Pineapple is very high in fiber and packed with natural sugars. Small quantities are great but large quantities may upset your dog's stomach and cause GI upset.
How should you safely feed slices to your dog? Pineapple sliced raw is fine, but don't give your dogs anything canned as the syrup is too sweet. Everything in moderation, please!
Can dogs eat pineapple?
Dogs can absolutely eat pineapple. Similar to strawberries, watermelons, and bananas, pineapple is one of the varieties of fruits that are safe for dogs to eat. Fruit shouldn't become a staple in your dog's diet, but in small quantities, raw pineapple is an excellent fruit snack for dogs.
The core of a pineapple can cause an obstruction, so never feed that to your dog.
Are pineapples healthy for dogs?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that ripe, raw pineapple contains a whole lot of vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate.
"Pineapple is also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc. This makes it a nutrient-dense snack for humans and dogs, alike, and these nutrients play an important role in your dog's immune system and digestive health."
Feed this fruit in small amounts and make sure your dog doesn't have diarrhea after a few slices.
Are there any risks for your dog?
If your dog eats too much pineapple he may become constipated! Pineapple contains a lot of dietary fiber.
CertaPet tells us that fiber requires plenty of water in order for it to be properly digested, and your dog may not drink enough water to aid in the digestion of the high levels of fiber found in pineapple.
In addition, the sugar and acidity in pineapple can cause tooth decay, obesity, and even diabetes.
What other fruit & veggies can my dogs eat?
Dog owners should consider most fruit as healthy snacks. This snack should always supplement their dog's diet and perhaps be added as a topper to dog food. Feed this in moderation of course, as fruit can cause some gastrointestinal upset. Here's a list:
- Apples(without the core or seeds)
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Cucumbers
- Green Beans
Always keep an eye on your dog when you introduce something new to their diet.
Fresh pineapple can be a healthy treat for your dog. However, your dog's digestive system may experience GI upset if they're not used to the high amount of fiber. Watch their poop for a day or two after you feed a small quantity of the fruit. These shouldn't replace dog treats! Yet pineapple is good for dogs if this new food doesn't cause an upset stomach.
The core can be a choking hazard as well. A dog with diabetes shouldn't have the high sugar amount found in pineapple chunks either so use your judgment.
Does your dog love pineapple? Tell us in the comments below.
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