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Can Dogs Eat Cherries?

Cherries are a delightfully tart and sweet late-summer fruit, enjoyed fresh as a snack, in pies, cakes, and jams, and as a garnish for cocktails and sweet drinks. 

But, of course, you’re not here for cherry recipes. If you’re reading this, your dog has probably snatched a cherry and gobbled it up, and you want to know: can dogs eat cherries? 

Short answer: Yes! If your dog has already eaten a cherry, don’t worry, they will be fine. However, there’s more to the story than we can cover in an intro, so let’s take a closer look at dogs and cherries. 

Are Cherries Safe for Dogs? 

The fresh, unprocessed flesh of cherries is completely safe for dogs, and some dogs even enjoy the flavor. However, the pits, stems, and leaves of cherries contain cyanide, a highly toxic and possibly lethal chemical. One, two, or even three cherry pits won’t give your dog cyanide poisoning, so don’t stress if they’ve already eaten a few. 

The bigger risk to your dog when they eat a few cherry pits is an intestinal blockage. Smaller dogs are more likely to experience a blockage as the result of ingesting cherry pits, but you should keep an eye on your dog regardless of size if you know they have eaten cherry pits in the last 48 hours. Some signs of intestinal blockage include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain and tenderness
• Decreased or difficulty defecating
• Decreased appetite

Cherry Poisoning in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

While rare, dogs that eat large amounts of cherries may be at risk for cyanide poisoning. Colloquially called “cherry poisoning”, cyanide poisoning can be fatal, but it is extremely unlikely that your dog will have been able to eat enough cherries to be at serious risk. 

Cherry pits contain a relatively small amount of cyanide, but if your dog has consumed an entire bag or more of cherries, you should keep an eye out for signs of possible poisoning.

• Respiratory problems
• Bright red gums
• Drooling
• Watering eyes
• Bowel or bladder incontinence

If your dog has eaten enough cherry pits that you are concerned they may be at risk for cyanide poisoning, contact your vet immediately. 

Nutritional Value of Cherries

Dogs should not be eating enough cherry flesh that they will benefit from any of the nutritional value of cherries. Because the pits are potentially toxic or could cause intestinal blockage, it’s better not to share these fruits with your dog, and find a healthier option instead. 

How To Safely Feed Cherries to Dogs

If you insist on sharing a bite of cherry with your dog, you must remove the stem and seed. Only the flesh of the fruit is safe to share with your dog, and you should keep un-pitted cherries far out of reach. 

Can Dogs Eat Cherries? The FAQ

Looking for an answer to a specific question? Here are some of the common questions asked by dog owners like you. 

​​Can Dogs Eat Cherries Without Pits?

Yes. Dogs can eat fresh, unprocessed cherries without the pits as long as the leaves and stems have also been removed. 

How Many Cherries Can A Dog Eat?

Limit your dog to just a couple of cherries. Larger dogs may have 3-4 cherries, while you should limit small dogs to just 1 or 2.  It’s not a good idea to feed lots of this fruit to your dog, both because cherries are not a sufficient source of nutrients for dogs, and because you don’t want your dog to get a taste for cherries and start seeking them out. 

How Many Cherries Are Toxic To Dogs?

Remember, only the pits, stems, and leaves of the cherry are toxic to dogs. Your dog would need to eat a lot of cherry pits to be at risk for cyanide poisoning, but it is possible. If your dog has eaten more than just a few cherry pits in a row, it’s a good idea to contact your vet. They will be able to advise you and give you the next steps to ensure your pup is safe and comfortable. 

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt?

Maybe. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to lactose and may react badly to the milk in yogurt. If your dog does not have lactose sensitivity, you’ll need to make sure the yogurt does not contain any harmful additives. An example of a toxic ingredient you need to look out for is xylitol, now re-branded as “birch sugar.” Natural, whole ingredient yogurt is fine to share in small amounts with your dog. 

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Pass A Cherry Pit?

Depending on how many pits your dog has eaten, and what their usual bowel movements are like, it could take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours for your dog to pass the pit. 

