Dogs can eat a small amount of dried pineapple, but we do not recommend dried pineapple as a snack. Since pineapple contains a lot of sugar, when it goes through the drying process, its “sugar per ounce” increases. The amount of sugar in even a tiny amount of dried pineapple can be too much for some dogs.
Good, caring pet parents want the best for their fur babies. Feeding your pet nutritious, high-quality food is one of the best ways to show your dog how much you love it. We know that fruit is good for humans, but are they also good for dogs? Are all fruits equal when it comes to a dog’s wellbeing?
Dogs may not benefit from all the healthy foods humans eat. In fact, some are extremely poisonous!
It’s important to do your research before feeding your dog anything that you are not 100% confident about.
Dried pineapple is one of those fruits that confuses many dog owners. Since dogs can eat pineapple, they should be able to eat dried pineapple, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Pineapple? Is it a Good Snack?
Although dried pineapple is not poisonous to dogs, it’s not the greatest snack. Dried pineapple contains more sugar than fresh pineapple. During the drying process, all the water evaporates and the pineapple slices shrink. All that remains is a little fruity mass that contains a lot of sugar. Because of the high sugar content in dried pineapple, it is not the greatest treat for dogs.
Additionally, eating too much dried pineapple can cause a dog’s blood sugar to spike, leading to the development of diabetes.
Fresh pineapple slices will be the best feeding option if your dog is a true pineapple lover. Just keep it in moderation. Although pineapple is full of healthy nutrients, your dog will get enough nutrients from their dog food, so you don’t “need” to feed your dog pineapple to ensure proper health.
If you decide to add pineapple to your dog’s diet, remember to start small. You never know what a dog’s stomach can’t handle. After their first feeding, if you see any alarming signs like diarrhea or vomiting, take your dog to the vet ASAP. Pineapple probably isn’t for them.
On a side note, the skin and core of a pineapple can easily become choking hazards, so be sure to remove both before feeding pineapple to your dog. Only provide the flesh of the fruit, but cut it into bite-sized pieces for ease of consumption.
During the hot summer months, you can offer your pup frozen pineapple pieces. This will allow your dog to eat something yummy while also cooling them off.
It’s also a great treat to give to teething puppies! You can use frozen pineapple instead of ice cubes to ease their pain.
Pineapple Side Effects
Tooth Decay
As mentioned above, pineapple contains a lot of sugar per ounce, especially if it has been dried. Other than sugar not being good for a dog’s overall health, it’s also not good for their teeth. Like humans, dogs can develop cavities from overeating sugar. If cavities are left untreated, it can lead to horrible breath and tooth decay.
Constipation
Pineapple contains a high amount of fiber. Although doctors typically recommend fiber to relieve constipation, too much fiber can lead to constipation since fiber soaks up a lot of water in the digestive tract.
If a dog eats too much pineapple but does not increase its water intake, the stool will become hard and they may suffer from diarrhea. To avoid this, try to keep your dog as hydrated as possible. If your dog refuses to drink water, see if they’ll drink chicken broth.
Upset Stomach/Vomiting
Unripe pineapples can cause an upset stomach. But how can you tell if the pineapple is not ready to eat? All you have to do is smell the bottom part of the fruit (not the crown). If it smells sweet, then it’s ready for consumption. If you smell absolutely nothing, then it’s best to put it back on the shelf and look for another one.
What About Other Fruits?
When it comes to dried fruits, we are going to have the same answer for them all. We don’t recommend any dried fruits because of the high sugar content.
However, most fresh fruits are safe for dogs. Dogs can take advantage of a wide abundance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants fruits can offer.
They can help with many dog health-related issues like poor digestion, skin and eye problems, weak joints, and cardiovascular diseases. Not to mention that they are a very yummy snack!
But not everything that seems yummy to a dog is suitable for them to eat. Not all fruits are created equal for dogs. Let’s see which fruits dogs can safely indulge in.
Fruits That Are Safe to Eat for Dogs
Apples
This crunchy, sweet (and sometimes sour) fruit has an abundance of vitamins (especially vitamin C), fiber, and potassium. By far, one of the most nutritious and healthiest snack options for your furry friend. Dogs can’t resist the yummy taste of an apple, which is why apple slices are great to use when training your dog.
Strawberries
This wonderful, flavor-packed berry offers a wide variety of vitamins such as K, C, and B, fiber, potassium, and folic acid (great for pregnant doggies). However, don’t abuse the dosage. Half of a berry should be enough to satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth.
Raspberries
A very yummy dog treat that your dog will beg for! Like apples, a few berries are great to use as treats when training a dog. They can be rightfully called “strawberries’ first cousin” since it contains the same nutrients as its juicy counterpart.
Cranberries
Another red-colored super fruit with a lot of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber that helps fight urinary tract infections. A few spoonfuls should be plenty for your adorable little friend.
Bananas
This potassium-packed sweet fruit will satisfy any picky eater and is amazing in a butter/banana cupcake recipe. No need to throw away overripe bananas anymore. Make your doggie some homemade treats and you will receive some grateful wet kisses.
Pineapples
Pineapple is a nutrient gold mine. Vitamin C, B, folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and an abundance of minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and potassium. Talk about a health powerhouse!
Its sweet and tangy taste will become one of your dog’s favorite snacks. As stated earlier, just be sure you don’t give your dog too much pineapple as it contains a high amount of natural sugar.
Dogs Should Not Eat Dried Pineapple
Because dried pineapple has a high sugar content and can cause stomach problems, it is not a good option.
Fresh pineapples are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Eating the fruit in moderation will keep their blood sugar levels under control and help them maintain a healthy weight. Pineapples are best enjoyed in raw form, cut into small pieces for easy digestion.
This fruit is a true health powerhouse with a wide variety of vitamins and essential minerals, but start small to make sure your dog’s stomach can handle the fruit.
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