, and controlling blood sugar levels. What’s more, these fruits are great for keeping dogs hydrated.

Plums are, however, high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts to avoid putting the dogs at risk of obesity and other health problems. Other dangers associated with plums include:

• Risk of cyanide poisoning from the pit, stem, or leaves of plums
• Choking hazard if dogs swallow the pit

4. Cranberries: When fed in moderation, cranberries are safe for dogs and may offer some health benefits. These fruits make an excellent source of powerful antioxidants which help fight free radicals that cause cellular damage, improve immunity, and help fight some diseases like cancer.

Cranberries are also rich in vitamin C, E, K, B1, and B2. These are important for boosting immune health, better heart functioning, improved metabolism, and blood clotting. Cranberries should however be fed in moderation as they can lead to:

• Stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea due to their high acidity levels
• Bladder stones due to the presence of oxalates in these fruits
• Diabetes and obesity resulting from their high sugar levels

5. Oranges: Oranges are lovely for dogs to eat and make a great combination with cherries. These juicy fruits are low in sodium but high in dietary fiber, potassium, thiamine, and folic acid. They are also loaded with vitamin C, which can strengthen your dog’s immune system and keep infections away.

Oranges also have high water content and thus make excellent sources of hydration for dogs, especially on those hot summer days. These fruits are a perfect option for a low-calorie treat for dogs struggling with obesity. 

Despite their benefits, oranges pose the following risks to dogs:

• Orange seeds are a choking risk, especially to small dogs. Ensure you remove them before feeding
• Oranges are citrus fruits and thus acidic. This may cause gastric upset, vomiting, or diarrhea in dogs
• The orange rinds are hard for dogs to digest and can thus lead to intestinal blockage if swallowed

What are the best Cherries Dog Food Recipes? 

The following are some safe and easy recipes you can try for your dog: 

Cherry and chicken dog treat

This will need chicken, peeled and pitted cherries, milk, eggs, oats, wheat flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice to make.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Add and mix all the ingredients well
• Knead dough into a bowl and roll out on a flat surface
• Cut shapes and place on the baking sheet
• Bake for up to 15 mins
• Cool and serve

Cherry Berry Apple Dog Treat 

This easy to make treat needs apple sauce, blueberries, cherries, oat flour, and cinnamon to prepare

• Puree blueberries and cherries until smooth
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl
• Scoop dough into the baking sheet
• Bake for 20 minute

Cherry pineapple chicken dog treat

You’ll need cooked chicken breast, pitted and chopped berries, pureed pineapple, mint leaves, and rice flour

• Preheat oven
• Mix all ingredients well  in a bowl
• Spoon dough onto the baking sheet

What are the best dog foods with Cherries? 

Cherries, when appropriately served, have many benefits for dogs. These fruits are abundant in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They can aid digestion, boost immunity, fight diseases, reduce inflammation, and more. These fruits should be given in moderation. 

Many dog food brands available today have discovered the benefits of cherries and have thus incorporated them in some of their recipes. Check out these dog food brands that use cherries:

• True Acre foods
• Heath dog food
• Zuke’s dog food