Seeds & Pits
Can dogs and cats eat cherry pits and apple seeds?
Short answer on cherry pits and apple seeds: toxic for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Call ASPCA: (888) 426-4435One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a toxic verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
Cherry Pits and Apple Seeds safety for dogs
Cherry pits and apple seeds contain a compound that releases cyanide when chewed or crushed, though a whole pit swallowed intact is far less dangerous than one that has been cracked open.
Toxic principle: amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that releases hydrogen cyanide when the seed coat is broken
Watch for
- rapid breathing
- bright red gums
- dilated pupils
- difficulty breathing
- vomiting
- seizures
- collapse
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Cherry Pits and Apple Seeds safety for cats
Cats face the same cyanide risk as dogs if they chew through cherry pits or apple seeds, and whole stone fruit pits are additionally a choking and obstruction hazard.
Toxic principle: amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that releases hydrogen cyanide when the seed coat is broken
Watch for
- rapid breathing
- bright red gums
- dilated pupils
- difficulty breathing
- vomiting
- seizures
- collapse
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Questions owners ask about cherry pits and apple seeds
Can dogs eat cherry pits and apple seeds?
Cherry pits and apple seeds contain a compound that releases cyanide when chewed or crushed, though a whole pit swallowed intact is far less dangerous than one that has been cracked open.
What should I do if my dog ate cherry pits and apple seeds?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with cherry pits and apple seeds and dogs?
rapid breathing, bright red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, collapse. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat cherry pits and apple seeds?
Cats face the same cyanide risk as dogs if they chew through cherry pits or apple seeds, and whole stone fruit pits are additionally a choking and obstruction hazard.
What should I do if my cat ate cherry pits and apple seeds?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with cherry pits and apple seeds and cats?
rapid breathing, bright red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, collapse. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
More seeds & pits
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.