Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Can dogs eat pineapple? What you need to know

Read this before feeding your dog this tropical fruit

Gabrielle LaFrank
By
A black Pug sits next to a pineapple
Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash

Whether you’re indulging in a summertime treat or creating the ultimate tropical fruit salad, pineapple is never a bad idea. Its tangy, refreshing taste complements many other flavors, and you can prepare it in a number of different ways. But while you’re chopping up your pineapple, there’s a good chance your food-motivated dog isn’t far away. After all, they may be hoping you’re cooking them a chicken dinner!

Before you toss your pup a piece of delicious pineapple, it’s only natural to wonder whether dogs can have this fruit to begin with. A few fruits are downright dangerous for dogs, including grapes, avocados, and pitted fruits, but can dogs have pineapple? Let’s find out.

Recommended Videos

Can dogs have pineapple?

King Charles cavalier spaniel dog with a pineapple
WinkinPink Picture Library / Alamy

You’ll be glad to know that dogs can have fresh pineapple in small quantities. Actually, there are many benefits to feeding furry friends this tropical fruit. Not only is it a delicious alternative for a dog treat, but it also contains several essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium can all be found in this summertime treat. As the canine experts at the AKC note, pineapple’s nutrients are important for a healthy digestive system and immune system.

However, not all pineapples get the green light for your dog’s consumption. It’s important to know that only fresh pineapple should be fed to dogs — not any pineapple cocktail or canned fruit. Prepared produce often contains lots of sugar, which is not healthy for any pet to eat. In fact, fresh pineapple contains sugar, too, which is one reason why it should only be a treat for dogs in moderation. Additionally, pineapple’s high fiber content can upset some dogs’ stomachs, while its acidity can wear down tooth enamel if consumed in large amounts.

How to prepare pineapple for dogs

A French Bulldog wearing a pineapple onesie
Karsten Winegeart / Unsplash

When sharing a few bites of fresh pineapple with your pup, there are some more precautions to keep in mind. For example, make sure not to feed your dog either the spiny outer layer or the tough solid core of the fruit. Eating these pieces runs the risk of causing an intestinal blockage, so be sure to let your dog’s vet know if they do happen to steal the core, spines, or skin. You may have to bring them in for an exam, or your vet may advise you to wait and see.

Speaking of veterinarians, it’s also a good idea to check in with your dog’s doctor before any major diet changes. Because pineapple is high in sugar, it may not be recommended for dogs at risk of diabetes. Even if your dog gets the A-OK to eat pineapple, it’s best to start with a single bite-sized piece just to see how their stomach reacts. If they do well, you can try two pieces next time.

Just like when sharing any human food with your dog, make sure to cut pineapple into small enough pieces. This juicy treat could get messy, though, so finding a snacking spot that’s easy to clean is simply a bonus. Happy snacking!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Can dogs eat shrimp? The answer may surprise you
How to cook, cut, and prepare shrimp for dogs
A French bulldog puppy wearing a yellow sweater stands next to a dog bowl in front of a blue background

When dog owners are in the kitchen, it's only normal to have an extra pair of eyes watching their every move. Furry friends are never far away when food is around, and it's all too easy to toss your dog a table scrap their way when they look up with those pleading eyes. How could you say no?
Unless a dog is dealing with dietary restrictions or medical issues, the occasional bite of people food won't hurt. Of course, it's important to make sure that whatever you're feeding them is safe for canine consumption, as so many dog owners go to the internet to double-check. That's why you're here!
If you've been wondering, "Can dogs eat shrimp?" -- you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know about feeding dogs shrimp so you can get back to cooking.

Can dogs eat shrimp?

Read more
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
It's usually just the weather, but you should look for signs of dehydration or excess thirst
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more
Are Himalayan dog chews safe for your pet? Know this before you buy
These dogs treats are still trendy but should probably be eaten in moderation
A close-up shot of a pug standing in the grass with a bone-shaped treat in his mouth

What do blueberries, kale, and broccoli all have in common? In addition to being delicious, all three are part of the group of so-called superfoods. Unfortunately, there's no federally regulated definition for the term, but Harvard scientists claim food that "offers high levels of desirable nutrients, is linked to the prevention of a disease, or is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value" can be labeled superfoods. 

Just like you might add chia seeds to your granola or spirulina powder to your smoothies for additional vitamins and minerals, you also want to make sure your dog's food and treats pack a beneficial wallop. Made famous on Shark Tank, Himalayan dog chews have become one of the most hotly debated treats in the pet food game, which begs the question, "Are Himalayan dog chews as healthy as some people think?"

Read more