On a hot summer day, nothing beats a fresh pineapple. This fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a delicious summer treat for both you and your dog. However, there are a few things you should know before sharing it with your best friend.
Benefits of pineapple for dogs
Pineapples are refreshing and hydrating because they are mostly water. But that doesn't mean they're just empty calories. Pineapples are rich in antioxidants.
Pineapple is also rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C, like in humans, can help boost a dog's immune system. It also has antioxidant properties and helps with wound healing. Vitamin B6 is used for a variety of bodily functions in dogs, including brain activity. Finally, pineapple also contains various minerals that help support healthy skin and coat, as well as other connective tissues.
Pineapple also contains an enzyme called bromelain. It has been suggested that this compound may help alleviate the unpleasant behavior of eating feces. It's believed that adding pineapple to a dog's food reduces the appeal of feces. However, adding pineapple (or other additives) to your dog's diet is unlikely to stop your dog from eating feces. Coprophagia, the professional term for eating feces, is usually a behavioral problem that cannot be easily and quickly resolved.
Even if pineapples do have a deterrent effect, it only works on their own feces, and most dogs with this habit also tend to eat other animals' feces. Preventing your dog from eating feces requires time, training, patience, management skills, and diligently keeping the yard clean.
Potential health problems of pineapples
Generally speaking, fruits are high in sugar, and pineapples are no exception. If your dog is obese or has diabetes, fruit may not be suitable for it.
Your veterinarian can better advise you on which fruits are too high in sugar for your dog. Dried pineapple (and other dried fruits) are even higher in sugar. Keep in mind that pineapple contains a lot of water, so when you remove it, you are altering the proportions of all the remaining ingredients.
Which parts of a pineapple can my dog eat?
Indeed, only the soft inner flesh of the pineapple (the same part that humans eat) is safe for your dog to eat. Pineapple and any other food outside of its diet should only be given in small amounts. All other parts, including the spiky outer skin, the leaves growing from the top, and the core, are unsafe for your dog. These parts are difficult for your dog to digest.
If your dog swallows any skin, leaves, or core, they may at most vomit and/or have diarrhea. In the worst case, they may need surgery to remove a piece of pineapple that is blocking their intestines.
Can my dog eat canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapples can be hard to find, especially out of season. For us, this problem is easily solved by buying canned pineapples. Unfortunately, canned pineapples may actually contain more sugar than fresh ones.
Some varieties may be packaged in water instead of syrup, but you should avoid buying canned pineapples if possible.
If you only have canned pineapple, try to buy only water-packaged pineapple and make sure to rinse the pineapple chunks thoroughly before giving them to your dog. Be sure to make sure that any pineapple treats you provide do not contain sugar-free substitutes such as xylitol, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Other ways to feed your dog pineapple
Besides tossing a few pieces of pineapple while slicing it, there are other ways to let your dog enjoy fresh pineapple. Mixing it with plain yogurt makes a delicious and nutritious food topping. You can freeze it for an extra refreshing treat on hot summer days. Frozen pineapple can also be made into a puree, creating dog-safe pineapple sorbets. You can even toss a small piece of grilled pineapple to your puppy at your next barbecue.
Pineapple is a great treat for both you and your dog. However, as with any new remedy, consult your veterinarian before incorporating pineapple into your dog's diet. To prevent nutritional imbalances, treats and snacks should never exceed 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.
