Can I give my dog cherries?

Cherries are a delicious and healthy snack for humans but what about for dogs? There are a few reasons why this fruit may be questionable for pets. We’ll cover the pros and cons of canine cherry consumption right here.

Does your dog need cherries in their diet? No, absolutely not. Can animals in some way benefit from eating them? Possibly, but there are a few factors that may outweigh any of the potential health benefits.

If you properly prepare a cherry or two for your buddy then they’ll be fine. Still, we view providing them as impractical. Just based on the expense factor, there are other healthy fruits that make more sense for dogs.

Can I Give My Dog Some Cherries? Answer: Yes, in moderation and properly prepared

It’s important to remove stems and pits as well as any leaves prior to feeding time.

Even then, consider that cherries may contain some level of cyanide. So this fruit should be restricted though they aren’t considered highly poisonous for dogs. A much better way to consistently incorporate fruits into your dog’s feeding routine is with healthy canine treats called Fruitables. Basically, the idea of regularly feeding cherries to a dog isn’t very practical but you can provide some as a treat on occasion. If you do so, make sure they are properly prepared.

So fresh cherries only, not the processed kind, and preparation is a must.

Possible Health Benefits

Sure, the cherry is definitely healthy because each one contains a lot of vitamin A and powerful antioxidants. Cherries can even reduce inflammation, improve sleep and relaxation, reduce arthritis severity and even help to prevent cancer. In theory, these are all attractive and applicable to dogs but let’s take a closer look at why this food is really an unrealistic consideration for your curious canine.

The Cherry’s Pitfalls

The ASPCA says cherries are toxic for dogs. Interestingly, the Cyanogenic glycosides combines with this fruit’s natural enzymes which may release low levels of cyanide. So while the amount of hydrogen cyanide found in a cherry is probably nothing to worry about, in small quantities, it’s better not to complicate things for your dog’s sake. Again, at the very least, prepare each cherry prior to feeding time.

Keep the family’s stash of cherries in the refrigerator where the dog has no chance of raiding them.

Symptoms to Watch For

A couple of cherries are unlikely to cause any symptoms. But there are certain telltale signs of poisoning if your dog somehow ate too many unprepared cherries. If they managed to wolf down a bunch of them, watch for labored breathing, bright reddish gums and/or dilated pupils. Serious cases could cause some dogs to go into shock but that’s a rare occurrence.

Also keep a look out for what typically happens in cases of food poisoning, such as upset stomach and diarrhea.

Some Cherry Alternatives

Apples are a much better idea than cherries for several reasons. They will satisfy your dog’s appetite because they’re a much bigger and hearty fruit. They also make more sense from an economic standpoint while, at the same time, providing desirable antioxidants in a similar fashion. Another fruity option to consider is the blueberry, though they’re similarly small like cherries and aren’t as filling as apples.

Probably the best way to add vitamins and antioxidants to your dog’s diet is through a highly regarded pet-formulated Glucosamine supplement which tastes great and can be mixed in with their regular food.

Conclusion on Cherries

You can feed a cherry or two to your dog but first remove the stem, pit and leaf if necessary. Anything besides the flesh of cherries could be potentially harmful for a dog. In theory, this delightful fruit can provide excellent antioxidants, some natural melatonin as well as vitamins and nutrients. However, cherries may not be a great food option or treat for dogs due to the cyanide and impracticality of providing them. Consider other fruit ideas instead.

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