Food
Can dogs eat cherries? Pits, stems and what to do
Igor, founder of ZoozyJars and maltipoo owner · Updated October 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Can dogs eat cherries? Better not. The flesh isn't poisonous, but the pits, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds, and a small dog swallows a cherry whole, pit and all. The risk outweighs the benefit.
- Answer: better not to give them.
- Dangerous: pits, stems, leaves, sour cherries too.
- If you must: 1–2 pitted cherries for a small dog.
- Dog ate a lot with pits? Call your vet.
Ate several cherries with pits, or chewed the pits? Call your vet and tell them your dog's weight and the amount. Urgent signs: dilated pupils, brick-red gums, trouble breathing, vomiting, no poop.
Why cherry pits are dangerous
Cherry pits contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide in the body. For that to happen, the pit has to be crushed. A dog that swallowed one pit whole usually has no signs of poisoning.
For a small dog, the bigger problem is the pit and stem themselves. Dogs weighing 3–5 kg have narrow intestines, and a few pits can block them. Signs of a blockage are vomiting, no poop, lethargy and a painful belly, sometimes only after 1–2 days.
My dog ate cherries: what to do
- Check how many it ate and whether with pits. Count the stems left over.
- Call your vet if your dog ate more than 1–2 cherries with pits, or chewed them.
- Don't make your dog vomit on your own.
- Watch its poop, appetite and behaviour for 2–3 days.
The most common situation in June and July: a bowl of cherries on the garden table, or fruit that has fallen from the tree. The dog picks them up from the grass when nobody is looking.
Pitted cherries
Cherry flesh isn't toxic to dogs. If your dog really wants some, pit 1–2 cherries and give them in pieces. They have about 63 kcal per 100 g, which is quite a lot for a fruit.
| Dog's weight | Maximum, pitted |
|---|---|
| 3 kg | 1–2 cherries |
| 5 kg | 2–3 cherries |
| 8 kg | about 3 cherries |
My maltipoo weighs about 4 kg. We don't give her cherries of any kind.
What to give instead in summer
Strawberries, raspberries and seedless watermelon are easier, because there's nothing to pit. The full fruit chart is in what dogs can't eat.
Fruit is only an extra
A dog on complete food doesn't need fruit. If it starts picking treats from the garden instead of its bowl, read what to do when your dog won't eat.
Frequently asked questions
A single pit swallowed whole usually passes through. With a small dog, watch its poop, appetite and any vomiting for 2–3 days. If it vomits, stops pooping or seems lethargic, see a vet.
AKC — Can dogs have cherries?; ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Cherry; NRC 2006 (RER). This article is for education only and does not replace advice from a veterinarian.
About the author
Igor, founder of ZoozyJars and maltipoo owner
I run ZoozyJars and live with a maltipoo myself. I write from my own experience and lean on the sources listed under each article.
Read our storyRead next
Food · 3 min read
Can dogs eat plums? Pits, prunes and fallen fruit
Can dogs eat plums? Better not: the pit can block the intestines, and fallen plums ferment. A little flesh does no harm. What to do if your dog ate one.
Food · 3 min read
Can dogs eat peaches? Flesh yes, pit no
Can dogs eat peaches? The flesh in small amounts, yes. The pit is dangerous, and canned peaches are a no. How much peach for a 3, 5 and 8 kg dog.
Food · 6 min read
What dogs can't eat: list of foods and fruits
What dogs can't eat: grapes, chocolate, xylitol, onion and 5 more. Fruit chart for watermelon, banana, cherries, and what to do if your dog ate one.
Personal food plan
How much, and what, does your dog need?
Answer a few questions about breed, weight, age and activity. We'll work out the daily portion in calories and a set of ZoozyJars flavours.
Get personalised planA daily ritual. A personal plan. Yours to pause anytime.