Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Can Dogs Get Sick from Pineapple?

Pineapple is a popular fruit that can be found in several different forms and dishes, such as tropical drinks, toppings, smoothies, desserts, cakes, and snacks. It is known for its tart, sweet, and tangy taste, and its tropical origins often come with images of sandy beaches, palm trees, and warmer climates. If you are a dog owner, you might want to share a bit of this fruity treat with your best friend. Although some dogs may not care for its tangy flavor, pineapple can be quite a healthy treat for your pooch, but always remember that fruity treats are best given in moderation to pets.

Is Pineapple Good for Dogs?

Raw pineapple is perfectly fine; however, moderation is key. In small amounts, it is an excellent snack for dogs and is packed with all sorts of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folate, as well as copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron, and even calcium.

All these vitamins and minerals make pineapple a healthy choice for a doggy snack, but there are a few other things to consider before offering this tasty tropical treat to your furry friend.

Pineapple is a perfect treat in small quantities; however, it can adversely affect your dog’s digestive system if offered in large amounts.

If you plan on introducing pineapple to your pooch, start by giving small amounts at first and watch for any gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as diarrhea or vomiting; also, make sure that if you are feeding raw fruit to peel and core it before eating, as the central core and spiny skin of the pineapple can potentially cause a GI obstruction.

As an owner, avoid giving your pet canned pineapple, toppings, or pineapple-flavored and sweetened treats. These products contain a lot of sugar and corn syrup, and too much sugar can cause gastrointestinal issues for your best friend. A few chunks of raw pineapple, frozen or fresh, are fine for most dogs, but make sure to peel them and slice them into bite-sized pieces first. This tangy fruit can be an excellent treat for your furry friend, especially in summer.

How Much Sugar Does Pineapple Have?

Pineapple contains a lot of fiber but like all fruits, also contains quite a bit of sugar. Although raw fruits are 86% water, they are high in carbohydrates, with 8.1 grams of sugar in 1/2 cup. Dried pineapple has less water, but is higher in sugar content (91 calories and 20.7 grams of sugar in ¼ cup). ^[1]

Just because pineapple has more sugar than other snacks such as vegetables, it doesn’t’ mean that you shouldn’t’ offer it as an occasional treat to your dog. Pineapple is high in fiber and nutrients, however, just be sure not to overdo it. Too much sugar in a diet can lead to weight gain and possibly diabetes as well.

Can Dogs Get Sick from Pineapple?

As with everything your dog eats, too much of anything isn’t’ good. As nutritious as pineapple is, it’s’ important to offer in moderation and not to overdo it. Too much pineapple, whether raw or dried, can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea and constipation. ^[2] For dogs with sensitive stomachs, even a small amount of pineapple could cause some tummy upset.

Pineapple is also quite acidic and can cause stomach and GI issues in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Also, it’s’ important to know that feeding your dog the spiny outer skin and the tough central core of the pineapple can have negative consequences, such as intestinal blockage. The pineapple’s’ core and skin are very hard and can quickly become a choking hazard for your pet. Make sure to remove those and only offer your dog the flesh part of the fruit, cut into bite-sized chunks.

Contact your veterinarian if your pooch has swallowed either the skin or core of a pineapple. Depending upon how much your dog has eaten, the veterinarian may advise a wait-and-see approach or recommend an exam.

How Much Pineapple Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can indeed eat pineapple, but it should only be in moderation. It is not toxic or dangerous for dogs, but it’s’ a good idea to monitor your pet for any out-of-the-ordinary reactions, such as an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.

When feeding your dog pineapple, you can offer it fresh or frozen. First, remove the rind and core, and cut the fruit into bite-size pieces.

When considering how much of it to give your dog, realize that this treat should not make up more than 10% of the total diet, and the size of your dog will determine how much you can give. Also, given its acidity, try not to offer it more than once a week.

For example, if you have a smaller dog around 10 pounds, try feeding up to 2 Tbsp of raw pineapple cut into bite-sized pieces. If your pooch is around 30 pounds, you might try feeding about ¼ cup cut into bite-size pieces, and for dogs, 70 pounds and up perhaps a ½ cup cut into bite-sized pieces.

Can Pineapple Stop my Dog from Eating Poop?

Some theories are floating around the internet that feeding pineapple to dogs will prevent them from eating their poop. The center of this belief is that pineapple is acidic and will make a dog’s’ stool unappetizing. There is, however, no data to back up this idea.

If your dog is eating her poop (called coprophagia), consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can conduct an exam to rule out any health, nutritional or behavioral issues.

But, if you think feeding pineapple prevents poop-eating, give it a try; it can’t’ hurt.

RELATED: Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

Homemade Treat Ideas

If your furry friend loves pineapple, you can mix things up a bit and get creative by making some homemade treats. There are tons of recipes on the internet, but make sure that none contain artificial sweeteners or toxic ingredients to your dog. Always consult your veterinarian if you have questions.

If you are looking for something quick and creative, try two of the following recipes.

Popsicles

If your dog likes ice cubes and frozen treats, the popsicles can be a cool tasty treat, especially in the summer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed, peeled, and cored fresh pineapple
• 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

• Puree the pineapple chunks in the bowl of a food processor until it is smooth in consistency
• Add the yogurt and mix well
• Transfer to a measuring cup for easy pouring
• Use an ice tray or ice cube mold and pour the pineapple/yogurt mix into each reservoir.
• Place the trays into the freezer for about 3 hours or until fully frozen

RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream?

Dog Biscuits

Another fun homemade treat includes home-baked dog biscuits.

Ingredients

• 4 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
• 4 Tbsp warm water
• 2 tbsp coconut or olive oil
• 1 cup crushed pineapple

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350º F.
• Using a mixer or food processor, combine the flour, warm water, and oil until you get a nice flour consistency
• Add the pineapple to the mixture and combine well until the dough is formed and firm
• Transfer the dough to a floured work surface, and knead and mix well
• Roll out the dough, and add flour as necessary
• Use cut-out shapes to make cookies and place the dough onto cookie sheets
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until done

Can my Dog Eat Canned Pineapple?

While dogs can eat fresh and dried pineapple, it’s’ best to avoid the canned version. The syrup in canned pineapple is usually high in sugar and corn syrup, which can lead to health problems if not consumed in moderation. If you have questions, read the label completely before feeding and steer clear of syrupy, sugary ones.

Frozen Pineapple

Frozen pineapple is a great treat, especially during the hot summer months. Try freezing a few chunks and offer them as a snack to your dog, but beware of choking hazards for smaller pups and keep the chunks small.

Fresh Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is healthier than canned one, but make sure you remove the spiky skin and the hard, central core. Use only the fleshy part and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces are recommended as they can help with portion control.

Dried Pineapple

Dried fruit is not harmful to your dog, but not as healthy as fresh or frozen fresh versions. The reason is that dried fruits contain more sugar, and in the drying process as the water is removed, the fruit portions become smaller, but the amount of natural sugar is the same. So when feeding your dog dried fruit, make sure to offer only small and infrequent amounts.

What are Possible Side Effects?

As always, check with your veterinarian first before feeding your dog anything new. This is especially the case if your pup has any underlying conditions such as diabetes or other disorders.

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. Busch, Sandi. “Pineapple Nutrition: Sugar, Fiber and Glycemic Index.” Livestrong, 1 Oct. 2021, livestrong.com/article/84859-nutrition-whole-pineapple/.
2. “‘Why Is My Dog Constipated?’ And Other Gastrointestinal Questions.” Hill’s Pet, hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/dog-constipation-and-diarrhea.