Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: July 14th, 2018

Is the tropical fruit a treat suitable just for humans, or can dogs eat pineapple as well?

It’s no secret that pooches always want to try whatever we happen to be eating at the moment. Canines are not the pickiest of creatures, that’s true, but the fact that they would snarf down almost anything doesn’t mean that you should let them. For instance, even though fruit is a vital part of our diet and is one of the healthiest foods in our diet, it’s not the same when it comes to our pets.

As omnivores, dogs can enjoy eating various foods and need to have a wholesome, well-rounded diet. According to experts, a balanced diet for dogs would look something like this:

30 to 70 percent of healthy carbs
18 to 25 percent protein
10 to 15 percent of healthy fats

To ensure our dogs are getting all of the nutrients they need, most of us pet parents rely on commercial dog foods, made specifically to meet the dietary requirements of our pets. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include fresh or homemade treats in the mix, too; both as a reward for your pooch and a source of essential vitamins and minerals. A great way to achieve that is by offering dog-friendly fruit and veggies to your furbaby. Most pet parents are not sure what types of human food are safe for their four-legged besties, though, which brings us to the question: can dogs eat pineapple?

The tropical fruit can be safe for dogs to eat, in certain amounts and forms. Not all parts of pineapple should be fed to a dog, as well! To find out can dogs eat pineapple fresh or in treats, which parts of pineapple are safe for dogs, and does eating pineapple has any benefits for dogs, read our all-in-one guide on the exotic fruit.

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? What Are the Benefits?

A quick and simple answer to the question can dogs eat pineapple is- yes. But a quick and simple answer is not enough when you need to consider your pupper’s wellbeing. Yes, the tasty tropical fruit might not be toxic to your pet, but it doesn’t mean you should give them any type of pineapple, in any amount they want to eat. The tart, sweet, and tangy fruit might tempt you to pig out while fantasizing about a tropical getaway, but your pooch should only get a few bites!

The safest route is giving your dog a few bite-sized pieces of raw pineapple. Not only that portion control will enable you to monitor your pet’s reaction to a new food they’re trying out, but it will also make sure you’re not going overboard with the naturally sugary treat. The high content of sugar, as well as a variety of potentially harmful preservatives and additives, is also the reason why you should avoid giving your dog canned pineapple, which is slathered in syrup.

Of course, although it should go without saying, you should only offer pineapple flesh to your pet, and never the rough skin. While there’s no doubt about can dogs eat pineapple without any risk, it’s only true if the pineapple has been peeled and cored beforehand!

So, now that you know that your pet can eat pineapple safely, you probably want to know if there are any benefits to it. Pineapple is one of the healthiest and most nutrient-dense fruits. This tangy fruit contains vitamin C thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, copper, magnesium, iron and vitamin B6, all of which support your dog’s health. But, while all of these vitamins and minerals play a role in your dog’s well-being, it’s the high content of vitamin C and dietary fiber that make pineapple a good dog treat. Yes, dogs can synthesize vitamin C on their own, but having an additional source of it in their diet will only improve their immune system and help them fight off diseases. Fiber, on the other hand, ensure their digestive system is in top form and prevents constipation. Of course, overdoing it with fiber in your pet’s diet can have the opposite effect; as it will lead to loose stool or diarrhea.

When it comes to poop, pineapple has another role besides getting your pet’s GI tract in order. There is an old wife’s tale that feeding dogs pineapple will stop them from eating their own poop. Coprophagia, as this behavior is also called, is an issue that can become a big problem, both for pets and their owners (not to mention it’s absolutely gross). Some believe that digested pineapple that finds its way to your pooch’s do-do makes it unappetizing to the little poop eater, effectively helping them to break the nasty habit. However, there is no evidence to support that eating pineapple really does stop dogs from eating their own poop. There could be various reasons for coprophagia, though, so make sure to check with your vet before you try curbing it with slices of fruit.

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Dried, Canned, or Frozen?

As it’s already been said, canned pineapple is not a good idea for dogs. While the fruit itself is not the issues, the sugary syrup in which it is preserved is not healthy for canines. However, if you wash off the sugar under running water, you may give a slice or two to your pooch- but only occasionally, and only if they don’t have health issues or a sensitive stomach.

Dehydrated pineapple rings are also a treat you should give rarely, if ever. Dried fruits have a higher content of sugar than their raw counterparts, and seeing how too much sugar can be problematic for dogs; it’s best not to risk it. After all, if you don’t have any fresh pineapple on hand, there are many other dog-friendly fruits you can give to your four-legged companion instead!

When it comes to frozen pineapple, it’s entirely safe to be offered as a treat. Peeled, cored, and cubed pineapple that’s been in the freezer for a few hours will cool off your pet during summer days, and it’s a great healthy treat alternative if you’re not up for making your own.

How to Serve Pineapple to Your Dog

OK, now that you know that there’s no reason to ponder can dogs eat pineapple, the question is, how to serve it to your precious pupper? Before you offer pineapple to your dog, it has to be peeled and cored. The spiny skin and the hard center are both choking hazards and hard to digest.

Essentially, only the pineapple flesh is suitable to be served to dogs, in bite-sized pieces or a few thin slices at a time. And, I mean, sure, you can toss them a piece of pineapple and call it a treat, but where’s the fun in that?

Unleash your inner chef and dive into the exciting world of canine cuisine with our dog treat recipes that feature pineapple as the star ingredient. Not only that they’re easy to make, but our tasters ensure us that they’re tail wagging material!

