Can dogs eat Pineapple?
Featured image by © bigstockphoto.com / Sergey_M
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
If there is one thing most of us find refreshing, it is a juicy pineapple. Did you know that pineapple is not one single fruit, but instead a group of berries? Considering it is a fused combination of fruits, it is safe to say that pineapple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
What about your fruit-loving dog? Can dogs eat pineapple? The answer is yes, if it is fresh or frozen, peeled and cored, and fed in moderation. Let’s take a look.
What Is So Good About Pineapple: The Health Benefits
Pineapple provides numerous health benefits such as boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and speeding up the recovery process. It is low in calories and boasts an impressive nutritious value. Pineapples contain proteins, carbs, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium – a plethora of nutrients that are essential for growth and development.
Dogs need several vitamins and minerals to stay healthy each day. Pineapple can supply many of these. In addition to nutrients, pineapple provides your furry friend with disease-fighting antioxidants and digestive enzymes. Antioxidants are healthy molecules that help the body combat stress and avoid inflammation and harmful diseases. The digestive enzymes help break down protein and balance digestion, especially for dogs eating high-protein and meat-rich diets.
Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?
Overall, fresh or frozen pineapple is safe for dogs to consume in moderation. Avoid using canned pineapple because the juice is full of added sugar and other ingredients that may not be good for your pet’s stomach. You should not feed your dog an entire pineapple, however, because the fruit’s skin and core can be harmful to your canine friend.
While pineapples amazingly tasty and provide impressive benefits, be sure to consider portion size to avoid feeding your pet too much pineapple. The biggest issue with pineapples is its natural sugar level. Your dog uses fruit’s sugar for energy, but fruits that are high in sugar may affect digestion if you go to extremes. It is best if you keep your pineapple dessert meal in small quantities.
Remember, the fleshy fruit of the pineapple is safe and healthy for dogs, but only when fed in moderation.
According to veterinarians, a dog’s fruit consumption should consist of 10% of his daily food consumption. Around 6-8 small slices of pineapple are the right amount for an average-sized dog.
Pineapple is an occasional treat, but it should not be part of an everyday food regime because it may have some side effects. If you notice that your dog develops gassiness or diarrhea soon after pineapple consumption, this type of fruit might not be the best choice for your pet. Start with small quantities to make sure your pet does not have an unpleasant digestive reaction.
Delicious Pineapple Recipes for Dogs
Now that we’ve answered the question “Can dogs eat pineapple?”, here are a few ideas on preparing a tasty dessert treat.
Frozen Pineapple
Preparing frozen pineapple is one of the easiest ways to share the fruit with your fluffy friend. Cut a few slices of fresh pineapple and freeze them in small single-portion freezer bags. If you desire, you can add yogurt for a more ice-creamy texture.
Roasted Pineapple
Have you ever tried a roasted pineapple? If not, this is your chance to prepare one for you—and your pet. If grilling outdoors, add a few thick slices of the fruit and let them brown on low flames. Alternately, you can roast pineapple in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet in your oven. No seasonings are needed.
Pineapple Toppings
Add small amounts of fresh pineapple to your dog’s biscuits or dinner as a dessert.
Like any dog owner, you want to offer your pet the nutrients they need without toxic ingredients or added sugars. There are many benefits of serving your dog pineapple, so try it today. Remember to use fresh or frozen pineapple that has had the rough exterior and the tough core cut away, to avoid canned pineapple, and to start with only a small amount to see how your dog’s digestive system tolerates it.
