For most people, pineapple is a sweet, juicy fruit that they eat in fruit salads. But for some cultures, it has long been an essential ingredient in several traditional dishes.
As time went on, the pineapple became the popular fruit that is being used in dessert dishes and cakes. It is now one of the most popular fruits on earth and can be found everywhere from your favorite juice center to your local grocery store.
While you indulge in the pineapple your pooch might ask for some 🙂
Can dogs eat pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple is safe and healthy for your dog to consume. The fresh pineapple is packed with hydration and many other nutrients that are healthy for your dog. Some dogs may not like the taste of this tangy fruit but many find it tasty when added to doggie ice creams or smoothies.
Most package treats contain excessive fats and additives, so it is better to avoid them and introduce natural food options to your pup.
Pineapple is super-rich in minerals, vitamins including potassium, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Dogs also get these nutrients and a lot more from dog food.
Nutritional Value of Pineapple
There is no need to add pineapple to your dog’s diet for nutritional requirements but if you want to, remember that it is high in sugar. Thus, give pineapple to your dog in snacks or treats, in moderation.
Pineapples are super nutritious, sweet, and tangy. Let’s check out the benefits of this tasty and nutrition-rich food:
Hydration
This tasty fruit is 82% water and thus provides excellent hydration. It gives additional hydration to your dog, especially on a hot day.
Antioxidants
Pineapple is rich in antioxidants which help repair damaged cells.
Vitamin C and B6
Vitamin C helps boost your pet’s immunity and is an anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin B6 is an essential co-enzyme for the brain and body. It helps in regulating fluid balance, hormones, building proteins, supporting neurotransmitters in your furry friend’s body.
Minerals
pIneapples are rich in minerals that maintain healthy coat and skin, tissues as well as ensure strong ligaments.
Bromelain
Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties. This enzyme is known to be nature’s histamine and helps with skin problems.
Can my dog eat canned pineapple?
Canned pineapple can be consumed by your dog but make sure it does not have any sugar added to it.
Added refined sugar can impact your furry friend’s blood sugar levels, especially if it has diabetes. Also, during the canning process, some essential nutrients and enzymes get reduced in their effectiveness.
It is best to ensure you consume fresh pineapple. If only canned pineapple is available to feed your dog, then ensure it does not have any added sugar. If it does, then make sure to rinse it off with water before feeding.
How to feed pineapple to dogs?
There are multiple ways of preparing the pineapple and if your dog likes the taste then you can turn the fruit into a dog treat. Make sure that you feed the dog in moderation.
Frozen pineapple
If you want refreshing dog treats for your furry friend during summer days, then freeze the pineapple and feed them to your dog in moderation. We suggest you do not feed big pieces of frozen pineapple to small dogs as it can cause choking. Ensure to keep the pieces small.
Fresh pineapple
The best version of feeding pineapple to your dog is fresh. Make sure to remove the hard core and spiky skin. Take the fleshy part and cut it into cubes. Small sizes pieces are preferable and they can also help with portion control.
Dried pineapple
This type of pineapple is not recommended as a treat for your furry friend. This is because they are packed with excess sugar. Since the water is removed from the fruit, its size shrinks but the amount of sugar remains the same.
Conclusion
Pineapple is safe to consume for your dog but ensure you feed fresh pineapple as treat and that your dog does not overconsume it. Also, it is completely fine if you do not give pineapple to your pet because they can get all the required nutrients from the food that is specifically made for them.
