Tart Red Cherry (Sour Cherry) - Alternative Medicine for Dogs and Cats

★3 min read

In this article:

1. Tart Red Cherry, A Potent Antioxidant
   
2. Health Benefits of Tart Red Cherry 
   
3. Cautions
4. Side Effects
5. Dosage Guidelines
   

1.0 Tart Red Cherry, A Potent Antioxidant

also known as Cerise de Montmorency, Tart Cherry, Red Sour Cherry, etc.

 

There are more than 270 varieties of sour cherry however only a few varieties are grown for commercial purposes. Montmorency is one of the most popular of the commercially grown tart red cherry varieties. The flesh and stem of the cherry fruit is used to make medicine.

Tart red cherry contains one of the highest antioxidant (anthocyanins) value of all fruit and vegetables.

On a scale that rates quantity of antioxidants in a food and the strength of the antioxidants (called the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity or ORAC), tart red cherry sits at the top of the list. See the chart just below.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods Ranked by ORAC Value:

 

Learn how to include tart red cherry and other top ranked species appropriate ORAC vegetables and fruit, in your dog's diet:

• Go to this article here.

2.0 Health Benefits of Tart Red Cherry

2.1 Tart Red Cherry Is A Natural...

 

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Tart red cherry is a source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds including: 

• Beta Carotene
• Quercetin
• Magnesium
  
• Vitamin A
  
• Vitamin B12
  
• Vitamin C 
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Omega 3 fatty acids
  
• Omega 6 fatty acids
  

Digestive Aid

Tart red cherry helps support:

• Absorption of nutrients.
• Cleansing of the digestive tract.
• Reduce symptoms of acid reflux. 

Mild Sedative

• Tart red cherry is a natural source of melatonin.

 

2.2 Tart Red Cherry Can Help Treat...

 

Anxiety, Insomnia

• Tart red cherry is rich in melatonin which helps reduce anxiety and helps to regulate sleep patterns.

Bladder and Kidney Crystals and Stones

• Reduce pain and inflammation.
• Increase urine production. 
• More about bladder and kidney crystals and stones here.

Brain Function Support

• Tart red cherry helps support optimal brain function.
  

Heart Issues

Tart red cherry can help reduce high:

• Blood pressure.
  
• LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
  
• High triglyceride levels.
  

Muscle and Joint Issues

• ACL/CCL injury.
• Arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Pain from over exertion of muscle.

3.0 Cautions

• Allergic or intolerant of cherries - don't use.

4.0 Side Effects

In some individuals the relatively high sorbitol content of tart red cherry juice may cause:

1. Abdominal discomfort.
2. Diarrhea.

If either of these symptoms occur, stop use.

5.0 Dosage Guidelines

5.1 Non-Therapeutic Dosage

Extract:
Dogs and Cats:

Reduce to ½ of manufacturer’s dosage by body weight/size.

Gel or Capsule Supplement:
Dogs and Cats:

Reduce to ½ of manufacturer’s dosage by body weight/size.

Pure Juice from Concentrate:
Small dogs:

1/2 tbs per day.
 

Medium size dogs:

1/8 cup per day.
 

Large size dogs:

1/4 cup per day.
 

X-Large size dogs:

1/3 cup per day.

Fresh, or Frozen Thawed (pureed or finely chopped)

Small dogs:

1 tbs per day.
 

Medium size dogs:

1/8 cup per day.
 

Large size dogs:

1/4 cup per day.
 

X-Large size dogs:

1/3 cup per day.

 

Dried (pureed or finely chopped)

Small dogs:

1 tsp up to 1/2 tbs per day.
 

Medium size dogs:

1 tbs per day.
 

Large size dogs:

1.5 tbsp up to 1/8 cup per day.
 

X-Large size dogs:

1/8 cup up to 1/4 cup per day.

5.2 Therapeutic Dosage

Extract:
Dogs and Cats:

Follow manufacturer’s dosage by body weight/size.

Gel or Capsule Supplement:
Dogs and Cats:

Follow manufacturer’s dosage by body weight/size.

Pure Juice from Concentrate:
Small dogs:

1 tbs per day.
 

Medium size dogs:

1/8 to 1/4 cup, 2x per day.
 

Large size dog:

1/3 cup, 2x per day.
 

X-Large size dogs: 

up to 1/2 cup, 2x per day.

 

Fresh, or Frozen Thawed (pureed or finely chopped)

Small dogs:

1 tbs, 2x per day.
 

Medium size dogs:

1/8 cup, 2x per day.
 

Large size dogs:

1/4 cup, 2x per day.
 

X-Large size dogs:

1/3 cup, 2x per day.

 

Dried (pureed or finely chopped)

Small dogs:

1 tsp up to 1/2 tbs, 2x per day.
 

Medium size dogs:

1 tbs, 2x per day.
 

Large size dogs:

1.5 tbs up to 1/8 cup, 2x per day.
 

X-Large size dogs:

1/8 cup up to 1/4 cup, 2x per day.

 

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Affiliations to Companies  

✓ None. 

✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.

✓ I'm not aligned with any companies. 

 

Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.