If you’re wondering about feeding your dogs pineapples, but aren’t sure whether it’s safe to do so, you’re at the right place.
Read on to find out whether your dogs can eat a pineapple, and, if so, is there a correct way of feeding it to them?
So, Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, it’s generally safe to give your dogs small chunks of pineapple. What’s more, pineapples are a powerhouse of nutrients that provide many health benefits to enhance your dogs’ well-being.
Pineapples are highly invigorating and have an astounding 87% of water content, which makes them one of the most hydrating fruits in nature.
Additionally, pineapples also have significant amounts of vitamins C and B6.
Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron and maintains proper functioning of the immune system. It also promotes wound healing and keeps the health of cartilages and ligaments high.
Vitamin B6 supports the formation of collagen which keeps the dogs’ skin nourished and away from mites and lice. It also plays a major role in boosting brain activity in baby pups.
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Pineapple?
As with the majority of foods, there are some precautions to account for with pineapples.
Even though they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, pineapples are high in sugar. If given in excess, your dog might have its’ blood sugar levels raised.
An unhealthy amount of sugar can lead to weight problems in dogs, and worse, diabetes.
Keep in mind the universally accepted guideline that suggests the proportion of dog treats, especially pineapples and watermelons, shouldn’t surpass 10% of their daily calorific intake.
Pineapple treats should be given to your dogs only occasionally. This can maximize the health benefits while avoiding negative consequences.
The Best Way to Give Pineapples to Your Dogs
The core and the skin of pineapples are too harsh for your dogs to chew and digest. They might prove to be a choking hazard for your pets and get painfully stuck in their windpipes.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you remove the skin and the core of pineapples before feeding it to your dogs. Only the flesh of the pineapples should find its way down your dog’s throat.
To prepare the pineapple chunks correctly, follow these steps:
First, clip off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Remove the sides of the pineapple up by slicing it 1 centimeter off the surface boundaries.
Then, cut the pineapple into as many slices as possible, ideally about 2 centimeters in width. Discard the core from each slice.
Finally, carve the thus-obtained pineapple slices into bite-sized cubes.
It’s worth mentioning that once you’ve diced a pineapple, you can also freeze the pineapple cubes. This gives you the chance your pet a fresh and refreshing snack at a later time.
Is Canned Pineapple Good for Dogs?
While dogs can eat raw or fresh pineapples in moderation without any specific precautions, their canned variants should be avoided.
This is because the preservatives keeping the canned pineapple slices fresh are often high in sugar levels, which may lead to health-related hazards in our four-legged friends.
Canned pineapples often also contain the artificial sweetener Xylitol (or E 967), which is regarded as toxic and unfit for consumption by dogs.
Can Dogs Have Too Much Pineapple?
If it may be possible your dog ate too much pineapple, watch carefully for any symptoms of stomach issues.
Symptoms could include fatigue, reduced appetite, apparent discomfort, vomiting and/or diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and/or increased licking of lips, objects, or the air.
Contact your veterinarian if you observe these symptoms.
Learn more helpful tips for mastering dog care at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
