Fruits play a major role in keeping your dog’s health balanced and providing him with all the essential nutrients his body needs. However, not all fruits are safe for canine consumption, as some of them tend to be harmful and might even be lethal even in tiny portions.
In the previous article, we’ve answered the “can dogs eat grapes” question and pointed out that they’re harmful and toxic even in their seedless form. This means that the “can dogs eat seedless grapes” or the “can dogs eat green grapes” question is still answered with a NO. You can check out our article discussing whether dogs can eat grapes or not for more information.
Now, we’re going to talk about yet another fruit – the pineapple – and check whether it’s good for canine consumption or not.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Pineapple is no doubt a healthy fruit that is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and more. As such, it can provide you with tons of nutrients necessary to maintain optimal health.
But is it safe for your dog? Well, the answer is YES!
In fact, the nutrients found in pineapples all play a very important role in your dog’s digestive health and immune system. By giving your dog tiny amounts of pineapple, you’ll be able to maintain his overall health at all times.
However, like any other fruits, pineapple should only be given to your canine friend in moderation. This is because feeding him with large quantities can have adverse effects on his digestive system due to the fruit’s high fiber content and natural sugar. Also, you shouldn’t consider giving the fruit to your dog if he’s allergic to pineapple.
This is particularly true with canned pineapple since it has excessively high sugar levels than a fresh pineapple fruit due to the syrup added. Aside from that, the tough core of the fruit could possibly cause obstructions on your dog’s digestive tract, so you want to avoid giving that to your pet.
Is It Necessary for Your Dog’s Health?
While feeding your dog pineapple is okay, will it necessarily contribute to his overall health?
As mentioned earlier, pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog’s diet. However, it should only be given in tiny amounts. A study which was published in 1997 in Gastroenterology revealed that bromelain (an enzyme found in the fruit) can have antibacterial properties that could reduce the risks of diarrhea among dogs and other animals.
It was also discovered that the enzyme can help with inflammations by reducing inflammatory receptor production in the intestines, as indicated by a study in Frontiers in Immunology after administering bromelain in rats.
Possible Side Effects
Due to its high fiber content, giving large amounts of pineapple to your pet can cause stomach upsets. Moreover, the fruit’s high sugar level and acidity can lead to obesity, tooth decay, and even diabetes. Therefore, if planning to give your dog pineapple, make sure it’s in a small amount only.
The Bottom Line
Dogs can certainly eat pineapple without a problem as long as it’s in small portions only. You should never feed him with large amounts as it can lead to digestive issues and obesity.
If your dog is allergic to pineapple, there are several other fruits that you can give him instead. Fruits like watermelon and oranges can also provide your dog with a lot of essential nutrients which he needs for optimal health and growth. However, as always, make sure you only provide them in tiny portions as doing so can lead to potential side effects.