Preparation
You MUST remove the stem and the pit. Never feed a cherry whole.
Quantity
A small handful (about 10 cherries) max.
Notes
Extremely high in sugar. Never let your horse graze near a cherry tree.
Nutritional Benefits
* Packed with powerful antioxidants that aid in muscle recovery.
* High in Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
* Provides a fast, sweet energy boost.
Safe Varieties
1. Fresh, pitted sweet cherries - The absolute best, safe and juicy.
2. Fresh, pitted tart cherries - Great for inflammation, if they tolerate the sour taste.
3. Dried, pitted cherries - Safe in small amounts, double check for pits!
4. Whole cherries with pits - Avoid entirely. The pits contain cyanide.
5. Cherry tree leaves and twigs - Avoid entirely! These are lethally toxic.
Feeding Guide
Average adult horse: 5 to 10 pitted cherries.
Metabolic horses: Skip them, the sugar spike is too high.
Seniors: Pitted cherries are very soft and easy to gum.
Positive Signs
* Red, messy lips and eager chewing.
* Licking your hand to get every last drop of juice.
* Normal digestion and behavior.
Negative Signs
* Heavy breathing, flared nostrils, or bright red gums. These are signs of cyanide poisoning from pits or leaves. Call the vet instantly.
* Spitting them out if they are too tart.
Preparation Science
Cherry pits (and the stems/leaves) contain cyanogenic glycosides. When chewed and exposed to stomach acid, this compound turns into cyanide gas, which is fatal. Pitting is mandatory.
Enrichment Science
The intense sweetness and soft texture make pitted cherries a highly stimulating, high-value reward for difficult training tasks or medical procedures.
Play Ideas
Easy: Pop a pitted cherry into their mouth for an instant reward.
Medium: Mix chopped, pitted cherries into a warm mash to flavor it.
Hard: Freeze pitted cherries in water to make sweet, red ice cubes for summer.
FAQ
Q: My horse ate one cherry with a pit, will they die?
A: One single pit usually isn't enough to kill a massive horse, but monitor them very closely and call your vet for advice.
Q: Can I plant a cherry tree in their pasture for shade?
A: Absolutely not. The wilted leaves are incredibly toxic and kill horses every year.
Alternatives
* Berries (like blueberries) are sweet, safe, and require zero pitting.
* Apples are safer, though you still have to remove the seeds.
* Grapes are sweet and juicy but don't contain toxic pits.
Risks & Disclaimer
Cherries are a delicious treat, but the pits, stems, and leaves are toxic. Always pit them yourself, and keep your horse far away from cherry trees.
