Can dogs eat pineapple? Yes, pineapple is a safe fruit for dogs and offers numerous health benefits. Some of them include enhancing the brain, heart, digestive, and neural functions of dogs. They are all attributed to the pineapple’s high nutritional value.
Discover how pineapple can benefit your dog, and try to make some of the delicious pineapple dog treats that will set Fido’s tail wagging.
Are pineapples good for dogs?
Fresh pineapple is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep your dog healthy and strong. Here are some of the many nutrients found in pineapple.
Folate (folic acid B9)
- Helps maintain normal metabolic functions
- Supports and strengthens cell membranes
Magnesium
- Assists in mineral absorption such as zinc, calcium, and potassium
- Keeps organs such as the heart and liver functioning smoothly
Manganese
- Necessary in the production of fatty acids
- Needed by your dog’s body for protein and carbohydrate synthesis
- Promotes a healthy skeletal structure
Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Helps keep the coat and skin healthy.
- Essential in converting sugars and fats into energy.
- Assists in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells
- Aids in the production of antibodies that protect the body against disease
Vitamin A
- Keeps skin, coat, nerves, and muscles in optimal condition.
- Promotes good eyesight and prevents sight deterioration.
Vitamin B6
- Promotes a healthy heart.
- Help with healthy brain function.
Vitamin C
- Promotes tissue regeneration
- Helps prevent heart diseases
- Lowers cholesterol
- Helps in the absorption of other nutrients
Antioxidants
- Protect the body from free radical cells and prevents cell damage
- Improve cognitive functions.
Is pineapple safe to eat for all dogs?
Pineapple is safe to eat for any dog. However, pineapple has an enzyme called actinidain or actinidin, which can trigger allergies in some dog breeds. Thus, make sure to monitor your dog, especially if it is his first time eating pineapple.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction are:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
If your dog exhibits these signs, stop feeding him pineapples. Bring him immediately to the vet if the symptoms persist so he can get the appropriate treatment.
Can diabetic dogs eat pineapple?
No, pineapple is not the best snack option for a diabetic dog, as pineapple’s sugar content is too high for a dog with diabetes. Consult the vet on what fruits are more suitable for diabetic dogs.
How much pineapple can a dog eat?
Pineapples should not be a regular part of your dog’s meals. It should only be given only as an occasional treat and in small amounts. Dogs weighing under 50 pounds can have ½ of pineapple a day. Pooches weighing over 50 pounds can have a maximum of 1 chunk of pineapple.
Although pineapple offers many benefits, giving him too much can lead to adverse health effects. The fruit has high natural sugar content, and if fed indiscriminately to your dog, it can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
Since pineapple is also high in fiber, consuming too much can cause constipation or diarrhea. In addition, while it is full of vitamin C, excessive amounts can lead to vitamin C toxicity. Therefore, it is best to feed your dog pineapple in moderation and always feed your dog a balanced diet.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Core?
A pineapple core is tough to bite through, making it a choking hazard. If swallowed, it may cause indigestion or upset stomach. Sometimes it can even obstruct and damage the dog’s digestive tract.
When serving pineapple to your dog, be sure only to give him the soft parts for easy and safe consumption.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Skin?
Pineapple skin is not safe for dogs to eat. It’s characterized by a rough texture with slightly pointed spikes. If your dog chews on it, he may suffer from tooth damage. It’s also a potential choking hazard that could injure his esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.
Pineapple leaves should never be given as a treat either since they can get lodged in a dog’s throat.
Can dogs eat dried pineapples?
Giving your dog store-bought dried pineapples is greatly discouraged. The same goes for pineapple-flavored food and drinks. These often have high sugar content and dangerous additives such as xylitol that endanger a dog’s health. It is better to stick with raw pineapples.
Can dogs drink pineapple juice?
You may be wondering if pineapple juice is safe for dogs. As long as the juice comes from fresh pineapple, it can be given to your dog in moderation. Avoid giving the canned pineapple juice because of the high sugar content.
How does pineapple stop dogs from eating poop?
One common theory about pineapple is that it solves poop-eating or coprophagia in dogs. The theory suggests that pineapple makes dog poop taste bitter, so your furry pal will stop eating his own poop.
Unfortunately, this has no scientific basis, so letting your dog consume pineapples will not stop this behavioral problem.
Coprophagia is quite common in dogs, but its real causes remain unknown. Consult the vet or an animal behaviorist to learn more methods to stop your pet from eating his poop.
How to safely prepare fresh pineapple for your dog
With all the health benefits your dog can get from pineapples, it’s a healthier alternative to regular dog treats.
Here’s how to safely prepare fresh pineapples:
- Choose organic pineapples as they are less exposed to pesticides.
- Decore and remove the pineapple skin and leaves.
- Slice the pineapple into small pieces and serve it to your dog. You can give it to him fresh, frozen, or topping on his dog food.
Homemade Pineapple Dog Treats Recipe
If your dog starts to get bored with the same old dog treats, here are two easy recipes that you can make at home.
Pineapple Coconut Doggy Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 cup oat flour
- Extra oat flour for rolling
Procedure:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Using a food processor, grind enough rolled oats to create 3 cups of coarse flour and set aside.
- Make a pineapple puree out of that 1 cup of chopped pineapple using a food processor.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix the egg and the coconut oil. Whisk until smooth.
- Incorporate the oat flour into the mixture and use a mixing spoon or spatula to combine. The finished dough should not be too sticky.
- Sprinkle flour on a cutting board. Place the dough on it and knead until it is disc-shaped.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4″ thick.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Each cookie should be at least ½” apart.
- Bake for around 20 minutes, and then rotate the pan.
- Flip treats upside down so they can brown evenly and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Take the cookies out of the oven, let them cool, and serve them to your dog. If there are any leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container.
Pineapple Pupsicles
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cubed fresh pineapple
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Pulse the pineapple chunks in a food processor until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt into the food processor and pulse until both ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer to a measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring.
- Put molds on a baking sheet to prevent spillage. Fill the molds.
- Place it in the freezer until solid and serve it to your dog.