Fruit

Can dogs eat cherries?

A little In moderation

Only pitted flesh. The flesh is fine, but stones, stems and leaves contain cyanide and stones can block the gut.

Why Cyanogenic glycosides in stones, stems and leaves

By Sam Okafor, CPDT-KAReviewed by Dr Elin Rosen, DVM · September 13, 2026

Photo: Krzysztof%20Puszczy%u0144ski (CC0) via stocksnap

If your dog ate some

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
If several stones were swallowed, call your vet.

Signs to watch for

Dilated pupils
Difficulty breathing
Bright red gums
Vomiting

How much, how often

One or two pitted cherries.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

Remove stones and stems
Avoid maraschino cherries

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

Only pitted flesh. The flesh is fine, but stones, stems and leaves contain cyanide and stones can block the gut.

How much: One or two pitted cherries.

Cats In moderation

Better avoided. The flesh is not toxic, but the stones, stems and leaves are, and cats gain nothing from the fruit.

Can cats eat cherries?

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat cherries?

Only pitted flesh. The flesh is fine, but stones, stems and leaves contain cyanide and stones can block the gut.

How much cherries can a dog have?

One or two pitted cherries.

What makes cherries risky for dogs?

Cyanogenic glycosides in stones, stems and leaves.

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, bright red gums, vomiting.

What should I do if my dog ate cherries?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If several stones were swallowed, call your vet.

Is cherries safe for cats too?

Better avoided. The flesh is not toxic, but the stones, stems and leaves are, and cats gain nothing from the fruit.

Sources

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts