Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? All You Need To Know

Key Points:

• Dogs can eat pineapple in moderation after you remove the hard outer layer and crown.
• Pineapple provides dogs with dietary fiber and vitamins C, B6, and A.
• Too much pineapple can cause diarrhea and sugar overload in dogs.

If you’ve found this article while panic-Googling “Can dogs eat pineapple?” after your pooch snuck a stray slice, it’s time to destress. Generally, pineapple is safe for dogs. 

Dogs can eat pineapple in moderation since the fruit contains no dangerous toxins or nutrients. Still, it’s worth monitoring their reactions after eating pineapple, especially if it was, ahem, an “unplanned” treat.

A better question to ask: How much pineapple is good for dogs? Also, what do you need to know about prepping pineapple for pups? Let’s find out. 

Is pineapple good for dogs?

Yes, pineapple is a safe and nutrient-packed treat for dogs. This tangy fruit can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, especially if they have skin allergies. 

However, the tropical fruits are also packed with natural sugar, which could be troublesome for dogs with diabetes or obesity. The tough skin, core, and leaves of the crown should stay off the menu.

Nutritional value of pineapple

Pineapple is a nutrient-dense fruit that can help support your dog’s immune and digestive systems. One cup of pineapple (165 grams) contains: 

• Calories: 82.5
• Fat: 0.2g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Carbs: 21.6g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Potassium: 109mg
• Vitamin C: 47.8mg
• Calcium: 13mg

Keep in mind that a cup of pineapple would be too much for most dogs. Most dogs would be content with a couple of small cubes.

Pineapple has high sugar content, so it should be served sparingly. Even a small amount could negatively affect dogs with diabetes or obesity. Your vet is the best person to advise you on this front.

Health benefits of pineapple for dogs

Every pineapple chunk is packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for your dog.

Some of these include:

• Manganese
• Vitamins C and A
• Riboflavin
• Thiamin
• Vitamin B6
• Copper
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Niacin
• Iron
• Dietary fiber
• Small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc

Pineapple also contains bromelain, which is nature’s antihistamine. This group of enzymes has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits that can be especially helpful to dogs with skin issues.

Risks of pineapple as a dog treat

While pineapple can be a healthy snack for your dog, there are some key things you need to remember before adding this delicious treat to their diet.

• Sugar content: Pineapples are relatively high in natural sugars compared to other fruits, which can make your dog gain weight if eaten in large or frequent quantities.
• Fiber content: Pineapple contains high dietary fiber, which is generally beneficial but can also overwhelm a dog’s digestive system. 
• Digestive upset: The acidity in pineapples can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some dogs and give them symptoms such as stomach pains, gas, or vomiting. 
• Choking hazard: The skin and core of pineapples can be challenging to chew and digest. Also, swallowing large pineapple pieces could cause your pooch to choke.
• Pineapple allergy: For dogs, human foods can trigger an allergic reaction. Watch for signs of a pineapple allergy like itching, hives, difficulty breathing, or skin infections.

Tips to safely feed pineapple to dogs

There are wrong and right ways to feed pineapple to your pooch. 

Follow these guidelines to safely share this fruit and avoid making your dog sick. 

• Remove the skin and core: Only the soft, fleshy parts of the pineapple are safe for your dog to eat. 
• Cut into small pieces: Cut the pineapple into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your pup to eat and avoid choking on larger pieces. 
• Introduce gradually: Start with small amounts of pineapple and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive upset. If your pup tolerates the fruit well, you can offer pineapple as an occasional snack. 

Creative ways to serve pineapple to your pooch

Here are some more ideas for sharing pineapple:

• Frozen pineapple cut into small bits can be a cool, hydrating treat on a hot summer day. 
• Purée pineapple and mix it into food or freeze it in ice-cube trays for a hydrating treat.
• Dry the pineapple out at home and give your dog small portions of the dehydrated treat.
• Blend a little pineapple with other dog-safe fruits and veggies, such as bananas and green beans.

Pet Pro Tip: If you have a dog that is prone to ‘snacksidents’ – you should consider getting a dog insurance plan as soon as possible. It can help you afford the best care in the future by covering eligible vet bills for digestive illnesses, toxic ingestion, and more.

How much pineapple can dogs eat?

Only 10% of your dog’s diet should come from treats. The other 90% should come from quality dog food. Because pineapple is high in sugar, this treat should just be an occasional one. 

Never share large amounts of pineapple with your pup, regardless of how well they respond to their new treat. A couple of pieces of cut-up pineapple is plenty. Large dogs can handle more, but don’t overdo it. 

Can puppies have pineapple?

Puppies can enjoy a little pineapple, though not as much as adult dogs. You must also cut it into even smaller-sized pieces to prevent them from choking. 

Please only give pineapple to your puppy as an occasional treat to avoid digestive issues from the sugar and fiber content. They should also be fully weaned before you offer them their first bite of fruit.

What if my dog gets sick from eating pineapple?

Pineapple juice and canned pineapple products are too high in sugar for dogs as they typically contain extra-sweet syrup.

If your dog eats too much pineapple (or too much of any sugary treat they snuck off the counter), they may get the following symptoms: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Constipation
• Lethargy
• Flatulence

For less severe symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, ensure you provide them with enough water to stay hydrated. 

Other fruits to feed your dog

There are many fruits your dog can eat safely. Here are a few more options:

• Bananas provide high levels of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. 
• Mangoes contain 20 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
• Peaches contain vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. 
• Oranges are loaded with vitamin C and potassium. 

Feeding pineapple to your dog

Feeding your dog fresh, frozen, or dried-out pineapple in moderation can benefit their health since this juicy fruit contains many nutrients. However, it’s important to keep an eye on them when offering any new snack, especially one with so much sugar.

While it’s okay to occasionally feed “human food” to our pups, including fruits, vegetables, and some meat, to your dog, most of their nutrients should come from their daily dog food.

Life as a pet owner is full of surprises, both good and bad. When accidents happen, Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans can help you afford the best care by covering eligible vet bills for qualifying illnesses and accidents in the future. 

FAQs

Lynn Guthrie

Writer, Mom of a Fab Fur Fam of Five

Lynn is a writer and long-time Learning & Development Manager at a large PNW retailer. She's also mom to 3 dogs & 2 cats!