Pineapples can be used for houses under the sea, but they also make for delicious snacks. While some fruits seem more cut and dry when it comes to animal safety, the pineapple packs a punch with making your mouth pucker. Is pineapple good for dogs? Today we are going to explore the effects of introducing this tropical fruit into a doggie diet. Read on to discover the benefits of pineapples for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Is the tangy, tropical fruit okay for your dog to try? Indeed it is. The American Kennel Club (AKC) gives pineapple the green light for doggie consumption.
The AKC labels pineapple an excellent choice for doggie snacking. Just be sure to serve it raw and in small amounts. However, if your dog does not appear to enjoy the fruit, there are plenty of other fresh fruit options for dogs to enjoy.
Is Pineapple Good for Dogs?
While larger dogs have more calories to spare, the numbers are tighter for tiny canines. Why waste any calories on pineapple in the first place? Is pineapple good for dogs?
Raw pineapple is, in fact, a great snack options. Pineapple has high amounts of vitamin C. It is also full of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, and niacin. The tropical fruit also contains minerals such as copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, there are small amount of zinc, phosphorous, and calcium present in pineapple.
Overall, these many positive attributes pack pineapple full of nutrients that are key for digestive health and immune system strength.
Downsides of Pineapple for Dogs
You may be thinking this is too good to be true. Pineapple seems like the ultimate doggie snack! Well there are several things to be aware of before you start serving it to your dog.
Pineapple should only be fed to dogs in small quantities. It contains a large amount of natural sugar and fiber. Therefore, the fruit will upset doggie digestion if it is served too frequently. However, pineapple is very healthy for dogs when served in moderation.
Looking to keep things tropical? If your dog doesn’t enjoy pineapple, she can always try mango. This tropical treat contains vitamins A, B6, C, E, and potassium. And who doesn’t love a good, juicy mango?
How to Serve Dogs Pineapple
Dogs are amazing in many ways, but many don’t have the sensibility to stop themselves from consuming everything in front of them. While humans can eat pineapple off the rind, be sure to only serve the flesh of the fruit to your dog. Do not give your dog the skin or the tough core of the pineapple.
While raw pineapple is an approved item for dogs, canned pineapple does not get a passing grade. The canned alternative is way too high in sugar to be safe for dogs. However, dogs can enjoy a few chunks of frozen pineapple.
Whenever you introduce a new food item to your dog, you should make sure to monitor his reaction. Signs that pineapple might not be suited for you pup include diarrhea and stomach issues.
What About the Sugar and Acid?
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your mouth begins to burn when eating pineapple. This actually occurs because the enzymes from the tropical fruit are corrosive to the cheeks, lips, and tongue. You may be wondering how this fares for dogs.
Citric acid is not harmful to dogs. Canines are safe to enjoy pineapple and other tangy fruits such as oranges and tangerines. The component that you need to be aware of is sugar, which should be limited in dog diets. The USDA estimates that the average pineapple contains 89 grams of sugar. This averages out to 6 grams per thin slice of pineapple.
However, you should only be feeding you dog a few small chunks of the fruit at a time. Therefore, sugar intake can be kept under control by adhering to limited serving sizes.
Summing It Up
Is pineapple good for dogs? It sure is. The tangy tropical fruit is packed full of a surprising amount of vitamins and minerals. Pineapple is an excellent snack for dogs in moderation.
To read about how other fruits stack up in doggie diets, check out is avocado good for dogs.
