Can goats eat cherries? When I first got my goats, I was excited to offer them a variety of treats. Cherries were readily available, and I wondered if they would be a good choice. The answer is yes, goats can eat cherries, but with some caution.
As a proud goat owner, I learned that while cherries can be a delicious treat, they can also pose some risks. Understanding what parts of the cherry tree are safe and what are toxic is essential to ensure your goat’s health and well-being. I soon discovered that the stems, leaves, bark, and pits of the cherry tree can be harmful to goats due to their cyanide content.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about feeding your goats cherries, including their nutritional benefits and the potential hazards associated with cherry tree parts. We’ll provide you with tips on how to safely offer cherries to your goats and address some common questions about the various components of the cherry tree. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently offer your goat a tasty and nutritious treat.
Where do Cherries Come From?
Cherries come from the genus Prunus and they are closely related to plums, apricots, peaches, and almonds. The cherry tree is a small deciduous tree growing between 15 – 30 feet tall depending on the variety.
The leaves of all cherries are arranged alternately and there are plenty of similarities among the trees; however, some types of cherry trees bear fruit that is edible for humans while others can cause stomach aches or irritate the skin.
The Fruit
Most varieties of cherries produce an inedible fruit that is very acidic and astringent as well as tiny hard pits (like peach pits) that need to be removed before you give them to your goats. Sour pie cherries are used to make cherry pies and these cherries are also used to make cherry juice, jam, and other products.
Sour pie cherries that you can eat can be black or red-skinned, there is even a variety called the Morello Cherry which has yellowish fruit. Sweet cherries such as Bing and Rainier are usually dark red with yellow spots or streaks; they must be pitted before giving them to your goats.
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Are Cherries Good For Goats?
Yes, most varieties of cherries are good for your goat (although moderation is important). They provide some great nutrients including antioxidants and vitamin A as well as being easy to digest without causing stomach upsets.
You have to consider where the cherries come from and whether they are ripe before you feed them to your goats. The toxicity of cherry leaves is well documented, but not many people know that the stems, bark, and fruit of some species are also toxic.
All parts of the cherry tree have trace amounts of cyanide. Wilted leaves and pits contain the highest concentration, while the fruit contains the lowest concentration.
You should never let your goats eat freely from a cherry tree, always give them a small number of pitted cherries to reduce the likelihood of them ingesting a toxic amount.
Allergy And Toxicity Concerns
Cherry allergies are common in humans; ingestion can cause nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches, or vomiting. You should keep this in mind when giving cherry products to your goat. They can get sick just like us if they eat too many cherries – including the pit!
It’s hard for a goat to choke on a peach pit because it isn’t round enough to get stuck in their throat; however, cherry pits are much more cylindrical and they can get stuck where you really don’t want them to be.
Goats eating cherry leaves, bark, or stems will get sick just like people do. Ingesting large amounts can cause diarrhea and in some cases, death. The toxicity and calorie density of the leaves make them unsuitable for anyone to eat in large quantities.
Are Cherries Poisonous to Goats?
Most of the cherry tree is poisonous to goats. This is because cherries have a high level of cyanide in their stems, leaves, and seeds which are also found on most sour pie cherries that you can eat too.
Eating too many cherries or cherry products with pits may upset your goat’s stomach causing diarrhea, and can even cause death.
The bottom line is that although small amounts are fine for your goat, it is best to avoid feeding them any large quantities of cherries or things made from cherries including fruit jams or juices.
Can Goats Eat Cherry Leaves?
The leaves of the cherry tree are toxic to goats, just as they are to most animals, including humans. The leaves and stems may cause stomach problems like nausea and diarrhea especially if eaten in large quantities.
When the leaves are wilted they become especially toxic because they release hydrogen cyanide and can be fatal if consumed in large quantities.
Can Goats Eat Cherry Bark?
Cherry bark contains high levels of cyanide just as leaves, stems, and fruit do – including the seeds! Cyanide poisoning causes vomiting, seizures, respiratory failure, heart attacks, and sometimes death.
A goat would have to eat a lot of cherry bark before it became toxic but there is no reason to risk giving them more than they can stand.
Can Goats Eat Cherry Pits?
It is not recommended that you give your goat cherries with pits because like apple seeds, peach seeds, and cranberry seeds they may contain trace amounts of cyanide which can make your goats sick. The pit also presents a choking hazard if it gets caught in your goat’s throat.
Goats will usually swallow the pit whole or spit them out. The levels of cyanide are higher when the pits are broken up. When pits are removed before processing cherries, most of the cyanide is gone.
Cherry pits can affect blood sugar levels in some animals so they may pose a risk for your diabetic goats. Please consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding cherry products to your goats, especially if they have health issues.
Can Goats Eat Choke Cherries?
Choke cherries can be ingested by your goats without causing any problems; however, they contain very high amounts of vitamin A and will cause your goat’s milk to turn into butter or cheese that is orange instead of the usual white. The amount of vitamin A in choke cherries is so large that it can kill your goat if they eat too many.
What Other Fruits Can Goats Eat Apart from Cherries?
Goats are known for their diverse and sometimes adventurous palate. While cherries can be a part of their diet in moderation, there are several other fruits that are also safe and beneficial for your goat. Each fruit has its unique nutritional benefits and potential risks. Here are five other fruits that goats can eat, with some important considerations for each.
Peaches
Goats can enjoy the sweet and juicy flesh of peaches. Peaches are a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, similar to cherries, peach pits contain trace amounts of cyanide and can pose a choking hazard. Make sure to remove the pit before offering peaches to your goat. Wash the fruit well to remove any pesticides or chemicals.
Read More: Can Goats Eat Peaches? Simple Answer & Feeding Tips
Mango
Mangoes are another tropical fruit that goats can enjoy. The sweet and tangy flesh of mangoes is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, making them a nutritious treat for your goats. Remove the skin and the pit before feeding it to your goat, as the pit can be a choking hazard, and the skin can sometimes cause digestive issues.
Read More: Can Goats Eat Mango? Simple Answer & Feeding Tips
Plums
Plums are a delicious and juicy treat for goats. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Just like with cherries and peaches, make sure to remove the pit before feeding plums to your goats. Plums can be a great way to add some variety to their diet, but as with all fruits, offer them in moderation.
Read More: Can Goats Eat Plums? 6 Excellent Benefits
Nectarines
Nectarines are similar to peaches but have smooth skin. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Goats can enjoy the sweet and juicy flesh of nectarines, but again, it’s important to remove the pit. Nectarines can be given as an occasional treat, but always ensure that the fruit is thoroughly washed to remove any pesticides or chemicals.
Read More: Can Goats Eat Nectarines? 3 Important Health Benefits
Apricots
Apricots are small, sweet, and juicy fruits that can be a good treat for goats. They are rich in vitamins A and C, and also provide some fiber. As with the other fruits mentioned, the pit should be removed before feeding apricots to your goat. Apricots can be fed in moderation, and it’s always a good idea to wash the fruit well before offering it to your goat.
Read More: Can Goats Eat Apricots? 4 Excellent Health Benefits
Can Goats Eat Cherries – Final Thoughts
As you can see, the answer to “Can goats eat cherries?” is yes. Cherries are okay for your goat in moderation, but there are a couple of important points to understand about the pits and leaves that come with cherry tree fruit.
If you’re not sure whether or not it’s safe for your animal companion to consume this food item, always remember that moderation is key. You should never feed your goat cherry pits or leaves as they contain cyanide.
