Can dogs eat pineapple
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Pineapple is a favorite fruit for many people. It is tart, sweet, and tangy, and its tropical origins put us in mind of warmer climates. In moderation, it can also be a healthy treat for dogs, similar to other types of fruit like strawberries and watermelon.
What to Consider Before Feeding Your Dog Pineapple
Ripe, raw pineapple contains a whole lot of vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Pineapple is also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. This makes it a nutrient-dense snack for humans and dogs alike, and these nutrients play an important role in your dogs immune system and digestive health.
All of these vitamins and minerals make pineapple sound like a wonderful choice for dogs. But there are a few other things to consider before feeding pineapple to your canines. Pineapple is high in fiber and contains a significant amount of natural sugar. This means that while pineapple is a perfectly healthy treat in small quantities, it can have adverse effects on your dogs digestive system if fed in large amounts.
Keep an eye on your dog when you first feed them pineapple. If your pup gets diarrhea or shows signs of an upset stomach, then pineapple might not be the fruit snack for them. The tough, central core of the pineapple has the potential to cause obstructions, as does the spiny skin. So stick your dog the feeding the flesh of the pineapple for their safety.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Pineapple?
Yes. Raw pineapple, in small amounts, is an excellent snack for dogs. Canned pineapple, on the other hand, should be avoided. The syrup in canned fruits contains too much sugar for most dogs digestive tracts to handle. A few chunks of raw pineapple are usually enough for most dogs, provided they are peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Plus, frozen pieces of fresh pineapple make a delicious treat in the summer.
If your dog does not like pineapple, there are plenty of other fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs to eat. For more information about human foods that are safe for dogs to eat, check out this helpful article.
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
It's a tasty topper for tropical drinks and delicious addition to fruit salad, but is pineapple safe for dogs? If you've been hesitant to feed your pup bites of this yummy fruit, you may actually have nothing to fear. Fresh pineapple can make for a nutritious dog treat, as long as it's given in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is rich in B-complex vitamins as well as vitamin C. It also contains high amounts of minerals and electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Many of the nutrients in pineapple can help support your dog's immune system and are good for digestive health, according to the American Kennel Club.
Raw pineapple can be a healthy treat for your pup when given in small quantities. However, canned and dried pineapple sometimes contain added sugars and provide extra calories your dog doesnt need.
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
As nutritious as pineapple can be for dogs, it also has some drawbacks. While the high fiber content can be beneficial in small quantities, too much of it can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, even a small amount of pineapple might lead to tummy trouble.
Pineapple is also packed with natural sugar, which could pose a risk to dogs with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes, The Labrador Site explained. And the high acid content in pineapple could wear down a dog's tooth enamel and speed up tooth decay.
You should avoid feeding both the spiny outer skin and the tough central core or the pineapple to your dog. These can cause intestinal blockages, so call your veterinarian if your pup raids the garbage and devours either of these parts of the pineapple. They can advise you on whether you should bring your dog in for an exam or take a wait-and-see approach.
How to Prepare Pineapple for Your Dog
How can dogs eat pineapple? Follow these guidelines to safely feed pineapple to your pooch:
- Check with your veterinarian before feeding in case there are any underlying conditions that pineapple would not work well with including diabetes.
- Peel and core the pineapple, discarding the peel and core in a place that's out of your dog's reach.
- Cut the pineapple into bite-size chunks for large dogs, or dice it into small pieces for small dogs.
- If you're feeding them pineapple for the first time, give your dog one bite and wait an hour to see if they show any signs of digestive issues. Stop giving them pineapple if it doesn't appear to agree with them. Remember that no more than ten percent of your dog's calories should come from anything other than their regular dog food.
- Give your dog no more than two or three small bites of pineapple a day.
A little bit of pineapple in moderation can be a yummy snack your dog could love. Just be careful not to overdo it, and don't let your dog's enthusiasm for this sweet treat override what's best for their overall health.
Contributor Bio
Jean Marie Bauhaus
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet lover, freelance writer and novelist. She currently lives in the Ozarks with her husband and their gaggle of four-footed dependents, where she enjoys watching a wide array of wild animals in her backyard while drinking her morning coffee.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Pineapple is a tasty treat for us, but is it okay for dogs to eat? When given correctly, and in the appropriate portion size, this tropical fruit can also be a safe and healthy treat for puppies and adult dogs alike.
Is Pineapple Good for Dogs?
Pineapples contain multiple vitamins and minerals that help support your dogs immune system and digestive system. Your dog could also benefit from the antioxidants found in pineapple such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and bromelain. And just like watermelons, pineapples contain a high percentage of water, which promotes hydration.
