Pineapple is a luscious, juicy fruit many people enjoy. Considered a tropical fruit, pineapple can sometimes be a chore to prepare if you purchase it fresh. But once you get all that armor off the outside and cut out that rock-hard core, the remaining fruit is tangy and delectable.
That is a stark contrast to a dish of dog food, isn’t it? We all like to occasionally give our little sidekicks something to eat that isn't the standard puppy fare — especially if it is a healthy treat.
Your dog is not going to care what pineapple looks like or what other fruit it’s combined with; he is just interested in getting it into his mouth as fast as possible!
The question here is whether or not you should allow your dog to eat pineapple. Will she enjoy it? Is it healthy for dogs to eat pineapple, or is it toxic? What are its benefits, if any? All these questions and more are answered down below.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Yes, dogs can eat pineapple! It is very good for them — just like it is for people. Dogs are not allergic to pineapple, and it's not toxic or dangerous for them, unless they just happen to have a rare allergy.
Is Pineapple Healthy for Dogs?
Pineapple is a healthy fruit containing many vitamins and minerals. According to the American Kennel Club, raw pineapple contains a whole lot of vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. It's also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc.”
Whoa! That is quite a list of healthy benefits for your dog (and you). These nutrients help to boost your dog’s immune system’s capabilities in order to keep him healthy.
It is important, however, to make sure you feed your dog pineapple in moderation. As with all items outside of his diet, anything in excess can disturb his digestive process and make him sick. Pineapple is high in fiber and natural sugar, both of which could make an impact on the digestive tract if fed in large quantities.
It is best to always keep an eye on him after you feed him anything that is new and different, just as you would a child, to make sure his systems incorporate it in a healthy way. If he has an upset stomach or diarrhea after eating a little pineapple, then this is probably not the best fruit to feed him.
What Parts of a Pineapple Can Dogs Eat?
I think this part is just common sense. The skin and core are dangerous for dogs, but wouldn’t they be to humans, too? How many people do you know who would eat those big spikes on the outside of the pineapple? And the core is also very hard and not good for you or your dog.
Of course, what is common sense to us is not the same to our dogs! If your dog should accidentally get ahold of any of the indigestible parts of pineapple skin, leaves, and core, they can get lodged inside his digestive tract, requiring surgery to remove. So don’t let Fido near the pineapples until they are chopped down to be put in his dish or mouth!
How should you serve pineapple to your dog? The AKC recommends only allowing a few small, raw pieces. They also make a luscious, icy treat when frozen in the summer. Canned pineapple is not healthy for your dog because the syrup in it contains way too much sugar.
Why Pineapple Can NOT Help You Make Your Dog Stop Eating His Poop
As I was saying, some of the things our dogs do are hard for us to understand! Sometimes dogs will eat their own poop without rhyme or reason. You may have heard that feeding a dog pineapple sections will help stop this habit, but Jessica Potosky, Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine, tells LittleThings, “Nothing will stop a dog from eating its poop! Not even pineapple.”
The practice some dogs have of eating their own poop is called coprophagia, and it is “a common behavioral problem that can stem from dietary or behavioral issues,” according to The Happy Puppy Site.
Pineapple can make the dog’s feces smell unusually unpleasant, which some have thought would deter this behavior, but this just isn’t true. Adding enzyme supplements or fiber might keep your dog from eating his own feces, but this only works sometimes. The Happy Puppy Site says the only way to prevent this unpleasant habit is to pick up immediately after your dog and dispose of it somewhere they can’t get to it. You should also consult your veterinarian if you have this or other problems with your dog.
Pineapple Dog Treat Recipes
Now we come to the good part! If you want to give your dog the benefits of healthy pineapple in a delicious treat, here are some options.
Homemade Pineapple & Molasses Dog Treats via The Blond Cook
Ingredients:
8 oz. crushed pineapple
¼ cup olive oil
1/3 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsps. baking powder
¼ tsp. baking soda
Pineapple Sweet Potato Treats via Doggy Dessert Chef
10 oz. pineapple, pureed (the recipe calls for canned pineapple, but we know it’s best for your dog if you use fresh or frozen)
1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
2 cups brown rice flour
½ cup oats
Your doggy will love you for these pineapple treats. And you know what’s in them, so you can better monitor his healthy eating habits.
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