Pineapple is one of the juiciest and delicious fruits for humans. It’s an excellent digestion aid, helps boost the immune system, and helps build strong bones. But, can dogs have Pineapple?
Can Dogs Have Pineapple?
Yes. In general terms, it is okay for dogs to have Pineapple. There are no harmful effects of Pineapple for dogs if consumed in moderation.
However, because Pineapples are high in fiber and natural sugars, They can be harmful to dogs if consumed in excess. Too much fiber leads to indigestion, and too much sugar leads to obesity. Dogs digestive system is not designed to digest a lot of sugar.
You should give Pineapple to your pet in moderation as a dog treat, rather than healthy dog food.
Not All Parts of Pineapple Are to Be Consumed
It’s okay for dogs to eat Pineapple, but not all Pineapple parts are suitable for consumption. Only the softest parts should be given to dogs and not the spiky leaves, the hard rind, or the tough pineapple core.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Chunks?
Pineapple soft chunks should be cut into bite sizes relative to your dog size. Cut small fresh chunks for small dogs.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Core?
Pineapple core is harder, less sweet, and not easy to eat. Humans find it not appealing, even if it contains many nutrients. It’s not a good idea to feed pineapple core to your dog; it can cause severe indigestion. It might get lodged in the digestive system causing even more problems.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Skin or Rind?
There are many health risks to your dog if he eats Pineapple skin. The rind is tough, hard to chew, and can be a choking hazard. It might also be toxic and loaded with all kinds of pesticides and artificial chemicals.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Leaves?
Same as Pineapple skin Pineapple leaves are hard, spiky, and dangerous to your dog. Don’t let your dog eat Pineapple leaves.
Benefits of Feeding Pineapple to Your Dog
High Amounts Of Nutrients
Other than fiber and sugar, pineapples are rich in other nutrients.
Pineapple contains the natural anti-inflammatory bromelain that may help reduce muscle pain and help stomach acid break down food.
Pineapples are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, vitamin B, folate, and pantothenic acid. They can provide a healthy amount of minerals and proteins to your dog.
Pineapples Help Dogs Stay Hydrated
Pineapples are mostly water when consumed, they help dogs stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the main problems among dogs. And Pineapple is an excellent source of water.
Thus, a small amount of Pineapple may help your pet stay hydrated.
Side-Effects of Pineapple for Dogs
Although it is safe for dogs to have pineapples, there are specific side effects of consuming pineapples. Some of them are:
Risk Of Diabetes
Although diabetes among dogs is not common, some breeds may be more prone to it due to high sugar levels in pineapples. Thus, dog owners need to know if their pets are vulnerable to pineapples or not.
Along with that, it is quite challenging to diagnose a dog with diabetes. If it’s not diagnosed early, it may lead to serious health complications or even death in some extreme cases.
Although Pineapple is not harmful in most cases, it should be given in moderation to dogs, especially to breeds that are sensitive to high levels of sugar.
Some breeds known to be vulnerable to sugar are Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pugs, etc.
Tooth Decay
“High levels of sugars and simple carbohydrates provide rapidly available nutrition for oral bacteria.” Said homeopathic veterinarian Don Hamilton.
Ther is a direct connection between sugar and tooth decay.
Because Pineapple is high in sugar if consumed executively by dogs, it will affect their dental health. Learn how to clean your dogs’ teeth to maintain his oral health.
Constipation
Pineapple is high in fiber. It’s one of the most dangerous fruits for dogs if not controlled.
Although it is said that dogs require a high fiber diet, it definitely should not be excessive. There are certain disadvantages to feeding a high amount of fiber to your dog.
The fiber requires plenty of water to digest, and dogs are known for not drinking enough water. In such a case, it may lead to constipation.
Myth Around Dogs Eating Pineapples
There is a legend that says that if a dog eats Pineapple, they stop eating their poop (Coprophagia, is when dogs eat their own poop). The myth behind this is that the Pineapple changes the taste of the dog’s poop, and he stops eating it.
There is no scientific proof to this claim, so far, this is just a myth. Some owners deliberately make their dogs eat Pineapple in large amounts. This does not result in their pets’ stopping eating their poop, but may result in some other health difficulties.
Can My Dog Have Canned Pineapples?
You should always choose fresh pineapples over the canned ones for your dog. Canned Pineapple contains a lot of sugar. We all know high levels of sugars are not healthy for dogs.
For this reason, try to avoid canned Pineapple as much as you can. Fresh Pineapple contains only natural sugar, so you can feed it to your dog in moderation.
How Much Pineapple Can Dogs Eat?
Pineapples are an excellent snack for dogs. Dogs can eat raw Pineapple in small amounts. Just like humans, dogs should not have an excessive intake of this fruit as it can result in adverse health problems.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Pineapple?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen Pineapple. It is safe for consumption as long as you pick the right parts. In this case, you need to make sure that the parts you choose are chewable and easy to swallow.
Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated or Dried Pineapple?
Yes, they can also eat dehydrated or dried Pineapples. But just like the frozen ones, you also need to pick the right parts for your dog to swallow. In this case, you should never feed them the skin or leaves. They are sharp and spiky, and they might cause internal injuries.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Juice?
