Can Dogs Eat Pineapples?

In the not-so-distant past, the pineapple was an exotic, tropical fruit with a specific aroma and fragrance destined for the tables of the wealthy. Today, pineapple is commonly found at homes, year long, either processed or fresh.

The potential benefits of pineapples are now recognized worldwide - pineapples are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants, and it turns out to be an excellent fruit to have as part of an everyday, balanced diet. But what about dogs, can they eat this tasty fruit?

Published: February 16, 2023.

Pineapples To The Dogs: Yes Or No?

Many dog owners often ask themselves if their dogs can eat pineapple? Dog owners can't eat this aroma-rich delicious fruit without their dogs noticing it.

Usually, the dog's diet includes proteins and fats from meat, but it is equally important to know that only with the addition of fruits and vegetables can we provide the best nutrition to our four-legged friends.

Pineapples can provide several macro- and micronutrients to dogs, but let's first find out why dogs can eat pineapple and especially how much we can give them.

Pineapple is a very fresh and tasty exotic fruit with a particular fragrance and aroma. Pineapples are great to eat both in summer to quench thirst and during winter as a healthy treat.

It can be consumed fresh or processed, as a standalone snack, appetizer, or even as a part of the main meal - pizza with pineapple slices sound odd, but after the first few bites, many people change their opinion :)

The health benefits of pineapples are many - pineapples are rich in vitamins C and B6. Also, they are rich in thiamine, folic acid, niacin, and riboflavin (a group of B vitamins).

Also, pineapples are rich in minerals, including potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium, combined with small amounts of zinc, calcium, and phosphorus - everything needed to help with mineral loss during the summer heat, for example.

The micronutrients found in pineapples make them an important food source not only for humans but also for dogs and other pets as well - some birds kept as pets adore the pineapples as well.

Pineapples are good for dogs because pineapples boost their immune systems and promote the proper functioning of their digestive systems. Finally, the presence of bromelain helps protein synthesis and the breakdown of different nutrients, leading to improved digestion.

So, yes, dogs can eat pineapples; just be sure to keep the amounts in moderation.

There are several other health benefits that dogs can get from consuming small amounts of pineapple. including:

• Pineapples promote proper digestion. However, it is important to prefer fresh pineapple because canned pineapple does not contain bromelain and can be very rich in additional sugar - such pineapple tastes great but is loaded with "empty" calories,
• Pineapples are rich in bromelain, supporting the proper functioning of a dog's digestive system.
• Pineapples are rich in micronutrients such as vitamins C, B1, and B6, as well as folic and pantothenic acid. Also, it is rich in many minerals important for the dog's growth and everyday well-being,
• Pineapples can reduce the risk of coprophagia, the condition that causes dogs to eat their own excrement,
• Pineapples can help in reducing inflammatory states and can help improve the dog's immune system.

But, one must be aware that pineapples, like many similar human foods, can be part of the dog's diet but cannot replace the main dog food containing animal protein and fats.

How Much Pineapple Can A Dog Eat?

While it is true that dogs can eat pineapples, it is also true that it is necessary to be very careful with the dosage because excessive consumption of this tropical fruit could cause digestive issues and lead to various health issues.

If a larger dog (GSD, Rotweiller, Retriever, etc.) grabs the whole pineapple, he/she will run away and will not stop eating it until the pineapple is eaten completely.

Pineapples are very rich in sugar - at least 10g of sugar per 100g of peeled fruit - and are very tasty not only to humans but also to dogs.

But pineapples could cause digestive problems, including stomach aches and diarrhea.

Since not all dogs are the same, try feeding your dog only a few small chunks a day to assess the dog's tolerance - after that, the ideal daily dosage is just a couple of pineapple chunks a day.

Again, the size of these chunks depends on the dog's size as well - it is not the same as slicing pineapple for the Chihuahua or for the Great Dane :)

What Parts Of The Pineapple Can Dog Eat?

In order to prepare the pineapple for eating, one has to remove the leaves and peel the rest of the pineapple, exposing the aromatic pineapple's edible fruit.

If the pineapple peel or leaves are not good for humans, then they are not good for dogs either.

Note: be sure that your dog doesn't find peels and leaves - they smell nice, and they can be attractive to the dog as well. But they are harmful to the dog's digestive system. Thus, it is essential to prevent the dog from stealing the pieces that could harm him/her.

Thus, the best part of the pineapple for the dog is the peeled edible fruit flesh, but without the heart/core - slice it into suitable chunks or cubes and give them to the dog as a healthy and refreshing treat, taking care of the maximum amount.

Note: if the dog is sensitive to pineapples, he/she can't have it, no matter how much he/she begs for a few chunks. If unsure if your dog can eat pineapples, consult the vet - better before than after eating pineapples...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions about pineapples and dogs:

Can too much pineapple be bad for a dog?

Of course, too much pineapple can be bad for a dog.

While a few chunks are alright, even on a daily basis, too much pineapple can cause stomach upset due to a large amount of digestive fibers.

Also, pineapples are rich in sugar - when a dog eats too much sugar daily, it can lead to many health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and dental issues.

Can dogs eat pineapple core, stem, leaves, and/or skin?

No, when preparing the pineapple for the dog, prepare it just like for yourself - remove the stem and leaves, peel off the skin, and then remove the core.

Many dog owners believe that the core/heart is good for their dogs, but it is much tougher than the edible part of the fruit and can become a choking hazard and can even cause an intestinal blockage because most dogs will simply not chew it well.

Can dogs eat canned pineapple?

Canned pineapples tend to be loaded with sugar (not bad) and sometimes even with artificial sweeteners like xylitol (toxic for dogs).

Thus, canned pineapple is not good for dogs' health. If your dog accidentally ate some canned pineapple, check the ingredients, and if it contains xylitol or anything similar, contact the vet.

Similarly, dried pineapples can be loaded with sugars and artificial sweeteners, causing stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

Note: small amounts of home-dried pineapple (without the core, but also without sugars or artificial sweeteners) can be given to the dog as a healthy treat. Similarly, cooked or baked pineapples are fine in smaller amounts if there are no additional sugars, fats, or sweeteners.

Can dogs eat frozen pineapple?

Yes, if the pineapple is sliced into thin slices, the dogs can have a few small slices per day as a cold and tasty treat.