You know the story: You're cutting fruit for a nice summer fruit salad, and a slice of fruit drops on the floor. Before you can pick it up, your dog spots the opportunity and grabs it.
Nothing is faster than a dog that spots dropped food. Or perhaps your pet is an experienced food poacher or bin diver. Whatever the case, our natural reaction is to panic and try to find out if this is one of the dreaded no-nos for dogs.
So, can dogs eat pineapple? Is pineapple bad for dogs like grapes are? Luckily, pineapple is one of those fruits we can relax about and, in moderation, can actually be a healthy and yummy addition to our dog's diet.
Learn more about how to feed your dog pineapple as a healthy snack.
How much pineapple is ok for a dog to eat?
Pineapple is sweet, juicy, and refreshing — and just like us, many dogs love it.
Although pineapple can be a healthy treat for our pups, it also has a high sugar content, and over-indulging in it can lead your dog to experience dietary issues.
We recommend pet parents give small amounts of pineapple to their dogs as a treat and not as a food replacement. A good rule of thumb for treats and snacks is limiting them to 10% of your dog's diet; this ensures your pet gets the right balance of nutrients.
As with any new food given to your pet, if you start to see signs that pineapple is not agreeing with your dog, stop feeding it to them immediately, and if you are concerned, seek advice from your veterinarian.
What nutrients does pineapple have that are good for dogs?
Pineapple contains many nutrients that can support your dog's healthy immune and digestive systems. Some of the powerful antioxidants and minerals found in pineapple are:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C reduces potentially harmful free radicals, supports healthy ageing, and reduces inflammation.
Thiamine
Thiamine helps regulate energy and the digestion of carbohydrates.
Riboflavin and Niacin
Riboflavin and Niacin help facilitate enzyme function.
Manganese
Manganese helps to produce energy, metabolise protein and carbohydrates, and make critical fatty acids.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 supports protein metabolising, generates glucose and red blood cells and helps nervous system function and hormone regulation.
Folate
Folate aids in amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis.
Potassium
Potassium supports a healthy heart, optimal kidney function and regulates nerve function.
What part of the pineapple should dogs eat?
Although rare, the skin or core of the pineapple can be hard to chew and therefore cause issues in a dog's digestion. More often, these parts of the pineapple would simply be less palatable and not be enjoyed by dogs as much.
The best and safest practice is to take off the skin and remove the core before feeling pineapple to your dog.
Can dogs eat canned or dried pineapple?
We recommend that pet parents give fresh pineapple to their dogs.
Dried fruit still contains healthy minerals and antioxidants. However, because the water is removed, the sugar has been concentrated into a smaller package — making it easy for pet parents to give too much.
Canned pineapple often comes in a high-sugar syrup. Too much sugar can lead to dietary issues for your dog. We only recommend canned pineapple if supporting the prevention of coprophagia (more details on this to follow).
What are some ways to feed dogs pineapple?
There are a variety of ways pet parents can treat their dogs with pineapple. Here are some fun ideas for feeding pineapple to your pup:
Tasty bite-sized portions
Chop your pineapple into small pieces and use them as rewards for obeying commands or as a game.
Frozen pieces
Cut the pineapple into small bite-sized pieces and pop it in the freezer. Once frozen, use them as treats to refresh on warm days.
Pineapple ice pops
For a special summer treat, puree your fresh pineapple and pop it into an ice-cube tray. Your dog will love spending time licking the ice pop and cooling down at the same time.
Can Pineapple Stop a Dog From Eating Poop?
The practice of stool eating in dogs is called coprophagia. Although disgusting and hard to understand, coprophagia is not uncommon in dogs and can happen for a variety of reasons.
In our experience, when canned pineapple is added to the dog's diet, we have seen a decrease in the incidence of coprophagia. We believe it is possible that the pineapple has a negative effect on the taste of the stools and discourages the pups from going back for more.
Pineapple is just one of the many healthy fruits for humans and animals, but before sharing any more of your fruit salad with your dog, it is best to check with a veterinarian, as some foods can be toxic or unhealthy for dogs.
Check out our blog for more nutrition tips and helpful resources.
*This article has been written in collaboration with a qualified Veterinarian.
