Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

Shell & Katy Pretty Fluffy Editors

Katy and Shell are two style-savvy dog mums who celebrate the best in pet-friendly living. A professional pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they bring dog-friendly inspiration, pet product recommendations, dog treat recipes, pet expert advice and the best in emerging and designer dog brands into the homes of discerning pet parents around the world.

‘Can dogs eat pineapple?’ It’s a question that came up for us recently, all thanks to our summer love affair with homemade pina coladas. 

You see, summer here in Australia is all about barbecues, beach days and homemade cocktails (Hot tip: no Aussie ever says ‘put a shrimp on the barbie’!)

One of our all-time favourite cocktails to whip up at home is a pina colada – the dreamy combination of pineapple and coconut is quite simply a match made in tropical heaven. 

Now, our obsession with pina coladas often leads to plenty of leftover pineapple ending up in the fridge. And we don’t know about you, but any kind of waste – whether it’s food or otherwise – is TOP of our list of pet hates (you could say, it makes us prickly…)

Annnyway, all the leftover pineapple got us thinking…is it safe for dogs to eat pineapple? Is pineapple actually good for dogs? 

After all, why waste pineapple if it can be used as a healthy, fruity dog treat?

So, between sipping our pina coladas, we did a little digging. If you have pineapple at home and you’re wondering if your dog can safely enjoy it, read on for everything you need to know!

We’ve also included some fun and easy recipes below so you can treat your pup to a little pineapple-y goodness.

Is It Safe For My Dog to Eat Pineapple?

Is pineapple good for dogs? In moderation, yes!

As with any food you’re considering feeding your dog, it’s important to know what is and isn’t safe for them to eat. Your pup can quickly become sick if they eat the wrong thing – exactly why managing their diet is such a big responsibility for us pet parents.

While every dog is different – taking into account individual factors such as allergies, sensitivities and size (eg. small pups should eat smaller quantities of pineapple, while bigger dogs like german shepherds can enjoy pineapple treats more often) – generally speaking, it is safe for dogs to eat pineapple. 

However, this is only if the amount of pineapple your dog eats is moderated by you. 

While pineapple is perfectly safe to feed your dog every now and then (and makes an excellent back-up dog treat!) don’t make it a regular snack. A sweet treat like pineapple should only make up about 5-10% of your dog’s diet at the most. 

As with any dog treat, give pineapple to your dog in moderation. It is still a treat after all!

The Health Benefits of Feeding Pineapple to Dogs

Not only is pineapple safe for your dog to eat, pineapple is a superfood fruit that is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals.

Here are a few of the health benefits of pineapple for dogs:

• Vitamin C is found in pineapple and is very beneficial for dogs. Not only is it an efficient way of preventing inflammation, it also helps boost your dog’s immune system.
• Pineapple also contains Vitamin B6 and is great for regulating your dog’s body. Pineapple can assist brain and bodily functions by building proteins, and regulating fluids and hormones.
• Antioxidants are another health benefit of pineapple that can help repair damaged skin cells.
• Pineapples contain many beneficial enzymes, including bromelain. This is great for fighting inflammation and is used as a way to alleviate skin issues.
• Pineapple contains a high amount of minerals that promote bone and muscle strength, while making sure that your dog’s skin stays healthy.
• More than 82% of pineapple consists of water. If it’s a hot day outside and your dog needs to cool off, this fruit is ideal for staying hydrated. 
• Other nutrients found in pineapples include magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium – these aid digestion and boost the immune system.

What Are The Risks of Pineapple for Dogs?

While pineapple contains many health benefits for dogs, there are still risks involved – so keep the following in mind before feeding your dog pineapple:

• Due to the high amounts of sugar, your dog is likely to develop obesity if they are fed pineapple too often. The high sugar content can also lead to tooth decay, especially if you’re not cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly.
• The sweetness of pineapples can also lead to vomiting, nausea, weakness – all telltale signs your pup has eaten too much pineapple.
• Pineapples contain a high amount of fiber. While this is a good thing, too much fiber can lead to digestive problems, causing constipation or diarrhea. 
• Some parts of pineapple, such as the core and the skin, can potentially be a choking hazard if fed to your dog. Only serve your dog raw, peeled pineapple flesh, cut up in small slices or chunks.

The best way to determine if pineapple is a good choice for your pup is to give them a small amount first. Then, monitor them closely for any sign of stomach upset or allergic reaction.

If you see any sign of stomach upset or negative reaction, consult a vet immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Pineapple?

In most cases, canned pineapple is not good for dogs. These products are usually preserved in pineapple juice which is loaded with sweeteners, therefore eliminating most of the nutrients and health benefits.

We highly recommend sticking to fresh pineapple as it’s safer, less sweet, and better for your pup in every way. However, a sugar-free canned variation of the fruit is acceptable if you wash it before feeding it to him.

Similarly, pineapple juice generally isn’t good for dogs either, as it’s very sweet and can be harmful in large amounts. If you want to give your dog pineapple juice, it should be freshly squeezed or blended juice, minus the additives.

Pineapple Dog Treat Recipes

If your dog loves pineapple, or if you’d love some creative and easy ways to feed pineapple to your dog, why not give these dog treat recipes a try!

• 3 Ingredient Tropical Punch’ Frozen Dog Treats
• 3 Healthy Smoothies You & Your Dog Will Love

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