Pineapple is one of the favorite tropical fruits in many homes. We can not only eat it fresh naturally, but also in juices, ice creams, desserts, and even grilled. Have you ever been tempted to give your dog pineapple, but you don’t know if it’s safe to do so?
Keep reading on SweetDoggo and discover everything you need to know about dogs and pineapple: forms of consumption, recommended amount, risks, contraindications, frequently asked questions… and more.
Table of Contents
Can dogs eat natural pineapple?
Being a significantly sweet fruit, it is normal for many to wonder if a pineapple is safe for dogs to eat. As an owner, the most important thing to keep in mind is that, although it is not considered a toxic food, its consumption is not the most ideal for a canine diet.
In general, dogs can eat pineapple, but it should only be given in small quantities and always as a snack. As with other high-sugar fruits, excessive or regular consumption of pineapple can have negative consequences on the digestive system and the general health of the pet.
According to experts, natural ripe pineapple is an excellent source of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals; still, when it comes to giving it to our furry friends, moderation is key.
Does pineapple have benefits for dogs?
Consuming small portions of pineapple, on an occasional basis, can bring benefits to a dog’s diet thanks to its excellent nutritional properties. This fruit contains a wide list of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, A, K, and B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid), copper, calcium, iron, and magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and manganese.
Although the amount of pineapple recommended for dogs does not provide high doses of some nutrients, the truth is that together they favor more balanced and healthy nutrition.
In general, these are the 6 most important benefits:
1. Better digestive and intestinal health
Pineapple is rich in dietary fiber, which is why its moderate consumption in dogs helps firm up the stool and promotes better functioning of the digestive system.
2. Hydration
It is said that approximately 85% of the pineapple is water. Offering several cubes of natural fruit to your dog contributes to its hydration during the day, especially in the summer months.
3. Strengthening immunity and other vital processes
One of the most abundant nutrients in the delicious pineapple is vitamin C. This not only has great antioxidant and immune-stimulating power but also intervenes in numerous functions, such as collagen synthesis, tissue regeneration, healing, absorption of other vitamins and minerals, etc.
4. Bone protection
Thanks to its manganese content, pineapple helps promote better canine bone health. As explained, a small amount of manganese can have a big impact on a dog’s health.
5. Support the functioning of organs such as the brain and heart
Thiamin or vitamin B1, also present in pineapple, is considered a particularly important nutrient for dogs. In addition to supporting the optimal function of high-energy organs, such as the brain and heart, it promotes good eye health and cognitive function.
6. Healthy growth and development
Another B group vitamin of great importance for dogs is pyridoxine or vitamin B6. It is known to play a decisive role during the growth phase of puppies, promoting the production of red blood cells, protecting heart health, and improving mood.
While it’s a common nutrient in most dog foods, occasional servings of pineapple can supplement your overall intake.
How to give pineapple to dogs safely?
Preparing pineapple for your dog is no different than what you would do for human consumption. The pet should only eat the mass or pulp, hence the first thing to do is to peel and core the fruit. Make sure the pineapple pieces do not have any remaining skin or core (round, hard center).
As expected, the most recommended form of consumption in dogs is to offer natural ripe pineapple. This should be chopped into small pieces (2 cm), approximately the size of a bite. This not only provides better portion control but also avoids the risk of choking.
An alternative to fresh pineapple is to administer small pieces of frozen pineapple. Although it is considered safe in most cases, it is advised that it is not a good idea to let your dog eat pieces that are too hard.
If you want to freeze the fruit for a refreshing treat, it’s best to remove it from the freezer before it gets too hard.
Note. Some dogs may not like to eat pineapple. If so, you can always spoil your pet with other dog-safe fruits and vegetables.
What is the recommended amount of pineapple?
Considering that fruits such as pineapple are considered a type of treat, and that treats should not represent more than 10% of the daily caloric intake in a canine diet, dogs should never eat large amounts of pineapple.
Based on a dog weighing around 30 pounds (13.60 kg), an average caloric intake of 500 calories per day would be needed. If we have that the maximum amount of calories from treats should not exceed 10%, that is, 50 calories, then said the dog should only eat about 6 pineapple cubes.
As a general rule, it is only recommended to give them a small portion of the fruit, as an occasional snack or reward. The proper amount may vary depending on the size of the breed. For example, a large dog like a German Shepherd could eat several pineapple snacks without this being a problem; but it would not be the same if it is a small dog like the Yorkshire terrier.