Smucker CEO believes the company is positioned for the current macroeconomic environment, as the pet performed well during recessionary periods.

 Your dog will be hooked on this low-fat, sustainably sourced seafood dish.

Dogs are hooked on Tom&Sawyer’s Fisherman’s Best Friend recipe. This recipe is great for a variety of dogs (dogs who need to lose a few pounds, suffer from pancreatitis, have food sensitivities) but has been specially formulated for senior pups.

Here are the top 5 benefits of our Fisherman’s Best Friend recipe for dogs that makes this all possible:

1. Specially Formulated to Maintain Healthy Kidneys with Age

This recipe has been formulated to ensure a moderate, high-quality protein source with low levels of phosphorus, sodium below 4% dry matter, and controlled potassium levels. This can all help to reduce strain on the kidneys, which can aid in preventing chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease is common for seniors as it develops from prolonged damage over time.

2. Pancreatitis Friendly (Low-Fat)

The Fisherman’s Best Friend recipe is low in fat, staying below the maximum amount tolerable for dogs with pancreatitis (25 g fat per 1000 kcal). This low-fat recipe is also less energy dense, making it a great option for pups who need to lose weight, or are at a greater risk of gaining weight. But don’t worry – we still provide lots of omega-3’s in a perfect omega 3, 6, and 9 ratio for proper fat metabolism. 

3. Novel Protein (White Fish)

Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from food sensitivities, allergies and reactions to common proteins. Wild pollock is considered a hypoallergenic and novel protein, meaning that your dog has likely not been exposed to it before and will likely not have an adverse reaction to it. By using wild pollock as the protein source in this recipe, we provide dogs with allergies, sensitive tummies, and other sensitivities a healthy and delicious option. 

                                                            Photo by Kindred Hues Photography

4. Formulated to help prevent bladder stones

Bladder stones, specifically calcium oxalates, can be quite common for pups. That’s why the Fisherman’s Best Friend is lowered in calcium, phosphorus, sodium, AND magnesium. All four nutrients are kept above the recommended levels for dogs according to AAFCO standards, but are maintained at controlled levels to reduce the risk of bladder stone formation. This may be beneficial for pups prone to bladder stones.

5. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation can occur in response to disease, obesity, joint problems, and sensitivities or allergies. Fibre, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from fish, coconut, cranberries, organic canola oil, and rice can all aid in reducing inflammation. This can be beneficial for soothing sensitive tummies and allergy-like symptoms, as well as for promoting joint health, heart health, and obesity prevention and treatment, especially for our senior pups. 

6. High levels of Antioxidants

Ingredients like cranberries, kale, and hemp seed oil contain a healthy dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants in dog food can be used by the body to reduce the amount of harmful reactive oxygen species that damage cells. By protecting cells from oxidative damage, antioxidants are thought to promote healthy skin and coat, reduce the risk of cancers and other chronic diseases, and improve heart health.

7. Gluten-Free 

We use whole grain brown rice in our Fisherman’s Best Friend recipe. Brown rice is naturally gluten-free, along with all of our other ingredients in this recipe. This makes it a great option for dogs who may have a gluten intolerance, allergy, or have sensitive tummies. 

“Sea” the difference this healthy recipe can make for the health of your pup!

Visit our menu page to see our healthy recipes for dogs. 

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

Can Dogs Eat Peppers?

Bell peppers are a staple ingredient in the US, commonly found in stir-fries, salads, soups, and veggie platters. Sweet, juicy, and crisp, peppers are a delicious snack, a healthy ingredient, and offer a bright burst of natural color. If you love snacking on peppers and have been tempted to offer your pup a bite, you might have wondered: can dogs eat peppers? 

Are Peppers Safe for Dogs?

Yes! Peppers are non-toxic to dogs, and if you’ve got a dog that loves a crunchy snack, they’ll probably really enjoy munching down on a sweet bell pepper. 

However, you should never feed your dog a spicy pepper. While they are also non-toxic, spicy peppers (sometimes called chilis or chili peppers) contain capsaicin, the chemical that is responsible for the heat in hot peppers. While it is not a toxic compound, it can cause severe discomfort and pain for your pet. 

