Can dogs eat pineapple?
There is nothing like the taste of a few pieces of sweet pineapple on a sweltering day. Just the smell of this fresh fruit makes your mouth water. Your dog is sitting right there waiting for his share and you wonder. Can dogs have pineapple, is this fruit safe for her? Good news, pineapple is safe to share so go ahead and start your companion a few small pieces. Pineapple is not only tasty but has a number of beneficial vitamins along with its refreshing flavor.
How is pineapple good for dogs?
The vitamins a pineapple packs make it healthy for your pet, and when you add in bromelain to help in the digestion, you have a winner. Vitamins C, folate, thiamin-B1, riboflavin-B2, and niacin-B3 and pyridoxine- B6 are present in pineapple. These B vitamins aid in the conversion of food into energy and are essential for healthy skin, muscles, brain, and nerve functionality. But don’t stop without including iron, copper, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Manganese promotes strong enzyme function which helps produce fatty acids and the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins. With all of these vitamins and antioxidants to assist in preventing cell damage, a fresh nutrient-dense pineapple is a winner for your pet. Just remember to give small pieces and moderate amounts as too much might upset his stomach.
Why are pineapples bad for dogs?
You can’t have all that sweet goodness without a lot of sugar so be careful with the portion you feed your dog. Too much sugar can cause weight gain, and according to the American Animal Hospital Association in 2019, 51% of the dogs in American were obese or overweight. Fortunately this has decreased as pet owners are more aware of the problem. In 2016 it was listed as 54%. Therefore, when giving your favorite dog a pineapple treat, make sure to moderate the amount. When preparing the pineapple make sure to remove the skin and the core as they are difficult to digest and could cause constipation or blockage in the digestive tract. You definitely don’t want to end up at the veterinarian’s office for surgical removal. If your dog is getting chubby, you might want to skip pineapple and opt for a low-calorie tomato treat. Dogs can eat tomatoes, read more on that page.
How do you feed pineapple to your dog?
You don’t have to add anything to the fruit as pineapple is so juicy and delicious it can pretty much stand on its own. Start with a small amount to make sure it is tolerated well and remember to remove the core and the skin. You could simply juice the pineapple and add some of this to his water for hydration on a hot day. Can dogs eat pineapple… Yes they can!
A frozen treat recipe for your pet.
Most dogs like yogurt in any form so just get out a bit of plain Greek yogurt and mix in two cups of pureed pineapple. Yogurt for dogs is no problem in moderation. It should be juicy enough to stop there but if too thick add a teaspoon to tablespoon of water then pour the mixture into a silicone mold (an ice cube tray or small divided pan will work). Freeze for 3-4 hours for a delicious pineapple slushie. Put the extras into a freezer bag for later.
What do vets and nutritionists have to say about dogs and pineapples?
It is always safest to let your veterinarian know if you are introducing a new food to your dog’s diet. Overall, pineapple can be a healthy addition to your pooch’s food menu but remember not to give it to a diabetic dog. Check out the labels when you are purchasing your pineapple for yourself and for your canine friend. Buying fresh fruit in season and preparing the treat can be fun for both of you and will have a lower sugar content than the canned varieties.