
Can A Dog Eat Pineapple – A Practical Guide Into Dog Food And Nutrition
It’s no secret that pineapples are known as one of the healthiest fruits in the world. However, can dogs really eat pineapple? What are the health benefits? Can consuming pineapple harm your dog? What is the best way for your dog to eat pineapple? These frequently asked questions require a deeper dive into your puppy’s nutrition AND into your responsibility as your dog’s caregiver. Finally, we’ve added a bonus topic that dog owners don’t like to discuss. So, let’s get to it…
So, Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
The short answer: YES but, with conditions
A nutrient-dense fruit like the pineapple is safer than many other fruits. It’s tangy, full of vitamins and minerals, helping your pups’ health and hydration. Pineapples contain large amounts of vitamin C, along with vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and folate. It is also loaded with minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and much more.
However, dogs will get these nutrients and much more from their well formulated dog food. There is no nutritional benefit to add pineapple to your dog’s diet, but if you choose to do so keep in mind that pineapple is high in sugar, so only allow pineapple snacks for your dog in moderation.
Remember the general guideline for dog treats is to not exceed more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. If you choose to give your dog pineapple, make sure to use small amounts.
Risks of Feeding Pineapple to Your Dog
While dogs can eat pineapple as a snack or mixed in with their own food, There are a some things to remember before feeding your dog pineapple:
Dogs should only eat raw, pineapple. The outer shell should be cut away and cut into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your dog to chew and digest.
Never feed your dog the outer skin or core. These two parts of are difficult to chew, and can be a choking hazard or cause an obstruction your pups digestive system.
Portion control is key. Again, pineapples have a lot of natural sugar and fiber. In large quantities it is not good for your dog’s digestive system. Large sugar amounts could lead to tooth decay, especially if you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth regularly.
Symptoms of eating too much pineapple
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Difficulty pooping
- Vomiting
- Gassy
If your dog has never eaten pineapple, start by feeding them small amounts spread out over time to see if they have a negative reaction, like an upset stomach or allergic reaction. Then you can slowly increase the quantity over time.
Should dogs eat canned pineapple?
No! Canned pineapples should definitely be avoided. The syrup added to the can, keeping the pineapple chunks fresh, is extremely high in sugarcan lea. This can lead to health problems if not eaten in moderation. If you are unsure, read the label before feeding canned pineapple to your dog and stay away from ones with high sugar content.
Preparing A Pineapple Treat for Your Dog
How can dogs eat pineapple? Follow these guidelines to keep your puppy safe, happy and healthy:
Always ask your veterinarian before your dog can eat a pineapple. Just in case there are any underlying conditions that could harm your dog including allergies, diabetes or intestinal issues.
Peel and core the pineapple, discard the peel and core in the trash and always away from your dog from getting it.
- Cut the pineapple into bite-size chunks for large dogs, or dice it into small pieces for small dogs.
- If you’re feeding them pineapple for the first time, give your dog a single bite and wait a couple hours to see if they present any signs of digestive or allergy issues. Permanently stop giving them pineapple if it doesn’t agree with them. Or even appear not to agree with them
- Remember that no more than ten percent of your dog’s calories should come from anything other than their regular dog food.
- Give your dog no more than two or three small bites of pineapple a day.
- Finally, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to monitor your dogs nutritional needs. It’s worth mentioning again: DO NOT allow your pooch to have more than 10% of its daily caloric intake.