Pet owners show their love and affection to their dogs by giving them treats. You can also make snack time healthier for your pet by incorporating fruits, specifically pineapple, into their diet. While it may be an uncommon practice (largely because some dogs simply won’t eat pineapple) offering pineapple pieces to dogs that enjoy the fruit can actually boost their health. Research has found that animals can benefit from pineapple’s unique combination of nutrients.
Is Pineapple Good for Dogs?
Feeding pineapple to your dog may seem like a strange treat, but it may actually benefit their health. The fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that has been shown to help manage inflammation and promote healthy skin among humans.1 Interestingly, research shows bromelain, along with the other nutrients found in pineapple, may be good for your dog as well.
According to a 1997 study published in Gastroenterology, bromelain exhibits potent antibacterial effects that can help reduce the risk of diarrhea among animals. In this study, the test creatures were rabbits.2 Another study presents similar findings, with piglets as the test subjects.3
Bromelain may help manage inflammation in animals as well. A study published in Frontiers in Immunology notes that administration of bromelain helped inhibit intestinal inflammation in rats by reducing the production of inflammatory receptors.4,5
Other benefits of bromelain for animals include increased blood fluidity and anti-hypertensive effects.6 Anti-edema and coagulation-inhibiting properties were also observed.7 Aside from bromelain, pineapple is rich in various vitamins and minerals that may benefit your furry friend. A 1-cup (165 grams) serving of pineapple can provide these nutrients:8
- Vitamin C — 78.9 milligrams (mg)
- Folate — 30 micrograms (ug)
- Healthy fats — 0.2 g
- Potassium — 180 mg
- Magnesium — 20 mg
- Calcium — 21 mg
In a study published in PSM Veterinary Research, vitamin C supplementation helped improve the recovery of male German Shepherds that took medication to kill skin mites. Results indicate that this vitamin is an economic way of helping improve a dog’s recovery speed when managing generalized demodicosis.9 Dogs require vitamin C for biological functions similar to humans as well, such as synthesis of collagen, carnitine and norepinephrine.10
Is Pineapple Bad for Dogs?
Pineapple is generally safe for dogs to eat. In fact, the American Kennel Club recommends the fruit as a healthy treat for your pet, up to 5% of a dog’s daily diet can be healthy fruits, in the form of fresh treats. In addition, watch your pet closely when feeding it pineapple, as they may have food allergies. A food allergy is a body’s negative response to a particular substance when eaten. Common culprits include mutton, chicken, corn, soy and eggs. Symptoms of a food allergy include:11
If you believe that your dog is allergic to pineapples, stop feeding the fruit immediately. Consult with your veterinarian if symptoms persist.12 Exercise caution when feeding pineapple to your cat, especially if it’s their first time. The fruit contains actinidain (actinidin), an enzyme also found in kiwifruit that may trigger allergies.13 Beware of any possible food allergies and stop feeding pineapple to your cat if they react negatively.
Can Cats Eat Pineapple?
Cats are predominantly carnivores, and are less likely to snack on sweet treats, but if they show an interest, try feeding them small amounts. It’s generally safe to give animals small pineapple servings; according to VCA, animals can benefit from various enzymes. Bromelain, in particular, may help manage inflammation and can boost skin health.14
Pineapple Can Benefit Your Pet, but Give It to Them in Moderation
Your dogs or cats can use the nutrients from pineapple to provide an extra boost to their health. Be sure to control the portion size. Large pinapple chunks can be a choking hazard for some dogs, so chopping the fruit into small pieces is important. Fruit, including pineapple, should not constitute more than 5% of the overall diet, as the sugar content can negatively impact their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapples for Pets
Q: Can dogs eat pineapple core?
A: Feeding pineapple core to your dogs is not recommended, because its tough texture can cause choking. Feed only small pieces of the soft pineapple flesh to your pets.15
Q: Can dogs eat canned pineapple?
A: Do not feed canned pineapple to your pets. The excess sugar from the syrup can potentially harm your pet’s well-being, and the enzymes are long gone. Stick to raw, fresh pineapple only.16
Q: Is pineapple juice safe for dogs?
A: Fresh pineapple juice is not toxic to dogs, but not it’s not recommended. Because the fiber is removed, diarrhea can occur.