How should I feed pineapple to my dog?
Pineapple is quite versatile when it comes to preparation and if your dog adores the taste, here are a few ways to turn the fruit into a dog treat. Remember that moderation is key when giving your dog a pineapple snack.
If you’re after a refreshing dog treat for the hot summer months, try freezing a few pineapple chunks and offer them as a snack to your pet whenever the temperatures call for a cool indulgent treat. Beware of choking hazards for smaller breeds and keep the chunks small.
Fresh pineapple is a better choice than the canned version. Just make sure you remove the spiky skin and the hard core. Take the fleshy part out and cut it into cube shapes. Smaller shape sizes are usually preferable as it can help with portion control.
Dried pineapple is not recommended as a dog treat. Dried fruits usually pack a higher amount of sugar per portion. As the water is removed, the fruit portions become smaller, but the quantity of natural sugar remains the same. This is why it’s incredibly easy to go overboard when it comes to dried pineapple or any other dried fruit. If you do end up offering it as a snack, don’t lose sight of portion control.
Pineapple is not a toxic food for dogs, but it is generally not recommended to add it to your dog’s diet. Remember that your pet will take the nutrients they need from food specifically designed for them and if you’re looking for a good dog treat, there are plenty of healthier options to choose from.
Even though pineapple is not dangerous, there are other seemingly harmless fruits and vegetables that can pose a threat to dogs if ingested. Discover our comprehensive list of harmful foods for dogs here.
Can Too Much Pineapple Be Bad for Dogs?
Yes, like most things, too much pineapple can be a bad thing for dogs. Pineapples have a high fiber content, which is great for the digestive tract, but too much fiber can actually cause your dog to have an upset stomach.
Pineapples also have a high sugar content, which can also lead to an upset stomach. If your dog eats too much sugar on a regular basis, they can develop health problems over time like dental issues, obesity, and diabetes. For proper portion sizes, check out our guidelines below.
What to Consider Before Feeding Your Dog Pineapple
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, phosphorus, 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.
All of these vitamins and minerals make pineapple sound like a wonderful choice for dogs. But there are a few other things to consider before feeding pineapple to your canines. Pineapple is high in fiber and contains a significant amount of natural sugar. This means that while pineapple is a perfectly healthy treat in small quantities, it can have adverse effects on your dog’s digestive system if fed in large amounts.
Keep an eye on your dog when you first feed them pineapple. If your pup gets diarrhea or shows signs of an upset stomach, then pineapple might not be the fruit snack for them. The tough, central core of the pineapple has the potential to cause obstructions, as does the spiny skin. So stick your dog the feeding the flesh of the pineapple for their safety.