If your dog does eat a spicy pepper, don’t panic. They are not explicitly toxic to dogs, but your dog may experience stomach irritation, bowel pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog seems especially distressed, contact your vet to ask how you can relieve their discomfort. 

Common Types of Pepper

Let’s take a more in-depth look at which peppers are safe for dogs, and which peppers aren’t. Here’s a quick rundown of the common types of pepper you’ll find at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. 

*Note: we have included a ‘spice level’ category which is measured in Scoville heat units (SHU). Anything above zero has the potential to give your dog gastrointestinal pain and discomfort. 

Nutritional Value of Peppers

Bell peppers are super high in vitamin C, but because your dog should not be eating more than a few bits of bell pepper every now and then, they won’t benefit from these nutrients. Instead, the value of giving the occasional bell pepper to your dog is the low-calorie content. Full of hydrating water and super low in calories, bell peppers are a healthy treat option for dogs that like to crunch!

How To Safely Feed Peppers to Dogs

The safest way to feed your dog bell pepper is to core it, remove the stem and seeds, and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. 

Some dogs may find raw peppers a little hard to digest, so you can also lightly cook them by putting them in the oven to roast or adding them to a dry frying pan for a few minutes. However, it’s important not to add oil or seasoning, since your dog should not be eating foods that contain salt or processed oils. 

It’s important to also never feed your dog peppers from a dish that contains toxic ingredients. Some common ingredients used with bell peppers that cannot be eaten by dogs include:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Added salt and MSG
• Avocado
• Citrus

Stick to small amounts of raw bell pepper (with stem and seeds removed), and lightly cooked, unseasoned, un-oiled bell pepper. 

Can Dogs Eat Peppers? The FAQ

If you didn’t find the answer to your pepper question above, you’re sure to find it here! These are the most common questions dog owners have about whether dogs can eat peppers. 

Can Dogs Eat Peppers Raw?

Yes, dogs can eat raw bell peppers, as long as they have had their stems and seeds removed to prevent choking or dental damage. 

Dogs should not eat raw chilis or spicy peppers, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. 

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?

Yes! Bell peppers are the only peppers that are dog-approved because they contain zero capsaicin, the compound responsible for giving spicy peppers their heat. Capsaicin is not strictly toxic to dogs, but it can cause extreme gastrointestinal discomfort and distress for the animal. 

Can Dogs Eat Red and Yellow Peppers?

Yes, if they are bell peppers. Other varieties of red and yellow peppers (like cayenne and banana peppers) contain high levels of capsaicin and are not safe for dogs to eat. 

Are Green Peppers Safe For Dogs?

Yes, if they are bell peppers. Other varieties of green peppers (like jalapeños and serrano peppers) are too spicy to safely feed your dog. 

Fun fact! Bell peppers change color and get sweeter as they ripen; they start green (the least sweet), then turn yellow, then orange, and finally red (the sweetest). 

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers Cooked?

Yes, as long as you don’t add any oil or seasoning! 

If your dog is sensitive to new treats or has had trouble digesting vegetables in the past, try lightly cooking your bell peppers before feeding them to your dog. Cooking helps to break down some of the fiber in the bell peppers, making them more digestible for your pup. 

Because you should not feed your dog seasoned cooked bell peppers, don’t share food from your plate. 

Can Dogs Eat Spicy Peppers?

No! However, if your dog gets ahold of a piece of mildly spicy pepper like pimento or pepperoncini they will likely be fine and may show no signs of discomfort. 

Eating spicier peppers will likely result in painful stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, and distress. Seeing your dog uncomfortable can be very upsetting, and it can be hard to know when something is seriously wrong, or when your dog is just having an upset stomach due to the spicy peppers. 

Because of this, we suggest giving your vet a call if your dog has eaten spicy peppers and is showing signs of discomfort. Your veterinarian will be able to give you recommendations to keep your pup comfortable as the spice wears off, or tell you what to do in case the situation is dire.