Cherry jam

What is cherry jam?

Cherry jam is a fruit spread made from fresh or frozen cherries, gelling sugar and lemon juice. The cherries are pitted, mixed with the sugar and lemon juice and left to infuse for a few hours. They are then brought to the boil, stirring constantly, and boiled for around four minutes until the mixture gels. The hot jam is then poured into clean jars and sealed. The jam will keep for about a year in a cool, dark place.

There are many different recipes for cherry jam, which can be varied according to taste. For example, you can add amaretto, vanilla, balsamic vinegar or chocolate to the jam to give it a special flavor. The choice of cherries can also make a difference: sour cherries are juicier and more aromatic than sweet cherries, but also slightly more tart. Sweet cherries are milder in taste, but need more lemon juice or citric acid to gel.

What are the benefits of cherry jam for dogs?

Cherry jam has several benefits for dogs that can make it a tasty and healthy treat. Here are some of them:

• Cherries contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants.Cherries are rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as folic acid, potassium and fiber. These nutrients strengthen your dog's immune system, eyesight and digestion. Cherries also contain many antioxidants that can fight free radicals and protect against cell damage.
• Cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect. Cherries are a natural source of anthocyanins, which are flavonoids. These plant substances have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help with joint pain, arthritis or sore muscles. They can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Cherries can regulate blood sugar levels. Cherries have a low glycemic index (GI), which means they cause blood sugar levels to rise slowly. This is good for dogs with diabetes or obesity, as they have to release less insulin. Cherries can also curb the appetite and prevent cravings.
• Lemon juice promotes digestion and the immune system.Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and protects against infections. Lemon juice also stimulates the production of stomach acid, which improves digestion and reduces flatulence. Lemon juice also has an alkaline effect in the body and can therefore balance the pH value.

What are the disadvantages of cherry jam for dogs?

Cherry jam also has some disadvantages for dogs that you should be aware of before giving it to your four-legged friend. Here are some of them:

• Cherry jam contains a lot of sugar. Cherry jam consists largely of sugar, which is not healthy for dogs. Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes or other metabolic disorders. Sugar can also lead to a rise in blood sugar levels and a drop in serotonin levels, which can affect your dog's mood and behavior.
• Cherry pits are toxic to dogs. Cherry pits contain hydrogen cyanide, which is very dangerous for dogs. Prussic acid can lead to breathing difficulties, convulsions, unconsciousness or even death. You should therefore always make sure that you pit the cherries before processing them and that there are no pits in the jam. You should also not give your dog fresh cherries, as he could swallow them with the pit.
• Cherry jam can trigger allergies. Cherry jam can trigger allergies or intolerances in some dogs. Symptoms can include itching, skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting or breathing difficulties. When you give your dog cherry jam for the first time, you should therefore only give a small amount and observe his reaction. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, you should consult a vet immediately.

How much cherry jam can a dog eat?

Cherry jam is not a staple food for dogs, but an occasional treat. You should therefore only give it in moderation and not too often. A rule of thumb is that no more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calorie intake should come from snacks. This means that a 10 kg dog can eat about one teaspoon of cherry jam per day. Of course, the exact amount also depends on your dog's size, age, activity level and health.