Although your dog wont experience major benefits from small pineapple pieces as occasional treats, they are definitely a healthy snack choice. Feeding dog-safe fruits to your pup is a much more nutritious option than table scraps that may be harmful to pets.
Check out some of the vitamins and minerals found in pineapples:
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folate
Manganese
Copper
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Calcium
Phosphorus
Zinc
Can Too Much Pineapple Be Bad for Dogs?
Yes, like most things, too much pineapple can be a bad thing for dogs. Pineapples have a high fiber content, which is great for the digestive tract, but too much fiber can actually cause your dog to have an upset stomach.
Pineapples also have a high sugar content, which can also lead to an upset stomach. If your dog eats too much sugar on a regular basis, they can develop health problems over time like dental issues, obesity, and diabetes. For proper portion sizes, check out our guidelines below.
Can Pineapple Stop a Dog From Eating Poop?
Theres a tale that many dog owners believe about pineapple stopping a dog from eating poop. The idea is that the antioxidant bromelain, which is found in pineapple, will make your dogs poop taste bad to them, therefore stopping them from eating their own feces.
However, theres no hard evidence proving this theory. If your dog does persist with this unfortunate habit, talk with your veterinarian.
Sometimes eating poop is just a bad habit that your dog has formed over time. But there could also be underlying health issues causing their desire to eat animal poop. Contact your veterinarian to find out if this applies to your dog and what the best next steps would be.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Pineapple?
Although canned pineapple is not toxic for dogs, it shouldnt be used as a snack for your pup. Canned pineapple usually comes in a syrup that has very high sugar content. And that much sugar will most certainly upset your dogs stomach. Its best to stick with raw pineapple.
Can Dogs Eat a Pineapple Core?
When feeding your dog pineapple, its crucial to always remove the core, stem, leaves, and skin. All of these can become choking hazards for your dog, and even cause an intestinal blockage.
If your dog has eaten the core of a pineapple, contact your veterinarian immediately. Its too difficult for your dog to digest and could cause serious problems.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Pineapple?
If you are going to dehydrate the pineapple yourself, dried pineapple can be a safe and easy treat for your dog. Just make sure its not so hardened that it becomes a choking hazard.The process of drying the fruit also concentrates the sugars.
Store-bought dried fruits typically contain a large amount of added sugar, which is not good for your dogs overall health. This could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. They also often contain preservatives that could be dangerous for your dog.
If your dog has already eaten some, check the ingredients list for any hazardous ingredients for dogs, such as xylitol. Contact your veterinarian, just to be safe.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Pineapple?
As long as there are no ingredients added to the cooked pineapple, your dog should be fine to eat it in small amounts. Just be sure its not so hot that it will burn their mouth.
However, if youre cooking the pineapple with other things like garlic and onion, do not feed it to your dog. Garlic and onion are both toxic to dogs. If your dog has eaten just a little bit, they will probably only suffer some stomach upset. But if they have eaten a large amount, this could be hazardous. Take them to your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Cake?
You shouldnt share pineapple cake with your dog. Although pineapple itself is healthy, pineapple cake has too much sugar for your dog and could make them sick.
Theres also the risk of additional ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like nutmeg or xylitol. If your dog ate pineapple cake, especially if it has either of these ingredients, contact your veterinarian right away.
How Much Pineapple Can a Dog Eat?
Any kind of treat should only make up 10% of your dogs overall dieteven the healthy ones. The other 90% of your dogs diet should come from well-balanced dog food.
Below are some general guidelines for safely feeding raw pineapple to your dog based on their weight. Always make sure to remove the core before feeding pineapple to your dog. Each piece should only be about 1 inch x 1 inch x -inch thick.
For pineapple that youve dehydrated, rehydrate the pieces or give your dog a little less than the following recommended amounts, since dehydrating concentrates the sugars.
- Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 1-2 pieces of pineapple
Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
- Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 pieces of pineapple
Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
- Medium-size dog (31-50 lbs.) = 5-6 pieces of pineapple
Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
- Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = handful of pineapple pieces
Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
- Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = large handful of pineapple pieces
Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
If your dog accidentally ate too much pineapple, watch for the following symptoms:
If you do notice any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Pineapple
Pineapple can be a fun and healthy treat for dogs. Here are some easy ways to safely feed it to them.
Fruit smoothie: Blend up a little pineapple with other dog-safe fruits like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries. You can even mix the fruit with a sugar-free, xylitol-free, plain yogurt. Then put this mixture into your dogs KONG toy to freeze for later. They will love licking up this delicious combination!
Pina colada mocktail: Try this recipe for a dog-safe pina colada with pineapple, banana, mango, and Rescue Remedy.
Featured image: iStock.com/Lindsay Lou
