Cherries are small stone fruits sold fresh, frozen, dried, canned, and as juice concentrates. Sweet cherries are common for snacking, while tart cherries are often used for pies and sauces. The flesh contains water and natural sugar, but the pit and stem create the main safety concerns for pets.
Most kitchen prep includes washing, destemming, and pitting before using cherries in fruit salads, baked goods, compotes, and jams. Maraschino cherries are packed in sugar syrup with coloring and flavoring. Dried cherries and pie fillings are also more concentrated in sugar than fresh fruit. Cobblers, clafoutis, and snack bowls may still contain whole pits if fruit is not fully prepped.
Pits can cause choking or blockage if swallowed whole and may release harmful compounds if crushed. Stem and leaf material should also be kept away from pets. If a taste is offered, use only a tiny amount of plain pit-free flesh. Cherry sauces and pie fillings are usually much sweeter than plain fresh fruit.
