Can dogs eat pineapple?

Updated 14/04/2024

One of the juiciest fruits around and packed with the good stuff, it's no wonder that pineapple is so popular around the world during the summer months. Whether it's fresh, canned, frozen or dried, it's a staple in many a household. And as such a staple on the summertime fruit front, we wouldn't blame pet parents for wondering - can dogs eat pineapple? Well luckily for your furry cutie, pineapple is perfectly safe for dogs - with a few caveats, naturally. While it's jam-packed with nutrients that'll benefit both dogs and their humans, there are a few things to be cautious of when feeding dogs pineapple. Take a look below for our tips and advice on sharing the fruit with your doe-eyed doggo.

Is pineapple poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat pineapple in any way, shape or form, or can pineapple sometimes be toxic to dogs? Well the fruit in itself won't ever be toxic to dogs - there aren't any nasty compounds present that could cause any symptoms of toxicity in your pooch. But even so, that doesn't mean pineapple can be munched on left, right and center by your furry friend - pineapple should always be considered a rare treat, like with any fruit for dogs. And as with any foodstuff, there's a chance your furry friend could be allergic to pineapple. While the chances of an allergy are slim, we always advise keeping a close eye on your pup for symptoms of an allergic reaction the first time they try something new.  

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Is pineapple good for dogs?

So can dogs eat pineapple and get any health benefits from it, like their humans can? Or is pineapple bad for dogs in some way? Well yes and no - as you'll probably know, pineapple is packed with a range of nutrients that can have a whole host of positive health benefits for your pooch (see below for more on these). But, as you'll also be aware, pineapple is pretty high in sugar, which is why pineapple could be bad for dogs if too much is nabbed from the kitchen side. Plus, if your pup suffers from diabetes, is overweight or is on some form of a prescription diet from the vet, you should only be feeding your pup the dog food that's right for them. And with that said, additional (yet granted, nutritious) snacks like pineapple are never necessary in the canine diet - they'll get all the nutrients they need from the dog food you pick out for them.  

Related article: Can dogs eat coconut?

Health benefits of eating pineapple for dogs

So, now we know that pineapple is safe for dogs to snack on as an occasional treat, let's take a look at some of the nutrients they could be benefitting from. 

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Helps to keep your pup energized and improves metabolism.
• Vitamin B6. Helps with nervous system functioning and hormone regulation while maintaining heart and coat health, as well as the growth of red blood cells.
• Vitamin B9 (folate). Helps with DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.
• Vitamin C. Reduces inflammation.
• Manganese. Helps with the growth of healthy bones and cartilage, especially in puppies.
• Magnesium. Helps to maintain strong bones and muscles and supports heart health.
• Potassium.  Helps with the functioning of electrical charges in the nerves, heart and muscles.

Related article: Can dogs eat pears?

Feeding your dog pineapple

So, now we know that pineapple is not only safe for dogs, but it also packs quite a nutritional punch if fed as a treat, let's get into the best way to share the fruit with your pup. 

Preparing pineapple for dogs  

Firstly, let's talk fresh pineapple - the flesh is perfectly safe for dogs. Just be sure to cut into bite-size chunks to dodge any choking hazards, and always remove the skin and core. These can be hard to digest for dogs, so could cause an internal blockage or choking. And when it comes to how much pineapple to feed your pup, consider following the 10% rule, whereby only 10% of your dog's calories are made up of treats. 

Can dogs eat pineapple skin?

Pineapple skin should never be fed to dogs. Not only does the rough texture, spikes and thickness make it super uncomfortable in the mouth, it's also super difficult for dogs (and let's face it, humans) to chew on, so it easily poses a choking hazard. 

Can dogs eat cooked pineapple?

Cooked pineapple is perfectly safe for dogs. In fact, cooking the fruit could make it a whole lot easier for your pup to chow down on. Just make sure you don't add any extra ingredients - these could be toxic to dogs or make the snack far too calorific. 

Can dogs have frozen pineapple?

One great way to share pineapple with your pup is to cut it into small, bite-size pieces and freeze the night before - now there's a snack guaranteed to get your pup's tail wagging on a warm day. 

Can puppies eat pineapple?

Trying your new pup with treats they pine for certainly is rewarding, but is pineapple safe for dogs at a young age? Well luckily for your already snack-crazy canine, sharing a small amount of pineapple with your pup is perfectly safe. To avoid the risk of choking, consider mashing the fruit into pineapple puree and monitor your furry friend afterwards, just to be sure there are no signs of an allergy.  

Can dogs eat canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is the healthiest way to share the fruit, as canned is often sitting in a syrup that's far too sugary (and therefore calorific) to dogs.

Related article: Can dogs eat spinach?

Other pineapple products

Can dogs have pineapple juice?

While it might be nice to share a chunk or two of pineapple with your pooch on a hot day, there's no reason your doggo should be drinking anything but water. Pineapple juice is far too sugary for your pup, not to mention bad for those gnashers.  

Can dogs eat dried pineapple?

Dried pineapple is often coated in additional sugar and flavorings, so unless you've dried it yourself at home and kept the fruit completely plain, we don't advise giving your dog dried pineapple. Even then it can still contain a very high level of sugar, so it must be used with caution.

Related article: Can dogs eat lettuce?

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that on the whole, dogs and pineapple are a match made in doggy heaven, you might be curious to know - what 'human' foods can dogs eat? Take a look below to get started, and explore our blog for more advice on canine nutrition. 

• Nuts (within reason)
• Broccoli
• Bread