Easy recipe: Homemade peanut butter pineapple oatmeal cookies
If you are one of those who are used to preparing their own homemade treats to pamper or reward the pet occasionally, take a look at the following recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oatmeal
- 1 cup of natural crushed pineapple
- 2 tablespoons plain peanut butter (no added salt or sugar)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until you get a consistent and mixed dough. Let stand a few minutes.
- Next, proceed to form the cookies. You can take small balls of dough with a spoon and shape them into cookies with your hands, or roll out the dough on a surface and then cut the cookies using a mold.
- Place the separated cookies on a flat tray and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- After the time, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a rack to cool.
Recommended:
Can Dogs Eat Banana? Consumption and Contraindications
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Consumption, Portion, and Warnings
Contraindications and side effects of pineapple
When not administered correctly, pineapple can have negative effects on dogs, ranging from an upset stomach to weight gain. This is especially true if they eat too much of it.
Stomach problems
A dog that eats more pineapple than recommended, or eats it on a regular basis, may experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Some dogs do not digest this sweet but acidic fruit well, which is why they may have diarrhea after eating it. Others may suffer from gas and constipation as a result of too much fiber in the diet.
Weight gain
Being a fruit rich in carbohydrates and sugars, giving a dog a lot of pineapples can lead to a nutritional imbalance and weight gain. The risk of being overweight is greater if inadequate consumption is maintained over time.
Diabetes
In general, pineapple is usually contraindicated in the diet of diabetic dogs, since it can affect the proper management of the disease. Likewise, it is warned that an obese dog that eats pineapple and other fruits regularly is more likely to develop diabetes.
Dental cavities
Just like in humans, foods high in sugar can affect a pet’s dental health. If you do let your dog eat pineapple, be sure to give it to him sporadically and follow a good dental hygiene routine.
Choking hazard
This is another of the most important caveats when it comes to dogs and pineapple. Failure to remove the hardcore or prickly skin of the fruit can put the animal in danger of choking and suffocation. Always make sure to provide pineapple pieces without the core or skin.
Allergic reaction
Lastly, it is known that some dogs may experience allergy symptoms after eating pineapple. This includes diarrhea and vomiting, swelling, itching, and sneezing.
Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Does pineapple serve to prevent a dog from eating feces?
Coprophagia, or the habit of eating feces in dogs, is a fairly common phenomenon that is usually due to dietary or behavioral problems. Surely you have heard on more than one occasion that pineapple is an effective home remedy to avoid this inconvenience, but that is not entirely true.
The best-known explanation behind this myth is that the addition of enzyme and fiber supplements to the canine diet discourages the dog from eating its own feces. However, this is a remedy that only works sometimes. While pineapple may provide some fiber and enzymes, such as bromelain, eating it occasionally is unlikely to be effective.
Another popular belief states that pineapple has the property of making the feces acquire an unusually unpleasant odor for the dog, and therefore helps prevent coprophagia. Unfortunately, there also doesn’t seem to be any real evidence that this works or is true.
Can dogs drink pineapple juice?
Although natural pineapple juice, without additives, is technically not harmful to dogs, it is also not considered a good option. This is because juice can provide a high concentration of sugar in a small serving. Avoid giving your dog pineapple juice, especially if he is overweight or diabetic.
Note. Needless to say, it is also not recommended to give them commercial pineapple juice with added sugars or other ingredients.
Can dogs eat pineapple hearts?
No. It is not safe to let a dog eat the hardcore pineapple. Not only would it be very difficult for him to digest, but it could also put him in danger of suffocation. It is important that the pet only ingests the fruit mass.
Can I give my dog pineapple ice cream?
Pineapple ice cream can be eaten without a problem by most dogs, but it is not the most appropriate type of treat to include in their diet. The best way for your dog to enjoy pineapple is to provide him with pieces of fresh fruit. Also, consider that some dogs are prone to stomach problems when consuming lactose.
Can dogs eat canned (preserved) pineapple?
In this case, the answer depends on the characteristics of the product. It is important to look at the list of ingredients first.
Canned pineapple that only contains the fruit in its own juice can be a safe alternative for dogs, as long as it is given in moderation. However, pineapple in syrup, syrup, or that contains any other form of sugar or added ingredient, should not be part of the canine diet.
Also be warned that many canned fruits may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
