Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Posted by Volhard Dog Nutrition on Aug 5th 2022
Can dogs eat pineapple? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat pineapple. It is just one of the many 'human foods' dogs can eat. Raw pineapple is packed with nutrients that benefit both you and your canine companion. Frozen pieces of pineapple are also a delicious way to beat the heat.
Today's article will teach you all about the nutritional benefits of pineapple, how to feed it, and the ways to turn this delicious fruit into even more delicious pineapple treats!
Why You Should Feed Pineapple to Your Dog
#1: Pineapple Will Keep Your Dog Hydrated
The first and most valuable benefit of feeding pineapple to canines resides in hydration. Pineapples are packing a whopping 87% water content, quite a salutary addition during the warm summer months. So don't hesitate to switch your dog's usual treats with fresh pineapple chunks, especially if he's not a big fan of the water bowl! For more information about dehydration in dogs, feel free to check out our article!
#2: Pineapple is Rich in Essential Nutrients!
Dogs who eat pineapple get to enjoy the impressive array of nutrients this fruit boasts! First, you have antioxidants, the canine body's main line of defense against cell decay. Second, there's vitamin C, which raw pineapple abounds in! Then there's vitamin B6, a coenzyme that regulates hormones and fluid balance, builds proteins, and supports neurotransmitters. Last but not least, the valuable amounts of zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper make pineapple a solid addition to any dog's diet!
#3: Pineapple Will Help Your Dog's Digestive System!
Another benefit of feeding your dog pineapple resides in his digestive system. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with proven anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been dubbed ' nature's histamine' with potential benefits to the skin! But bromelain's main benefits manifest themselves in the digestive tract. Combined with pineapple's fiber content (i.e., 0.8 grams of fiber per 56-gram serving), bromelain will ease the pressure on your dog's digestive system and allow him to avoid constipation and pass stool more easily!
#4: Pineapple is a Remedy for Eating Poop
A few pineapple chunks can also minimize your dog's poop-eating behavior! Once again, pineapple's bromelain content comes to the rescue. Research has shown that this enzyme, once ingested, alters the poop's smell, making it less appealing to dogs. Therefore, your dog will be less inclined to consume his own feces.
Furthermore, bromelain assists the digestive system, allowing your dog's body to absorb more nutrients and, in turn, become less interested in such unwanted nutrient sources. Better to feed a few raw pineapple chunks than to encourage stool eating!
Feeding Your Dog Pineapple
So, we know that you can feed pineapple to your dog and that your dog will enjoy its delicious taste and arsenal of benefits! But how do you feed pineapple to your canine companion? Are there any guidelines you should be aware of?
First, the Volhard expert nutritionists recommend feeding fruit and daily food separately. Why? Because fruit is digested at a different rate than protein. Therefore, the canine stomach will prioritize the food over fruit, which can lead to fermentation if not digested promptly. And we all know the byproduct of fermentation: alcohol!
Instead, feed your dog his daily meal and give him time to absorb its nutrients before rewarding him with a sweet treat like pineapple. Looking for a pinch of versatility? Mix the pineapple with frozen yogurt; trust us, your dog will love it!
Next, we have put together a few steps for you to prepare the pineapple for your dog's upcoming snack time:
- Remove the pineapple core and skin: These pineapple parts are too hard to digest. Even more, they are a choking hazard that can lead to intestinal blockages. It's best to get rid of the skin and core altogether and avoid any potential risks.
- Cut the fruit into small chunks or bite-sized pieces, depending on the dog breed.
- Feed the pineapple as a healthy treat! However, not all dogs agree with pineapple, which is why you should start off slowly — maybe one or two small pineapple chunks — and see how your dog's stomach reacts. Any signs of an upset stomach mean that your dog should not eat pineapple, at least until he sees a specialist.
- Always mind the amount of pineapple you feed to your dog: We've established that pineapple is safe for dogs, but only in moderation. Although heavy pineapple supplementation sounds like an easy way to absorb more vitamin C and reap more health benefits, excessive pineapple consumption can cause too much sugar to build up inside the body, leading to impaired brain and body functions, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Pineapple must remain an occasional treat fed in small quantities to remain healthy.
Feed Your Dog Fresh Pineapple
So, you're ready to feed pineapple to your dog, and you can't wait to add it to your next grocery list. But how will you know which sort of pineapple is ideal for canines? You've got fresh, canned pineapple, dried pineapple, frozen pineapple, and pineapple juice. Although you have various options at your disposal, it's best to go with fresh pineapple. This way, you can rest assured that your dog gets the real deal without any preservatives or other unnatural additions to the fruit. A natural treat is always a healthy treat!
Watch the Pineapple's Sugar Content
One thing to always pay close attention to is the pineapple's sugar content. It packs quite a sweet punch — 9.85 grams (0.35 ounces) of sugar per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of fruit! It might be natural sugar (therefore healthier), but in the end, you get the same result: weight gain and, if left unchecked, obesity and diabetes. That's the reason why dogs should not eat canned pineapple, pineapple juice, or any other forms of processed fruit: the higher the sugar content, the more hazardous it gets for your dog's health.
Turn Pineapple Into a Yummy Treat for the Summer!
As we're deep in the warm summer months, our dogs could really use some yummy, hydrating treats. Luckily, pineapple allows dog parents to use their imagination and come up with various treats for their furry friends! You can mix it in yogurt, add it to a fruit salad, or turn it into a smoothie. Furthermore, you can turn pineapple into frozen treats by pureeing/cutting the fruit into small chunks and storing them in the freezer! Either way, your dog will enjoy the fresh fruit, with all the nutrients and hydration it brings! Short on ideas? Check out the following website for tasty treat recipes!
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Definitely!
It's hard to ignore the benefits of this tropical fruit: it strengthens your dog's immune system, contains lots of vitamin C, helps relieve an upset stomach, keeps your dog hydrated, and, last but not least, it's delicious! However, always mind the natural sugar levels to prevent obesity and other sugar-related health issues. As long as you feed it in moderation, your dog's relationship with pineapple will be a fruitful one! For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, make sure that you contact us and check out our blog!
Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert nutritionists are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!