At A Glance
Many wonder if dogs can eat pineapples. Well, we’re here to tell you they can. Dogs can safely eat pineapples as long as they are fed in moderation.
Here’s why:
So while it’s safe for you to feed pineapples to your dogs, moderation is key.
Last Updated on: July 17, 2023
It can be hard for pet owners to find nutritious and tasty foods to give their dogs as treats. Salted foods are an obvious no, chocolates are extremely toxic, and dairy products could cause bad reactions. So, what about fruits?
If you’ve ever wondered if your puppy can eat pineapple or are concerned about your dog sneaking a piece while you were away, you’ve come to the right place.
“Dogs can eat pineapple”, says Karen Lynn, Overall Atlantic Veterinary College, MA VMD Ph.D.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Animal lover L. Ellen says, “Yes, they can. My dogs love it. It’s nice to freeze some pineapple chunks to feed them as a treat during really hot weather. Just don’t give them too much.”
The short answer is yes, they can. Pineapples aren’t just a nutritious and tasty snack for humans. It turns out that they can be a great treat for our furry friends as well.
“Many people think dogs are carnivores”, Karel Batchell, a student of nutrition, says, “But they are actually omnivores and can thrive on a variety of foods, even a vegetarian or plant-based diet.”
But can dogs have pineapple every day?
The answer to this question is slightly complex. While dogs can eat some pineapple, they should not eat too much of the fruit. As long as the fruit is reserved as a tasty one-in-a-while treat, it should be just fine.
This also depends on your pet’s preferences, of course. For example, Karen Tiede, a pet parent, says, “My Chihuahua does eat pineapple. The other dogs won’t touch it. Pineapple is a pretty high-fiber product, and a Chi is a pretty low-volume dog, so allow that eating pineapple may cause side effects you only discover in the morning. But that doesn’t stop him.”
Chi’s anecdote may have had you wondering, “Can dogs eat pineapples?” Or rather “Should dogs eat pineapples?” But there’s no need to panic. Dogs who might have snuck and bite or two are in no danger.
The fruits are mostly safe for your pets to consume. In some cases, it can actually be good for them. Pineapples, for instance, are made up of 82% water, which helps with hydration. However, exercise portion control.
Not all forms of the fruit are 100% safe. Pet parents should remove the skin and core of the fruit and slice up the flesh into bite-sized chunks. The skin and core are hard to swallow and could potentially choke your dog. Moreover, they are extremely fibrous and can cause digestion problems as well.
Smaller dogs are not advised to have more than a couple of slices a day, while bigger dogs can eat a handful. A whole pineapple, however, is an unhealthy amount for any dog to consume in a day.
Pineapples contain a whole lot of vitamin C, B6, riboflavin, and niacin. Apart from that, it’s also rich in minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, and magnesium.
“Dogs can eat pineapple. It’s great for folate and zinc. They might even like it frozen”, says pet Warren Boudreau.
In fact, Erin Andersen, an associate veterinarian at DVM Pets First Animal Hospital, points out, “There is some anecdotal evidence saying the flesh of the pineapple fruit can help with digestion.”
This supports Founder of Burrwood Veterinary Alex Schechter statement, “Also, it is rich in minerals and electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc.”
“Studies have shown that pineapple pulp contains active substances that have a beneficial effect on chemical processes in the body. People who regularly consume fresh pineapple have a normal blood sugar level because the substances contained in this fruit act on some cells in the liver that are responsible for converting glucose into reserve substances”, says Nicole Gheorghiu, a health enthusiast from Toronto.
So, it makes sense to treat your pets with slices of pineapple occasionally.
As I mentioned before, no fruit is 100% safe for consumption. While full of good nutrients, pineapples are also high in fiber and sugar. When ingested in large amounts, this could be harmful to pets.
High fiber levels could cause indigestion in puppies, while a high sugar content increases their risk of diabetes. “The high fiber content in the food is beneficial only when you feed in small quantities. Oversized food proportions can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation”, Alex Schechter, founder of the Burrwood Veterinary, mentions.
It’s especially important to keep an eye on your pet if it is its first time eating the fruit. Signs of diarrhea or an upset stomach indicate a slight resistance. In which case, it would be wise to look at other options.
Additionally, the core of the fruit and the spiky skin are a big no. So, as long as you stick to feeding your dog just the flesh in small pieces, it should be fine.
Now that you know you can feed your furry friend pineapple, you should know how. However, before you start handing out these tasty treats, there are some more checks you should do.
For starters, check with a veterinarian if your puppy suffers from an underlying condition that could react badly with a pineapple-such as diabetes.
Once that’s clear, make sure to peel the fruit thoroughly and remove its core, so it doesn’t pose a choking hazard. When left with just the flesh, cut the fruit up into small bite-sized chunks.
Remember, only 10% of the dog’s daily nutrition should come from anything other than dog food. So, check portions appropriately.
To be honest, most dogs aren’t fond of pineapples, so don’t be surprised if your pet sniffs it and walks away.
If you think your pet needs some extra encouragement, here are some recipes:
You can bake this treat at home, and I’m sure your pet will have its tail wagging in no time. All you need is some coconut flour, eggs, coconut oil, pineapple puree, and rice flour.
Dogs love ice cream. Sadly, most store-bought variants are toxic for pets. This recipe combines plain yogurt and fresh pineapple.
Apart from these treats, you could also slice up a few chunks of pineapple and top it on your dog’s kibble as a treat.
A few slices of raw pineapple should be good enough for most dogs. Small dogs (weighing up to 10 pounds) should be fed not more than two tablespoons a day.
On the other hand, bigger dogs (weighing up to 70 pounds) should be fed not more than half a cup. Remember, only the flesh of the fruit should be consumed, nothing else.
No, canned pineapples should be avoided at all costs, as they contain a much high amount of sugar and preservatives. This could lead to indigestion for your furry friend and increase its risk of getting diseases like diabetes.
Instead, opt for fresh pineapples as they are nutritious. However, ensure your pet has it in moderation.
Pineapples are safe for dogs when raw. However, when cooking them as a treat for your pet, do not add any ingredients, especially spices and sugars, as they can trigger the digestive system.
As long as all your ingredients are dog friendly and it’s not too hot, you should be good to go.
No, the core of the pineapple should always be properly discarded before you feed your pet. The core is usually hard to swallow, which is a major choking hazard.
Moreover, this could strain your dog’s digestive system as it is quite fibrous. Only the flesh on the pineapple is suitable to feed dogs.
Yes, freshly squeezed pineapple juice would make a tasty treat for your pet. However, packaged juices, no matter which fruit, are a big no. Store-bought juices have tons of additives and sugars which are toxic to dogs.
It is also essential to note that pineapple juice should be fed in moderation so as to maintain a balanced diet.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
