Can dogs have cherries?

Cherries reach their peak flavor during the Summer months, presenting dog parents with the annual question: Can dogs eat cherries? The short answer is yes–dogs can have cherries–but only if they are prepared correctly and served in small amounts. 

Like so many aspects of a dog’s diet, it’s all about balance and safety. Fresh cherries are a fun seasonal summer treat with natural health benefits. But this fruit comes with two big caution points: 

1. Keep an eye on the number of cherries your dog is consuming to avoid an upset stomach. 
2. Never give a dog the stems, leaves, or pits (which many people call a ‘seed’) of a cherry.

By understanding the pros and cons of cherries for dogs, you can decide whether to add this fruit to your pup’s snack rotation. We’ll also show you why cherries play a key role in Sundays’ dog food. 

The Benefits of Cherries for Dogs

Before we dive into risks, let’s discuss the benefits of cherries for dogs. Fresh cherries contain vitamins (specifically vitamins A and C), minerals, and antioxidants that can be beneficial to dogs’ vision, immunity, and skin health. Cherries are also rich in natural fiber to promote healthy digestion. 

One reason we love cherries during the summer is their sweet, refreshing taste. Believe it or not, cherries have a high water content to keep you and your pup hydrated on hot days. Just be sure your pup gets enough real water, too. 

Any health benefits are limited to fresh cherries, however, and do not apply to processed cherries like syrup-sweetened maraschinos or store-bought dried cherries, as their elevated sugar content or possible additives outweigh any benefits.

If you think your pup can benefit from cherries for dogs, only feed them plain, fresh cherries that have been fully pitted and destemmed. 

The Risks of Feeding Cherries to Dogs

Are cherries bad for dogs? If so, what are the dangers? While fresh cherries are safe in moderation, there are some risks to be aware of, too. 

In large servings, even fresh cherries can generate digestive problems in dogs, given their high levels of naturally occurring sugar. The bigger issue is that cherry stems, leaves, and pits all contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. 

If your pup manages to swipe a single whole cherry from your plate while you aren’t looking, there is likely no reason to panic: monitoring them for intestinal blockages is recommended. Unless they are very small or a puppy, it’s unlikely that a single cherry pit will contain enough cyanide to result in poisoning.

If you suspect that they’ve eaten more than one whole fresh cherry, though, it's best to call your vet for next steps. You can also keep an eye out for symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs, including:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bright red gums
• Dilated pupils
• Lethargy/weakness

Thankfully, a single pit is unlikely to hurt your dog–especially if you have a large breed. But dogs of any size can choke on a cherry pit, so be mindful when trying cherries for dogs. 

Safe Ways to Serve Cherries for Dogs

If you’ve decided you’d like to give your dog cherries as an occasional treat, follow these safety steps:

• Choose Fresh Cherries Only – Avoid canned, dried, or preserved cherries with added sugar or artificial ingredients.
• Wash Thoroughly – Rinse to remove any pesticides or dirt.
• Remove Stems, Leaves, and Pits – Only the fleshy fruit is safe for your pup. Throw away any stems, leaves, or cherry pits. 
• Serve in Small Portions – A couple of pitted cherry halves is enough for most dogs.
• Introduce Slowly – Give your dog a small taste first to see how they react before offering more.

You can also chop cherries into small pieces and mix them into your dog’s regular food for a nutrient boost. Just remember—treats (including fruit) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

If you’re nervous about cherries for dogs or your pup doesn’t seem to enjoy them, there are plenty of other dog-safe fruits with similar health benefits. These can be great options if you want to give your dog a fruity treat without worrying about pits:

• Blueberries – Antioxidant-rich and easy to serve whole.
  
  
• Apples – Great source of fiber; just remove seeds and core.
  
  
• Strawberries – Packed with vitamin C and low in calories.

Why We Include Cherries in Sundays' Dog Food

Can dogs eat cherries in dog food recipes? Absolutely–serving dog food with cherries may actually be the safest way to add this food to your pup’s diet. 

If you feed your pup Sundays, you can feel good knowing that our All-Natural Chicken and USDA Beef recipes include a small, safe amount of tart cherry. We use only the flesh—never stems, pits, or leaves—so pups can enjoy the benefits without any of the potentially hazardous parts.

Our air-dried recipes are crafted to be both delicious and nutritionally balanced, so you don’t have to worry about preparation or safety. Every ingredient is chosen with care, making it easy to share the goodness of cherries for dogs—minus the risks.

Curious about the power of real whole foods? Switch your pup to Sundays for Dogs and see how 100% human-grade dog food can change their life (and yours) for the better.