Dogs can consume pineapple juice as long as it is natural. Also, do not offer them the liquids that came from canned Pineapple. The syrup in canned fruits contains way too much sugar, and in some cases, they also contain Preservatives. Feeding dogs high amounts of sugar might damage their digestive tracts. Preservatives are never okay, even for humans. Always opt for natural pineapples as they are safer and healthier.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Ice Cream or Popsicles?
Ice is not recommended for dogs because it can damage their teeth. However, pineapples are softer even when frozen. With this, you can occasionally offer them pineapple popsicle treats as long as they do not have preservatives.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Yogurt?
Dogs should only eat plain yogurt. They should avoid products with added sugar or preservatives. However, you can blend pineapple bits with organic non-fat yogurt for a healthier snack.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Pizza?
Pineapples are okay for dogs. However, pizza is not a healthy snack for your pup. Although it isn’t necessarily toxic, you still should not consider feeding pizza to your dog. Hawaiian pizza may contain much more than what is safe for your pets. Even if they can tolerate it, it is best to avoid it.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Cake
Cakes are not proper for a dog’s food consumption. Just like pizza, cakes are not necessarily toxic. However, they might contain unhealthy ingredients like sugar, food coloring, preservatives, and fats, which can affect your dog’s health. Also, cakes might trigger allergies or indigestion.
Can Dogs Have Cooked Pineapple?
Dogs can eat a minimal amount of cooked pineapples. You can also feed them some pineapple dishes, but with moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Jam?
You can feed your dog a tiny amount of jam. However, it is not recommended as regular dog food. Jams are high in sugar and contain no nutritional value for dogs. It is best to avoid giving it to your pup. It can cause inflammation throughout the body if consumed excessively.
Can Diabetic Dogs Have Pineapple?
Diabetic dogs can consume pineapples in moderation as a part of their snack. However, they must have it raw. Feeding them food with added sugar will not help. Also, do not let your diabetic pup eat canned Pineapple as it has high sugar content. Giving them more than what they should intake might result in adverse health issues. With this in mind, diabetic dogs need a more controlled diet. Check with your vet for any medical advice and to design the proper diet for your dog.
Pineapple Dog Treat Recipes
To level up your dog’s snacks, you can make your own dog food using different pineapple recipes. You can try various dishes and see what your pup will like the most. Here are a couple recipes to try:
Pineapple Chicken Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredients
1 Chicken breast
1 Cup of Pineapple tidbits
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 cup Water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Cook the chicken breast and chop it.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Mix the dough and roll onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick.
Use the pizza cutter and score the dough horizontally and vertically to make a grid or use a cookie cutter to cut it in desired shapes.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned.
After cooled off, Break into pieces and refrigerate.
Pineapple Carrot Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
1 cup of pineapples cut into small pieces
½ cup grated carrots
2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
½ cup oats
1 tbsp brown sugar
⅓ cup of oil
1 egg
½ cup of water
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350° F
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl.
Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
Add the carrots and pineapples, and mix everything together to form the dough.
Roll out the dough 1/4 inch thick
Use a pizza cutter or a cookie cutter and cut the desired shape.
Bake for 40-45 minutes.
Cool and refrigerate or serve to your dog.
Makes 15-20 biscuits.
Pineapple Flavored Dog Treats
Thinking about different treats other than the fresh Pineapple for your dogs? Then the frozen pineapples are the best alternative.
All you need to do is freeze the pieces of pineapples, and then give them to your dogs. This snack is the perfect treat for dogs, especially in the summer.
Other than this, one can also go for 2-3 bites of pineapple pastries. It is a little unconventional choice but can be an excellent special treat for your loved pet.
What is Pineapple? Overview of Pineapple
According to Purdue University for New Crops and Plant Products: “pineapples are part of the Bromeliaceae family… Known botanically as Ananas comosus. Native to southern Brazil and Paraguay… Caribbean Indians placed pineapples or pineapple crowns outside the entrances to their dwellings as symbols of friendship and hospitality.”
hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/pineapple.html
Pineapples are native to South America. But today, they are particularly prevalent in Asia. Asians use them to style their cuisines and induce more appetite.
Pineapples are tropical fruit rich in vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. They help boost our immune system, as well as build stronger bones. They are more known for their ability to aid digestion. Despite their sweetness characteristic, pineapples are surprisingly low in calories. Additionally, pineapples are a good fighter against health problems like heart disease and joint pain.
Tips For Feeding Pineapple To Your Dogs
Start by feeding small amounts of Pineapple to your pets and dogs as a snack, keeping a close watch on them for any symptoms of allergy, upset stomach, or diarrhea.
Never feed your dog Pineapple core, rind, or leaves.
Keep in mind that the portions should be small and not very frequent.
Pineapples should be given to dogs as a treat and not as daily food.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Pineapple is an excellent food for dogs. It’s high in fiber and other vitamins, which are essential for proper dog growth.
Kassidy Shepperd is the editor in chief for Canine-Prime.com. She is is a dog lover/trainer, a freelance writer and a volunteer at many pet rescue and shelter centers. Kassidy is based in Colorado and regularly writes for dog related magazines and blogs.