If you love pineapple, you may wonder if it's safe for your dog to eat, too. Pineapple is a rich source of potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and manganese. It also contains antioxidants and an enzyme called bromelain, which can help break down proteins (which makes it a good meat tenderizer).
However, the question of whether pineapple is good for dogs is a little complicated since there really isn't a lot of direct research on the topic. But whenever it comes to something as important as what our dogs eat, I like to go straight to what the science says to give you the best possible answer.
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Content:
- Can Dogs Eat Fresh Pineapple
- Can Dogs Eat Dried, Canned, or Frozen Pineapple
- Can Dogs Have Pineapple Juice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Can Dogs Eat Fresh Pineapple
Too much pineapple is extremely acidic and will likely cause your dog tummy issues. However, that doesn't mean that a little pineapple isn't good for dogs. In fact, there are a few intriguing studies that show it may be quite good for dogs, mainly because of the vitamin C, flavonoids, and the pineapple enzyme called bromelain.
One study suggests that bromelain is anti-inflammatory and might help dogs with arthritis, especially since it also helps them absorb another powerful antioxidant called quercetin.
Research by Dr. Annalisa Costale, DVM, says that, "mixture of bromelain and quercetin improved gut health and inflammation in kenneled dogs."
In theory, since this enzyme breaks down proteins that are hard to digest, it may help with digestion, especially with dogs who are prone to pancreatitis or have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and struggle to produce enough enzymes to break down their food properly. This may be part of why it supports gut health, which is 70% of a dog's immune system.
Even more interesting, another study put dogs on a diet of fish, pineapple and ginseng to test how it affected their ear health. The study found that dogs on this restricted diet that was full of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids from fish and pineapple, had much healthier ears and didn't get ear infections. Cool, huh?
If you feed your dog a little pineapple, you can keep an eye on them with a Petcube Pet Camera to check for any signs that it may upset their stomach. But it's also helpful if you incorporate it into their diet to see if their overall health improves with lower levels of inflammation.
Can Dogs Eat Dried, Canned, or Frozen Pineapple
There's no reason to give dogs dried pineapple. Whenever fruit is dried, the sugar content is much more concentrated, so while it still has some good nutrients, it is a lot like giving your dog candy.
Canned pineapple is not a good idea, mostly because it's usually canned in syrups and sugars, possibly with added preservatives. So, skip the canned pineapple as a treat.
Frozen fruit usually has most of the original nutritional value of the fresh kind. So a little bit of frozen pineapple can make a healthy treat for your pup on a hot day. Just keep it in moderation.
Can Dogs Have Pineapple Juice
We don't really know if dogs should have pineapple juice. There's nothing toxic in it, but again, it is very acidic. However a study on rats suggests that it lowers cholesterol, reduces some toxic enzyme in the stomach, boosts the immune system and even increases the red blood cell production.
Before you get excited, we don't know if it will do the same for dogs because it hasn't been tested. However, if you decide to add a little watered-down pineapple juice to your dog's food, it may be good for them.
It's always best to consult a vet before introducing something new into your dog's diet. The Petcube Emergency Fund gives you access to 24/7 online vets if you want to discuss giving your dog a little pineapple or if they seem sick after having too much. It also covers up to $3000 in emergency vet bills, and blog readers can get a 27% discount at this link.
FAQs
Is pineapple okay for dogs?
Yes, in moderation. Fresh pineapple can be a healthy treat for dogs, but it should be given in small amounts to avoid stomach upset.
Is pineapple juice good for dogs?
No, pineapple juice is not recommended due to its high sugar content and acidity, which can cause digestive issues.
Can puppies have pineapple?
Puppies can have small amounts of fresh pineapple, but they should be introduced gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive problems.
Conclusion
Pineapple is very rich in antioxidants, and a few studies suggest it could be quite good for dogs. Just be careful not to give your dog too much, as this highly acidic fruit simply isn't a natural part of their diet, and we don't know all the pros and cons involved in feeding it to our pups.