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 dog’s 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 dog’s 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.