Luckily for your pooch, dogs can eat fresh pineapple in moderation, meaning they’ve got a fun new treat choice if they’re a fan of the tangy flavour. This juicy tropical fruit may be a surprising canine snack but it has several health benefits as well as being refreshing when served chilled on a hot day. We often wonder if we can share fruits and vegetables with our dogs. While some can form part of your companion's diet or be used as occasional snacks, others can be toxic, so it’s important to be aware of the different rules for different varieties. Here we explore why dogs can eat pineapple, the reasons it’s good for them as a treat, types to avoid due to high sugar content and how it can help if your pooch is a poop-eater.
Is pineapple good for dogs?
Dogs can eat fresh pineapple as an occasional treat, and it makes a great substitute for processed treats that are full of additives. While it is high in natural sugar, eaten in moderation it can give your dog a nutrient boost. Read below how much pineapple you can feed your dog based on their weight. Benefits of feeding your dog pineapple include:- Pineapple contains bromelain - an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine that can ease sprains and bruises, as well as allergies. Pineapple is the only fruit to contain this.
- Hydration with a tropical twist - Pineapple contains 80% water content so is a great hydrating treat for your dog.
- Pineapple contains Vitamin C - an antioxidant that can counteract premature ageing and reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin B6 for waggy tails - B-complex vitamins can support energy levels, eyesight, metabolism and mood.
- Minerals for all round health - pineapple is packed with manganese, potassium, copper and iron which help maintain optimum health.
Is pineapple safe for dogs?
Pineapple is safe for dogs to eat as long as a few simple guidelines are followed. Firstly, dogs can only digest the soft flesh of the fruit (rather than the skin, core or crown) and this should be cut up into bite-sized chunks. Secondly, as pineapple is high in natural sugars, it should be fed as a treat, and diabetic or overweight dogs should avoid eating it even occasionally. Thirdly, as it’s high in fibre, a gentle introduction is best to make sure it doesn’t upset their tummy before feeding them anymore! Even if pineapple is generally safe for dogs, you should ask your vet whether your dog should eat it, as they may have specific needs or nutritional restrictions. It’s also always sensible to introduce new foods to your dog’s diet slowly and to look out for any signs that could indicate an intolerance of allergy, including an upset stomach, itching and wheezing.
Is pineapple too sugary for dogs?
As long as your dog isn’t diabetic or overweight, fresh pineapple isn’t too sugary for them to enjoy as a special treat. Pineapple is made up of 10% natural sugars and over 80% water so one or two chunks every now and then are not harmful, especially as it also contains many nutrients that support dog health. Dogs can eat canned pineapple, but it's not a good idea due to its sugar content. The same can be said for dogs eating dried pineapple or drinking pineapple juice, as both naturally have high levels of sugar.
How to feed your dog pineapple
Dogs can eat pineapple in a number of ways, not just limited to feeding them fresh chucks. This juicy fruit is perfect for home-made treats, especially ones that cool down canines in hot weather. As well as freezing pineapple chunks, you can puree the pineapple and spoon it into an ice cube tray (using one with bone-shaped cubes is a nice twist) before freezing. An alternative is frozen banana and pineapple coolers, made by whizzing together the two fruits before freezing in a tray.
Can dogs eat pineapple skin?
No, your dog should definitely not eat pineapple skin. Just like humans, dogs can’t break down the tough parts of pineapples (including the skin, crown and core) in their digestive systems. These tough parts could also cause a choking hazard for your dog. Even the fleshy part of the pineapple that is suitable for dogs should be cut down into bite-sized chunks to make it easy to eat.
Can dogs eat canned or tinned pineapple?
Dogs can eat canned pineapple but it is not as good for them as fresh pineapple due to its higher sugar content. A variety without any added sugar or syrup is okay as long as your dog eats tinned pineapple only occasionally. Canning also reduces the levels of some nutrients and minerals so feeding your dog tinned pineapple may defeat the health benefits of giving it to them in the first place.
Can dogs eat dried pineapple?
Yes, it is possible to occasionally feed your dog dried pineapple as long as it is 100% natural with no added flavourings, colourings or preservatives. Due to its sugar content being higher than fresh pineapple, we wouldn’t recommend it as a preferred treat, especially as there are so many healthier options available such as cucumber and watermelon.
How much pineapple can you feed your dog?
You can give your dog pineapple as a treat around once a week alongside their regular diet, or every few days in hot weather at most. [How much to feed your dog] depends on size and breed. We recommend that it accounts for no more than 1% of your dog’s daily calorific intake. The average chunk of pineapple is approximately 5 calories and dogs can eat around 30 calories per pound (or 15 calories per kg) every day. A large breed such as a golden retriever that weighs 55lbs (or 25kg) requires an average of 1650 calories a day, which means they can enjoy 3-4 chunks of pineapple in a given day. A smaller breed like a terrier that weighs 22lbs (or 10kg), only needs around 660 calories a day, meaning they should only have 1-2 chunks.
Does pineapple stop dogs eating poop?
Yes, it has been found that pineapple can stop dogs eating poop, so if your dog is partial to the habit, this could be a game changer! Pineapple contains an enzyme that alters the taste and smell of dog poop so that it’s unappetising to them. If you want to try this technique, it’s important not to feed your dog too much pineapple. No more than a couple of chunks every other day should be sufficient for an average sized dog. To learn more about why dogs eat poop, take a look at our revealing article. Understandably, the wise advice of ‘moderation in all things’ applies to feeding pineapple to dogs. While dogs can eat pineapple and it’s a tropical winner for nutrition and summer serves, pineapple is also higher in sugar than other natural dog treats and can upset the tummies of some poochs, causing digestive trouble and diarrhoea. Find out more about what dogs can and can’t eat including useful information on fruit and veg that’s really good for them such as watermelon and ones that you should avoid like avocado.
We also useful resources around other types of foods your dogs may or may not be able to eat:
