Cherry
75 foods contain this ingredient
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About Cherry
Cherry is the fleshy fruit of Prunus species added to some pet foods and treats for flavor and modest amounts of fiber and antioxidants.
Cherries are used in pet foods primarily as a fruit inclusion or natural flavor, contributing small amounts of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols (anthocyanins) but are low in protein and fat and not a primary nutrient source. Because pits, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds and whole pits are choking/obstruction hazards, cherries should be fully pitted and properly processed before inclusion, and owners should avoid giving pets whole or sweetened/processed cherry products (which may include added sugars or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol); diabetic pets and cats, which have limited dietary need for fruit, require particular caution.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- Prunus fruit (sweet or tart cherry flesh, pitted)
- Primary role
- flavor and minor fiber/antioxidant inclusion
Why it's used
Cherries add natural sweetness and color along with fiber, potassium and polyphenol antioxidants such as anthocyanins, so formulators include small amounts of pitted flesh mainly to round out flavor profiles rather than to deliver core nutrition. In whole-food form, cherries are nutrient dense relative to their calorie count, which is part of their appeal as a fruit inclusion.
Common concerns
- Pits, stems and leaves ASPCA identifies cyanogenic glycosides as the toxic principle in cherry stems, leaves and seeds, with wilting leaves considered particularly concerning.
- Choking and intestinal obstruction Veterinary sources note that a swallowed pit can lodge in the stomach or intestines and cause an obstruction.
- Amygdalin release requires chewing Cyanide exposure from pits is tied to the seed being crushed or chewed open; an intact, swallowed pit is treated differently by poison-control sources than a chewed one.
- Added sugars in processed cherry products Sweetened, dried or maraschino cherry products can carry added sugar or artificial sweeteners not present in plain fruit, a distinction poison-control and vet sources draw when discussing cherries as a treat.
Also relevant
Cats have limited physiological need for fruit in their diet, so cherry inclusions in cat products are typically trace amounts used for palatability rather than nutrition; owners with pet-specific questions should consult a veterinarian.
4 sources cited
- Toxic principle in cherry plant is cyanogenic glycosides; stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide, with wilting leaves noted as particularly concerning
- Clinical signs of cyanide-type toxicity include brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock
- Swallowed cherry pits can lodge in the stomach or intestines and cause blockage, particularly in small dogs; may require vet evaluation, imaging or surgery
- Sweet cherries are a source of fiber, polyphenols, vitamin C and potassium
Common Questions
What category is Cherry?
Cherry is categorized as a fruit ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Cherry part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Cherry in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Cherry?
75 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Cherry, including Earth Animal, Evolve, Health Extension.
Foods with Cherry
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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