When summer strikes, nothing can beat the heat like the refreshing taste of ripe pineapple. And if you have a dog, you might be tempted to share some juicy chunks with your furry companion. But is it a good idea? Can dogs have pineapple?

We’ll help you find out the answer by discussing the following:

So let’s get started.

Pineapple 101: Should Dogs Eat Pineapple?

Pineapple isn’t just delicious. It’s also chock-full of essential dog vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your fluffy friend needs. Here are some health benefits your dog can get by eating this fruit:

  • Hydration: Pineapples contain 82% water, so they offer excellent hydration, particularly in the summertime.
  • Vitamin C: It’s an essential vitamin for boosting your dog’s immune system. Also, it’s an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
  • Vitamin B6: This vitamin is a crucial coenzyme that helps regulate fluid balance, control hormones, build proteins and support the neurotransmitters in a dog’s body. It also keeps your furry friend’s coat, skin, and claws healthy.
  • Vitamin B1: Thiamine aids in the optimal brain and heart functions while supporting eye health.
  • Antioxidants: Dogs can eat pineapple to receive antioxidants that prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of cell damage.
  • Bromelain: The enzyme can help in breaking down proteins and assist in nutrient absorption.
  • Manganese: Pineapple has a fair amount of manganese that can keep your dog’s bones and connective tissues strong and healthy.
  • Fiber: It’s incredibly effective in regulating your dog’s bowels by firming its stools and reducing flatulence.

The Dark Side of Pineapple: Is Pineapple Bad for Dogs?

While you can safely share a few pineapple chunks with your pet, keep in mind that’s mainly human food, so the fruit may not agree with them. If you’ve never given pineapple to your dog before, look for signs of adverse effects, which we’ll discuss below.

Are Dogs Allergic to Pineapple?

Here are some side effects that your dog might get after eating pineapple:

  • Allergic Reactions: Keep an eye out for any digestive issues like flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you notice any of that, you should give your furball a different snack.
  • Constipation: The high amount of fiber in pineapple might cause constipation. If your dog is straining to defecate after consuming pineapple, fiber might be to blame.
  • Diabetes and Obesity: Like all fresh fruit, pineapple contains a high level of sugar, contributing to obesity and diabetes. If your dog already has one of these conditions, feeding it pineapple can harm its health. It’s best to consult your vet and get diabetic dog food to ensure your furry companion’s health.
bulldog in a pineapple costume on an orange background

What Parts of a Pineapple Can Your Dog Eat?

Most dogs can safely eat pineapple in small quantities, but they should consume certain parts of the fruit.

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Skin and Leaves?

Don’t feed your dog pineapple skin or leaves. They’re spiny and sharp, which can easily injure the soft tissues of a dog’s mouth and intestines.

Can Dogs Have Pineapple Core?

The pineapple core is pretty hard and can cause digestive problems for your dog. It’s a well-known fact that dogs don’t chew most of their food. Instead, they just swallow it, so feeding them pineapple core can block their throat.

Before letting your dog snack on a pineapple, it’s best to throw out the non-digestible parts. Your dog can only eat the yellow, fleshy pulp. And since that’s the most delicious part, you can both enjoy it together.

Can Dogs Have Pineapple Every Day?

Serving your dog pineapple as a treat means that it shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Don’t give pineapple to your dog often. It’s best to keep the overall caloric intake from treats to about 15%.

But how much is 10% of a pineapple dog snack?

Eight small chunks of the fruit amount to roughly 50 calories — the right amount of snack for an average-sized dog. If you’re looking after a large breed, you can add a little more but keep the percentages in mind.

How Best to Serve Pineapple for Dogs

You can prepare the fruit in many ways, but which ones are the safest and most delicious? Let’s find out.

Can Dogs Have Canned Pineapple?

Don’t give canned pineapple chunks to your dog. They’re soaked in sugar syrup, making them taste better and last longer. And while that’s good for us, it’s not for your pet. Although a bit of natural sugar in pineapple is fine for your fur baby, more of it can be dangerous, so it’s best to avoid it.

Can Dogs Have Frozen Pineapple?

If it’s a sweltering day and you want to give your dog a refreshing treat, freezing a few cubes of pineapple can be a tasty snack. But make sure the chunks are small if you’re preparing them for a smaller dog.

Can Dogs Have Pineapple Juice?

Pineapple juice is fine, but only if you give it to your dog in moderation and not too often. Keep in mind that it contains more sugar than pineapple flesh. Dogs cannot metabolize sugars easily, so it might make them sick.

Can Dogs Have Fresh Pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is the best choice. Make sure to remove all the spiky skin and the tough core. Also, cut the fruit into small chunks that your dog can eat easily.

If you want your dog to get all the health benefits of pineapple, you can also look for a dog food that has it as an ingredient. For example, Almo Nature HQS Complete on Amazon is tasty wet food for dogs with chicken and pineapple. It’s grain-free and contains real meat.

Can Dogs Have Dried Pineapple?

We don’t recommend feeding your dog dried pineapple as it packs a higher sugar amount per portion. Also, when you remove water to make dried fruit, the fruit shrinks, so you can easily overfeed your dog.

Does Pineapple Stop Dogs From Eating Poop?

There’s a misconception that feeding your dog pineapple can treat coprophagia (eating poop). 

Some dogs may eat their poop if they have a nutritional deficiency. So it’s true that bromelain in pineapple may help with that to some extent. That’s why many owners start feeding their dogs pineapple. But in most cases, eating poop is a behavioral issue. It’s best to consult your vet and find out the cause before starting your dog on a pineapple diet.

sliced pineapple

Dogs Eating Pineapples: Feeding Guidelines

It’s crucial to follow the guidelines when treating your dog to some pineapple. Remember that the fruit isn’t suitable dog food, and you should only give it to your pet in minimal quantities. Here’s what else you should keep in mind:

  • Always remove the pineapple skin and core.
  • Cut the fruit into small cubes before giving it to your dog.
  • Eight small chunks of pineapple are more than enough for a 30-pound dog.
  • Pineapple isn’t a substitute meal for your pet. Only feed a few chunks in-between mealtime or as a reward for good behavior.
  • Pineapple contains a high dose of vitamin C and sugar, which aren’t good for your dog’s health in high quantities.
  • Can puppies have pineapples? No, you should definitely not give pineapple to puppies in their first 12 weeks. At that time, they require a specific diet to fulfill their nutritional needs.

Here are a few more ideas on how you can turn the pineapple chunks into even tastier treats.

Pineapple for Dogs: Homemade Treats

Fresh pineapple is a wonderful treat for dogs. But if you want to mix things up, we have a few fantastic pineapple-based recipes for your furry friend:

  • Fruit Salad: Mix pineapple chunks with slices of watermelon, bananas, and a few berries to create a nutrient-rich and refreshing fruit salad. But try to keep it all under the recommended 10% of the diet.
  • Frozen Pineapple: Put some chunks in the freezer for an easy summer snack. It’ll be hydrating and refreshing for your dog.
  • Pineapple puree: For even easier digestion, blend the pineapple and freeze it in ice cubes to make a perfect doggy treat.
  • Pineapple ice cream: Blend yogurt, pineapple, and some sweet potatoes. Let it freeze and serve your pooch a nice cold dessert.
  • Smoothie: Can dogs have pineapple in a smoothie? Yes, just blend the fruit with some veggies for a delicious snack that your dog would lap up.

And if you simply don’t have the time to make your dog pineapple treats, you can always buy them instead. We like the Cocotherapy Pure Hearts Coconut Cookies on Amazon. It’s made with organic ingredients. Plus, it’s gluten-free and low glycemic.

What Other Fruit Can My Dog Enjoy Aside From Pineapple?

If your pet doesn’t like the taste of pineapple in dog’s food, you can try giving it a different fruit treat. But it’s worth checking which fruit is safe first:

While apples can be a wonderful snack for your dog, you should know which parts are safe for your pet.

Bananas can be a mouth-watering treat for your dog. But don’t allow your pet to eat all of it in one bite. An inch of a banana at a time is enough.

  • Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

If you want to give your pooch a rich vitamin treat, a few slices and rindless cantaloupes are a good choice.

So, Is Pineapple Safe for Dogs?

Yes, pineapple can be a healthy alternative to packaged and processed dog treats. But you should give it in small amounts and only occasionally.

If your dog dislikes the raw tangy food by itself, you can try some delicious DIY recipes to mix things up. Always keep an eye on your dog when feeding it new types of fruit. If you notice an allergic reaction or indigestion, stop giving it pineapple and opt for other treats.Can dogs have pineapple? The fruit is a wonderful dog snack for summer as it can help your dog stay hydrated while supporting its health. But you should always feed your pet human food in moderation.

Vessy's taken care of animals for as long as she can remember. Throughout the years, she's had hamsters, guinea pigs, and parrots. But her one true love is cats. As an advocate of science and technology, she joined the pawsome team to ensure top-quality research, and help pet owners find modern ways to improve the lives of their animal companions.

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