Yes, furparents. That sweet, a little sour, yellow fruit that is so delicious eaten as is, or made into a shake or juice, is safe to give to dogs.
“Pineapple is a favorite fruit for many people. It is tart, sweet, and tangy, and its tropical origins put us in mind of warmer climates. In moderation, it can also be a healthy treat for dogs, similar to other types of fruit, like strawberries and watermelon,” said Anna Burke in “Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?” in the American Kennel Club website.
The ripe pineapple in its raw form is packed with vitamins: vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Pineapple also contains a lot of minerals, such as manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc.
“This makes it a nutrient-dense snack for humans and dogs, alike, and these nutrients play an important role in your dog’s immune system and digestive health,” Burke stressed.
However, “All of these vitamins and minerals make pineapple sound like a wonderful choice for dogs, but there are a few other things to consider before feeding pineapple to your canines, “ Burke warned.
Pineapple has a lot of fiber and a rather significant amount of natural sugar. Thus, furparents are advised to give pineapple to dogs in small amounts.
“This means that while pineapple is a perfectly healthy treat in small quantities, it can have adverse effects on your dog’s digestive system if fed in large amounts. Keep an eye on your dog when you first feed him pineapple. If he has diarrhea or shows signs of an upset stomach, then pineapple might not be the fruit snack for him,” Burke stressed.
Take note too that you can not give the tough, central core of the pineapple. Why? Because “it has the potential to cause obstructions, as does the spiny skin, so stick to feeding the flesh of the pineapple for your dog’s safety,” Burke said.
It is safe for dogs to eat ripe, raw pineapple but do not give the skin and hard, middle part. Give only a small amount to your dog as a treat.
“Raw pineapple, in small amounts, is an excellent snack for dogs, “ Burke said.
Avoid canned pineapples.“The syrup in canned fruits contains too much sugar for most dogs’ digestive tracts to handle,” Burke said.
“A few chunks of raw pineapple are usually enough for most dogs, provided they are peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces,” Burke added.
During the summer months, freeze the freshly peeled pineapples for your dogs. They will love this delicious treat.
If the weather is too hot, and the pineapple is not frozen, give cucumber or any cooling food along with the pineapple which is a warming food. This will bring balance to the body of the dog. Hot weather plus warming food like pineapple and mango might bring too much heat in the dog’s body and might lead to heat stroke. DC
