Can Dogs Eat Cherries? With Caution

What to watch out for

The soft fruit of a cherry is the one part not considered toxic. Pet Poison Helpline says all parts of cherry plants other than the ripe pulp around the seeds contain cyanide, and the AKC likewise says that apart from the fleshy fruit, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. If a pit is chewed and crushed, cyanide may be released. Pet Poison Helpline adds that when a pit is swallowed whole, poisoning is not expected, but stomach upset or a gastrointestinal foreign body is possible, depending on the pet's size and how many pits were eaten.

PetMD notes that fruit pits can cause a blockage in the stomach or intestines, that foreign body obstructions often require surgery, and that cherry stones are hard enough to break a tooth. Whole cherries with stones are best avoided entirely.

Cherries are also a sweet fruit, so a few pitted cherries are best kept as an occasional treat. Maraschino and canned cherries in syrup, and cherry pie fillings, add sugar and other ingredients, so skip those.

Benefits

Small and easy to portion once the pit and stem are removed

Risks

Pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide, which can be released when they are chewed
Pits can cause choking or intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs
Too many may upset the stomach
Maraschino, canned and pie-filling cherries contain added sugar and syrups

What to give instead

Choose fresh, plain cherries. Remove the stem and pit completely and cut the fruit in half or into pieces suited to your dog's size to reduce choking risk. Offer one piece at a time and see how your dog handles it.

Treats of all kinds should stay under 10% of your dog's daily calories. Do not feed cherry pie, jam, syrup-packed cherries or maraschino cherries.

Related forms

Food	Verdict	Why
Pitted fresh cherries	In moderation	Occasional small treat once stem and pit are removed.
Cherries with pits	No	Chewed pits can release cyanide, and pits can block the gut.
Maraschino and canned cherries	No	Processed with added sugar and syrup, with no benefit for dogs.
Cherry pie or jam	No	Added sugar, often with other ingredients that may not suit dogs.

If your dog already ate it

If your dog swallowed a single pit and seems fine, watch closely for vomiting, loss of appetite or belly pain, which could point to a blockage. Call your vet for advice, especially for a small dog or one that swallowed several pits.

If a dog has chewed pits, stems or leaves, treat it as urgent. Signs of cyanide poisoning listed by Pet Poison Helpline and PetMD include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, drooling and shock, and PetMD calls it a medical emergency. Contact your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply) immediately. Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet.

Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat cherries with the pit?

No. Pits can cause an intestinal blockage, and if chewed and crushed they can release cyanide. Always remove pits and stems first.

My dog swallowed a cherry pit. What should I do?

Pet Poison Helpline says poisoning is not expected from a pit swallowed whole, but a gastrointestinal foreign body is possible. Monitor for vomiting or belly pain and call your vet for advice. Small dogs and dogs that swallowed several pits, or chewed them, need prompt attention.

Are maraschino cherries safe for dogs?

It is better to skip them. They are processed with sugar and syrup and offer dogs nothing; plain pitted fruit is the better choice.

How many cherries can I give my dog?

None of the sources we read give a safe number. Offer only a few pitted pieces at a time, keep treats within 10% of daily calories, and ask your vet if you are unsure.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

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