Pineapple is a popular sweet treat this time of year! The season of pina colada-flavored everything has many pet parents asking: “Can dogs eat pineapple too?” After all, aren’t fruits and vegetables as healthy for dogs as they are for humans? Well, the answer is yes and no.
Overall, health begins in the gut for both people and pets. What you feed your dog plays a role in their short and long-term health and well-being.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Go With The Gut
Your dog’s gut is a microbiome of microscopic bacteria that helps with everything from digesting food to fighting off infections. Some foods contribute to a healthy canine microbiome, while others throw off the balance of good bacteria or upset the digestive process.
Recent research shows that what a dog eats can influence behavior and trainability. The nutrients your dog receives from the food you give them play a role in how their gut-brain axis functions. This interaction between food and behavior also works on a molecular level going as far as to affect pain, inflammation, and neurochemistry.
Even some of the most nutritious food choices can be an unsafe menu item for your canine friend. However, others are safe and provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your pet needs.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Let’s Find Out
If you search the web often for foods your dog should and shouldn’t eat, then you’re not alone. In a recent survey published by Forbes Advisor, 65.1 million American households own at least one dog, and 85% of these owners consider their dog part of the family.
Devoted pet parents keep tabs on what their furbabies eat. Read on to find the answer to the question: “Can dogs eat pineapple?” This article will also explore some of the best and worst foods for your dog. However, always ask your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet.
5 Foods That Are Considered Safe For Your Dog To Eat
Just a quick reminder to talk to your vet before starting Fido on a new food, especially if he’s on a special diet, coping with health issues, or taking any medications.
#1. Pineapple
So can dogs eat pineapple? The answer is yes. Pineapple is considered safe for dogs to eat in moderate amounts. This tangy fruit offers several important health benefits for dogs:
- Adding vitamins and minerals into the diet
Pineapple can be a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, B6, calcium, phosphorous, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals help to heal damaged cells, boost the immune system, and improve heart health.
- Aiding digestive functions
Fiber plays a main function in the digestive health of your dog. Pineapple contains high amounts of fiber that help keep your pup’s digestive system in tip-top shape.
- Providing hydration
Pineapple is made up of over 80% water and can be a fantastic source of hydration for dogs. In warmer seasons, fresh or frozen pineapple can be a fun treat that keeps your dog happy and healthy.
#2. Sweet Potatoes
Another amazingly healthy food for your dog is sweet potatoes. These starchy root vegetables contain a high amount of fiber that helps protect your dog’s digestive system.
Sweet potatoes, like carrots, have beta-carotene antioxidants that are proven to protect the eyes and boost the immune system.
Check out our easy 3-ingredient sweet potato jerky for a simple and inexpensive way to let Fido indulge in this superfood!
#3. Fish
It may come as no surprise that dogs love meat. The same goes for proteins from the sea. As long as fish and seafood are cooked and deboned, it is safe for your furbaby in moderate amounts. Fish has large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your dog’s skin healthy and fur shiny.
#4. Peanut butter
Like fish, peanut butter also contains healthy fats that can help protect your dog’s skin and contribute to muscle growth and maintenance. However, be sure to always check the nutrition label before feeding peanut butter to your dog. Some brands may add sugar substitutes into the product, such as xylitol which can be toxic to dogs.
While PB is typically, not all nuts are created equal when it comes to what dogs can eat! Learn more in our article: What Nuts Can Dogs Eat?
#5. Cucumbers
Cucumbers have beneficial vitamins and minerals and are a fabulous source of hydration for your dog. The peeling and seeds are still safe but may cause some tummy troubles. Most vets recommend removing these portions before feeding them to your dog.
–>Check out our list of 30 Good Veggies for Dogs (Plus 7 You Should NEVER Give Them) to learn more!<–
5 Foods That Are Considered Unsafe For Your Dog To Eat
Some of these unsafe foods may surprise you!
#1. Raw Meat
While our dog babies may be a distant relative to wolves, their stomachs can’t support the same raw meat diet. Studies show that raw or undercooked meats can have an adverse effect on dogs. Eating meat that isn’t cooked properly can increase bad bacteria in the gut. It can also increase the transfer of pathogens that make dogs and people sick.
#2. Yeast
Both yeast found in raw bread dough and alcoholic beverages are unsafe for dogs to consume. Yeast naturally releases gas into the surrounding environment and can cause major gastrointestinal bloating. Internal yeast-related digestive problems can contribute to persistent stomach pain for your pooch.
#3. Grapes
Grapes and raisins are linked to kidney failure in pets. Medical experts are still working to determine the toxic substance in grapes and raisins that lead to adrenal problems. While research continues, steer clear of sharing grapes and raisins with your four-legged family.
#4. Avocado
Avocados have been a cause of cardiovascular problems in birds, rabbits, and farm animals such as horses, goats, sheep, and donkeys. While the negative effects are less prevalent in dogs, it is generally recommended that pet owners keep this food out of reach from their canine friends as well.
#5. Caffeinated Foods and Beverages
Keep the hot cup of morning Joe and afternoon pick-me-up to yourself. Dogs should not consume coffee, chocolate, or soda. These caffeinated foods and beverages contain methylxanthines that come from cacao seeds. This extract is toxic to dogs and can cause:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Hyperactivity
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Ask Your Vet Before Starting New Foods For Your Furbaby
The food lists above are by no means exhaustive. There are more safe and toxic foods that dog moms and dads should be aware of. Protect your pet by always checking with a veterinarian if you’re unsure about what to feed your dog.
Often Asked Questions About Foods That Are Safe For Dogs
Can dogs eat pineapple skin, peeling, or core?
Dogs should not eat the outer portion or core of a pineapple. These parts of the pineapple are difficult to chew and swallow, making them a choking hazard for dogs.
Can dogs eat pineapple in dried and juice form?
Dogs should only eat dried pineapple or drink pineapple juice in small amounts. Pineapple fresh or frozen is great for pet hydration. When it is dried, it loses the hydration benefits. Along with that, pineapple juice has a high concentration of sugar that can not be healthy for dogs in large amounts.
Can dogs eat citrus or acidic fruits?
Generally speaking, dogs should not eat citrus foods or beverages. However, citrus fruits such as oranges, clementines, and tangerines are considered safe in very small amounts. On the other hand, lemons and grapefruits contain high amounts of citric acid, which is unsafe for dogs. Citric acid has been known to lead to an upset stomach and gastrointestinal pain.
Should dogs eat safe fruits or vegetables daily?
While veterinarian-approved fruits and vegetables are important to incorporate into your dog’s diet, it is important to remember that portion control matters. Adding too much fiber or supplemental vitamins and minerals into your dog’s diet can overload the digestive system and cause gastrointestinal problems.
Make safe human foods a once-in-a-while treat for your furbaby. Occasionally sharing these safe foods with your dog will pique their interest in special treats that keep them happy and healthy.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
The answer to the question: “Can dogs eat pineapple” is a resounding yes (in moderation). As a proactive pet parent, it is always good to ask these types of questions to your veterinarian before introducing new food to your dog.
Does your dog like pineapple? Drop us a comment below and tell us what special treats you like to share with your four-legged friend.
