Can dogs eat pineapple? Yes, they can! Whether fresh or frozen, pineapple is chock full of water, antioxidants, fiber and beneficial vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy treat in moderation for your pup.
We spoke with Dr. Amanda Williams, chief veterinarian and medical director of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch, for tips and advice on how to include pineapple in your dog’s diet.
Benefits of Pineapple for Dogs
Is pineapple good for dogs? Yes! When fed in moderation, pineapple can provide your dog with several nutritional benefits.
- Pineapple is 82-86% water, making it a great treat to keep your dog hydrated, especially on hot days.
- Pineapple has antioxidants that assist with repairing damaged cells.
- Vitamin C gives your dog’s immune system a boost, is an anti-inflammatory agent, helps absorb other vitamins and minerals, lowers cholesterol, prevents heart disease, increases immunity against illnesses and regenerates tissues.
- Vitamin B6 is important for brain and body functions. It regulates hormones, promotes a healthy heart, produces red blood cells and can improve your dog's mood, among other benefits. Vitamin B6 is especially important for puppies while they are growing.
- Pineapple is high in fiber, which is good for your dog’s digestive system.
- Pineapple contains other beneficial vitamins and minerals that help give your dog a shiny coat and healthy skin, make their ligaments and tissues stronger, and support their eyesight.
- There are also trace amounts of calcium, phosphorous and zinc, which help boost your dog’s immune system and are good for digestion.
Risks of Feeding Pineapple to Your Dog
While dogs can eat pineapple as a treat or mixed in with their regular food, Dr. Williams has a few things to keep in mind before feeding your dog pineapple:
Dogs should only eat raw, peeled pineapple flesh. It should be peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your pup to chew and digest.
Never feed your dog the core or spiny skin of a pineapple. These two parts of the pineapple are extremely tough to chew, so can be a choking hazard or cause an obstruction.
Portion control is important. Pineapple contains a lot of natural sugar and fiber, and in large quantities is not good for your dog’s digestive system. High sugar content also can lead to tooth decay if you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. Dr. Williams says eight small pineapple chunks contain about 50 calories, which is a sufficient portion for the typical adult dog. (Pineapple, and treats in general, should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.) Symptoms of your pup consuming too much pineapple include:
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Difficulty pooping
- Vomiting
- Gassiness
Start small. If your dog has never eaten pineapple, start by feeding them small amounts over time to see if they have a negative reaction, like an upset stomach or allergic reaction. Then you can slowly increase the quantity over time.
How to Feed Pineapple to Your Dog
You should always consult with your vet before serving pineapple to determine the right portion size for your dog. Even a healthy treat like pineapple should be factored into your dog’s optimum daily balanced diet. Dr. Williams says pineapple can be:
- Served fresh or frozen. Both are yummy options for your dog!
- A small snack. Go ahead, let a few pieces drop on the floor while you’re making yourself a sweet treat.
- Mixed in with their regular food. Williams recommends hiding the pineapple underneath their dry or wet food, so they must work to get to it—meaning they’ll eat their dog food on the way to reaching that yummy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can dogs eat dried pineapple?
A:Yes, but only in small amounts and in moderation. Fresh is best! Dr. Williams recommends feeding your dog fresh pineapple over the dried fruit because the drying process removes all the beneficial hydration, while the amount of natural sugar stays the same.
Q:Can dogs drink pineapple juice?
A:Yes, but only in small amounts and sparingly. Pineapple juice has a higher concentration of sugar than fresh pineapple, and too much sugar is not good for dogs, especially senior dogs or those with diabetes. If you give your dog pineapple juice, it should be fresh juice without any additives.
Q:Can dogs eat pineapple core?
A:No, the core is a choking hazard and also can cause obstructions.
Q:Can dogs eat canned pineapple?
A:No, dogs should not eat canned pineapple since canned fruits often contain sugary syrup. Too much sugar is not good for your pup, especially senior dogs or those with diabetes.
Q:Can dogs eat pineapple upside down cake?
A:No, but if your dog eats crumbs off the floor or jumps up and snatches a slice of pineapple upside down cake, they should be okay. But contact your vet immediately if your dog exhibits any negative reaction, like an upset stomach.
Top Dog Food & Treats with Pineapple
If your dog loves the taste of pineapple, here are a few dog food and treats with pineapple to give your pup more of the delicious and nutritious fruit.
A DIY Mutt Mocktail
This Chewy Eats recipe combines frozen or fresh pineapple chunks with mango, banana and unsweetened coconut milk for a yummy treat your dog will lick up.
Hawaiian-style Dog Bones
These all-natural treats packed with the delicious flavors of chicken and pineapple are a great option for training time or a healthy reward.
Luau Time Pork, Pineapple & Chia Oven-Baked Treats
These organic dog treats are simple and scrumptious, featuring natural ingredients like farm-raised pork, pineapple pieces and coconut flakes.
Chicken Dinner with Pineapple & Egg
Your dog will love this combination of chicken, pineapple and egg, and you’ll love that they’re getting high-quality protein and other essential nutrients!
Before incorporating any new foods into your dog’s diet, always consult with your veterinarian to make sure it’s a safe addition to your pet’s diet given their health, diet needs and current medications. Your vet will tell you if your dog can eat pineapple and the appropriate serving size. If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your regular veterinarian when possible as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. (If you need help finding a vet near you use this link.)
Expert input provided by Dr. Amanda Williams, chief veterinarian and medical director, Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch in Jupiter, Florida.
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