Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

And is pineapple safe for dogs? Yes, and yes! When fed in moderation, pineapple can provide your dog with several nutritional benefits, including:

• Hydration: Pineapple is 82–86% water, making it a great treat to keep your dog hydrated, especially on hot days.
• Antioxidants: Pineapple has antioxidants that assist with repairing damaged cells.
• Vitamin C: The benefits of vitamin C are:
  • Gives your dog’s immune system a boost
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Helps absorb other vitamins and minerals
  • Supports heart health
  • Helps the regeneration of damaged tissues
• Vitamin B: B Vitamins are important for brain and body functions, and they help regulate your dog’s metabolism, promote a healthy immune system, and produce red blood cells. They can also improve your dog's mood, among other benefits. B vitamins are especially important for puppies while they’re growing.
• Fiber: Pineapples are high in fiber, which is good for your dog’s digestive system.
• Vitamins and minerals: 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.
• Calcium, phosphorus, and zinc: Pineapples also contain trace amounts of calcium, phosphorus and zinc, which help boost your dog’s immune system and are good for digestion.

It's preferred to serve dogs fresh pineapple, removed of the skin and leaves, and cut into bite-size pieces. But what about dried, juiced, or canned pineapple?

Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of pineapple dogs can—and shouldn’t—eat.

• Can dogs eat dried pineapple? Yes, but avoid store-bought dried pineapple because it can contain added sugar and preservatives. Instead, you can dehydrate the pineapple yourself and give it to your pup in small amounts and in moderation. It’s best to serve fresh pineapple, though, because the drying process removes all the beneficial hydration, while the amount of natural sugar stays the same.
• Can dogs have pineapple juice? Yes, but only in small amounts and sparingly—and the juice should have no artificial sweeteners or additives. 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 or dental disease.
• Can dogs eat canned pineapple? No, because canned fruits often contain sugary syrup. Too much sugar is not good for your pup, especially senior dogs or those with diabetes or dental disease.

While dogs can eat pineapple as a treat or mixed in with their regular food, pineapple can present a few risks for dogs, including:

• Choking hazard: Never feed your dog the core or spiny skin of a pineapple. Because these two parts of the pineapple are extremely tough to chew, they can be a choking hazard or cause an obstruction.
• Tooth decay: High sugar content also can lead to tooth decay if you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth regularly.
• Upset stomach: Pineapple contains a lot of natural sugar and fiber—and in large quantities is not good for your dog’s digestive system. Portion control is important. Keep in mind that pineapples are also very acidic and may trigger heartburn (acid reflux).
• May affect medications: Pineapple’s acidity may affect how your pup absorbs their medications. If your dog is taking medications, check with your vet first before offering pineapple.

Symptoms of your pup consuming too much pineapple include:

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Difficulty pooping
• Vomiting
• Gassiness

Pineapples are considered a treat, and treats should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 10% of the total calories of your dog’s daily diet, with the rest coming from a complete and well-balanced dog food.

About 1 cup of pineapple chunks contains about 80 calories.

That said, below are general guidelines for safely feeding pineapple to your dog based on weight. However, you should always consult with your vet before serving pineapple to determine the right portion size for your dog.

Here are some tips for safely preparing and feeding pineapple to dogs:

• Remove the skin and leaves. Dogs should only eat raw, peeled pineapple pulp.
• Cut into bite-size pieces. This prevents choking and makes it easier for your pup to chew and digest.
• 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.
• Serve as a small snack. Go ahead, let a few pieces drop on the floor while you’re making yourself a sweet treat.
• Mix with their regular food. Hide 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.