Frozen Coconut Pineapple Dog

How could you ever pass on the opportunity to make a recipe that promises to “transport your pooch’s taste buds to an island paradise?” Even if you’re not tempted by the exotic description, you have to admit that an easy to make, frozen dog treat sounds good in any case. This particular recipe calls for only 3 ingredients: shredded coconut, coconut water, and pineapple cubes. Blend them all together, pour the mixture in silicone molds and- voila! Your pet gets something yummy to munch on in the summer heat, and you get bragging rights about being the most pawesome pet parent ever.

Pineapple Coconut Dog Macaroon Recipe

If you really want to go all out, try making doggie macaroons. These bite-sized canine

cookies are mouth-smacking good! You’ ll need all-purpose flour, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, molasses, egg and a bit of vanilla to make these treats. Baking homemade dog treats is a bit of an effort, but this recipe yields 30 macaroons- more than enough to dole out at special occasions only, if you have one pampered pooch. And if you live in a multi-canine household, just double the recipe!

Mango Madness Frozen Dog Treat Recipe

OK, pineapple is not the star of this recipe- more of a supporting role- but it’s vital nonetheless. The tropical and exotic fruits are practically the symbol of summer, so it’s no wonder they serve as an inspiration for frozen dog treats! This particular recipe will have you blending mango, strawberries, pineapple, and peaches with coconut water to create a next-level summer nom nom for your little furry royal.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

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Can Dogs Eat Peas?

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Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

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A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

What Should I Do If My Dog is Afraid of Nail Trims?

The dreaded nail clippers – a source of stress and occasional doggy drama in our home as well as for many dog parents. You see, our youngest pup, Lucifer, and I have been on quite the journey to conquer his fear of nail trimming. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the struggle all too well!But fear not, because in this article, I’m sharing our personal tale of progress and a toolkit of tips we’ve picked up along the way to help overcome your dog’s fear of nail clipping.So, let’s swap nail-trimming anxiety for confidence and cooperation, one paw at a time.Why Does My Dog Hate Nail Trims?The first step to overcoming a fear of nail trims is understanding why the sight of nail clippers is a source of anxiety for your dog. After all, the clippers themselves aren’t frightening or intimidating.For many dogs, the fear of having their nails cut is rooted in a desire to protect their paws. This is a survival instinct, as they need their paws to survive in the wild, both to escape predators and be able to catch food. They haven’t been taught that the process of having their nails cut or their paws handled isn’t going to cause harm.If your dog was previously okay with having their nails trimmed and suddenly changes their mind and lashes out when you try, this is a sign of trouble. Have you recently cut your dog`s nail and accidentally nicked the quick of the nail? If so, your dog may associate the experience with the pain and discomfort they felt at that moment.This could also indicate that your dog feels pain in their leg or paw. Watch for other signs of distress or discomfort, like lameness, limping, or excessively licking the area. If you suspect your dog is in pain or if your dog has shown a behavior change that you can’t otherwise explain, contact your veterinarian. They can run the tests necessary to help diagnose the problem and recommend ways to provide effective pain relief.For us, with Lucifer, we are overcoming a reaction due to previous pain. He suffered injuries to his front paws before he was rescued and adopted out to us as a puppy. While we have worked with specialists to help him heal and move on from these injuries, he is still more protective of his paws and dislikes having them handled. What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Cut Dog Nails?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for is an integral part of grooming. How often you need to trim their nails will vary, depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from walking and running on rough surfaces, as they would in the wild, while others don’t engage in these activities frequently enough to keep up with nail growth.When a dog’s nails become overgrown, they interfere with their ability to stand and walk properly, reducing traction and potentially causing injuries in their feet and tendons. This is because the nails contact the floor before their paw pads. Over time, this can also lead to long-term injuries, deformities in the paw or leg, or arthritis. This can also cause older dogs to slip and fall due to losing traction and unsteadiness on their feet.

Library Accepting Cat Photos to Cover Your Fees

A library in Massachusetts is waiving certain fees in exchange for cat photos.

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

In households where cats and dogs coexist together, you can bet that furballs will “share” everything. Sofas, lounging chairs, cozy spots, beds, toys – you name it. Well, sure, not all of it is sharing in the real sense of the word, as it is more of your cat just claiming all of it for itself. That’s just how cats are. But hey, no harm in your cat and dog sharing a bed or a lounging spot. However, what would happen if your cat happened to “share” your dog’s food? Can dog food be bad for cats? Here’s what you should know if your feline is keen on nibbling your dog’s kibble.Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?Cats and dogs are different – it doesn’t take much thinking to figure that out. Not only in their behavioral traits but in their nutritional needs as well. And since their nutritional requirements differ, dog food will generally not be adequate for cats. While dog food is not toxic to cats, it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats, and it is not formulated in the same way. Cats need specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins that are not present in sufficient amounts in dog food. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of Vitamin A and proteins, while cats cannot. And even if your cat somehow enjoys dog food and prefers to munch on it at feeding time, it is ultimately not good for her. In fact, feeding cats dog food over a long period can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It's essential to feed cats a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs to ensure they stay healthy. This includes plenty of protein (more than doggos), and amino acids like taurine and arginine. In fact, these amino acids are essential for cat health. Taurine is especially important for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies, so they must get it from their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues in cats, including heart problems and vision issues.Cats also require arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissues. Arachidonic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function. While dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from other fats, cats cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it from their diet. The same goes for Vitamins A and D. They are essential components of a cat diet, and cannot be found in dog food in adequate measures. 

UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

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