Are Cherries and Peaches Safe for Dogs? Pit Dangers

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Stone fruits are a summer treat, and the flesh of both cherries and peaches is not harmful. The danger lies in the pit, stems and leaves, which have a long history of causing trouble for dogs.

What is the problem?

The pits, seeds, leaves and stems of cherries, peaches, plums, apricots and related fruits contain amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when chewed or digested. Cyanide prevents cells from using oxygen. A swallowed whole pit may pass without releasing much, but a chewed pit can be dangerous, particularly for small dogs. Pits are also hard and can cause choking and intestinal blockages.

Cherries

Cherry flesh is generally low risk and provides vitamins A and C and fibre. But the pit, stem and leaves are hazardous. Dogs often eat cherries off the ground or tree, pits included. Maraschino cherries, canned cherries and cherry pie filling contain a lot of sugar and sometimes alcohol or xylitol. See alcohol and dogs and xylitol.

Peaches

Peach flesh is a source of vitamins A and C and fibre, and is safe in small amounts. The pit is large and hard, and can lodge in the stomach or intestine. It contains more amygdalin than a cherry pit. The skin can be fuzzy and may upset the stomach. Canned peaches in syrup have too much sugar.

Signs of cyanide poisoning

Cyanide poisoning is rare but serious. Signs usually appear within minutes to hours.

• Drooling and vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Bright red gums
• Rapid, labored breathing
• Weakness, collapse
• Seizures

If you see these signs, go to an emergency clinic immediately.

Signs of a blockage

• Repeated vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Lethargy
• Straining or no stool

A blocked gut can be life-threatening and sometimes needs surgery.

What to do if your dog ate a pit

1. Take away any remaining fruit.
2. Estimate how many pits were eaten and whether they were chewed.
3. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline.
4. Follow advice. Your vet may recommend X-rays, inducing vomiting if appropriate or monitoring.

See our guide to what to do if your dog is poisoned.

How to serve safely

1. Wash the fruit.
2. Remove pits, stems and leaves.
3. Cut the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. Offer a small amount, as a treat.

Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories.

Fruit trees in the garden

If you have cherry or peach trees, pick up fallen fruit promptly, and keep dogs away from leaves, twigs and pits. Wilted leaves are especially concentrated in toxins. Compost bins can also hold discarded pits.

Safer fruit choices

Apples without seeds, blueberries and bananas are easier. See apples, blueberries and mango for pit advice.

Plums, apricots and nectarines

The same warning applies to other stone fruit. Plum, apricot and nectarine pits all contain amygdalin and are hard enough to cause blockages. The flesh is acceptable in small amounts, but the pit, stem and leaves are not. If your dog loves to steal fruit from the bowl, move it to a high shelf or fridge, and teach a reliable "drop it" cue so you can trade for a safe treat. Always count the pits when a fruit bowl goes missing.

Why small dogs are at greater risk

A pit that passes easily through a Labrador can lodge in the gut of a Chihuahua, and the same toxin dose is a larger share of a small body. If you have a small breed, be especially careful, and call your vet quickly whenever a pit has been swallowed. Early X-rays or monitoring can prevent an emergency.

The takeaway

The flesh is fine in tiny portions, but pits, stems and leaves are dangerous. Remove them, and contact your vet if your dog swallows any.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.