Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat cherries?

Keep away

Short answer: No. Cherry pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide compounds, and pits can block the gut.

Also called or found in: cherry pits, maraschino cherries, cherry pie

Why it matters

Pet Poison Helpline says every part of the cherry plant except the ripe flesh is considered toxic, and chewed pits release cyanide.

Whole swallowed pits can also cause stomach upset or a blockage, depending on the dog's size and the number of pits.

What owners may notice

With cyanide poisoning: dilated pupils, trouble breathing, bright red gums and shock (Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA).

This list can't tell you if your dog is OK. Only a veterinarian can.

If your dog ate some

Call your veterinarian or an animal poison line now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Have the package, the amount and your dog's weight ready. Don't try home remedies unless your veterinarian or the poison line tells you to.

In the kitchen

Cherry pie filling has no pits but is sugar and starch. Maraschino cherries are sugar and coloring.

Sources

  1. Cherry, Pet Poison Helpline. Checked October 22, 2026.
  2. Cherry (toxic and non-toxic plants), ASPCA. Checked October 22, 2026.
  3. Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

Related guides

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.