Optimeal® Blog

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Considerations for Sharing in Moderation

By Optimeal Team

03

May

Pineapple is the perfect treat no matter what time of year it is. With a juicy, tangy, sweet flavor, there’s no better way to refresh your body and delight the senses than with this bright yellow fruit. If you love pineapple and include it in your meals and desserts, you may wonder whether you can share this tangy treat with your furry friend.

Can dogs eat pineapple? The answer is yes, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines to keep your pup’s safety in mind. This guide takes a closer look at whether dogs can eat pineapple, some of the nutritional benefits of this fruit, and how to give this to your dog safely.

Keep reading to learn more.

Benefits of Pineapple For Dogs

Small quantities of pineapple are safe for your pup, but this fruit can also help support health and wellness. Pineapple is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals. Below are some of the key nutritional benefits of pineapple.

Vitamin C and Zinc (aka Immune Support)

One of the most significant benefits of pineapple is that it helps support the immune system. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and Zinc, both of which are key nutrients for immune system health.

Our dogs’ immune systems are made up of all different kinds of cells and tissues. The immune system is always developing, growing, creating new proteins, and adapting to new environments. Without a healthy immune system, your pup wouldn’t be able to fight off illness, disease, or bacteria, so it’s critical to find dog food ingredients that will support your dog’s health for many years to come.

Pineapple may offer some immune-supporting benefits — this unique yellow fruit is rich in zinc and vitamin C, two nutrients that work together to support proper immune system function and health.

B Vitamins

Pineapple is also a rich source of B vitamins, a group of six different water-soluble vitamins that are essential for health and wellness. Let’s take a look at which B vitamins pineapple contains and how they help support your pup’s health.

• Thiamin: This B vitamin helps promote energy, carbohydrate metabolism, and neurological function by activating ion channels in the brain tissue.
• Riboflavin: Also known as vitamin B12, riboflavin is helpful for carrying out enzyme function.
• Niacin: Niacin is also essential for health and wellness in our pups. This vitamin is also known as vitamin B3 and helps promote the breakdown of fatty acids, healthy skin, converting food into energy, and cognitive function.
• Folate: Folate, or folic acid, supports amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, as well as protein synthesis that takes place in the mitochondria of each cell.
• Vitamin B6: Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is essential for glucose generation, nervous system health and function, red blood cell activity, regulating hormones in the body, supporting the immune response, activating genes, and niacin synthesis.

Minerals

There are many minerals your dog needs to thrive, and some of these can be found in pineapple. Here’s what you need to know.

• Manganese: This mineral is critical for producing energy, supporting fatty acid synthesis, and breaking down proteins and carbohydrates. It can also help support healthy bones, joints, and cartilage, so if you have an older dog, this is an essential mineral to include in their food.
• Copper: The mineral copper helps your dog absorb iron, make red blood cells, and form connective tissue. Without copper, your dog’s muscles and skeletal structure could become weak, so it’s important to include proper amounts of copper in what you feed your pup.
• Potassium: Pineapple is also rich in potassium, also known as vitamin K, which is absolutely essential for the blood’s ability to clot. When your dog gets a scrape or injury, the ability to clot helps close the wound so it doesn’t keep bleeding. Potassium is essential for clotting.
• Magnesium: This mineral supports energy production in the cells, as well as proper muscular, cardiovascular, and cognitive function.
• Iron: The mineral iron is important for the production of red blood cells, too. Without this mineral, your furry friends may become deficient and unable to produce the red blood cells they need.
• Calcium: To keep your pup’s bones and muscles strong, calcium is another important mineral. It’s important to note that there are only small amounts of calcium in pineapple.
• Phosphorus: this mineral supports bone strength, healthy teeth, and metabolism and is necessary for dogs.

Digestive Support

If your dog gets constipated easily, small amounts of fresh pineapple may be able to help. Pineapple is packed with digestive enzymes that help break down food and support metabolism. Many pups can have sensitive stomachs, so be sure to monitor your dog’s behavior and bowel movements closely if you give them pineapple for the first time.

A Few Warnings When Feeding Your Dog Pineapple

While pineapple is a generally safe snack for your pup, there are two main risks you should be aware of.

Pineapple Has a Lot of Fiber and Sugar

The first precaution to keep in mind is that pineapple is only safe for dogs in moderation. While this fruit is tasty and full of vitamins and minerals, it’s also full of fiber and natural sugars.

Too much fiber can do more harm than good for your pup’s tummy, and too much sugar can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels and other health problems.

Stick to small quantities of fresh pineapple, and be sure to monitor your dog’s behavior and symptoms after feeding them.

Canned Pineapple Often Has Tons of Extra Sugar

Fresh pineapple is safe for pups in small quantities. It’s important to avoid canned pineapple as this can be packed with sugar, syrup, and other preservatives that can do more harm than good for your furry BFF. Stick to fresh pineapple to feed this sweet treat to your dog safely.

Pineapple Is a Great Occasional Snack, and That Only

While pineapple can be a safe, nutritious snack for your dog, it isn’t an adequate source of nutrition for your pup. In other words, pineapple alone won’t cut it for your dog’s nutritional needs, so don’t try using pineapple to fill the calories that should be going to a full meal.

Luckily, there are plenty of other fruits, vegetables, and natural ingredients that are excellent for your pup. Plus, if your pup has an adverse reaction to pineapple, there are other nutrients that can support their immune systems and provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.

First, look for whole fruits and veggies in your dog’s food. These will be packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients to support your pup’s health for many years to come.

In addition to real fruits and vegetables, look for real meat as the first ingredient! Many dog food brands will include “meat by-product meals,” which contain all the by-products and leftovers of the animals along with the meat. Real meat, on the other hand, is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and a delicious flavor your furry BFF will love.

Lastly, look for whole grains like oats and rice, while avoiding grains with gluten, as these may cause stomach upset and can be difficult for your pup to break down. Oats and rice are rich sources of fiber, nutrients, and more to support overall health and wellness.

Here at Optimeal®, our food is designed to support immune health with added vitamins and minerals so you can enjoy time with your pup for years to come. Whether your dog is on a grain-free diet, a dry food diet, or a puppy diet, we’ve got you covered with natural, premium ingredients that will nourish your best friend no matter what their dietary needs are at any stage of life.

Sources:

Development of Dog Immune System: From in Uterus to Elderly | NIH

Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions | NIH

7 Vitamins Your Dog Needs for a Healthy Life | American Kennel Club

The looming concern about copper in dog food: Copper overload is quietly killing our dogs | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine