August 24, 2024, 9:08 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Sweet, tasty, and full of vitamins: Pineapple is a delicious snack, not just in summer or fruit salads. But what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs eat pineapple?
Yes, dogs can eat pineapple. Nicole Trape, a trained and vet-certified dog nutritionist, recommends: “The easiest way is to simply offer pineapple raw as a snack or in a pureed fruit mix with home-prepared rations. Cooking is also possible, but not necessary.” However, it should not be combined with dairy products such as yogurt and quark: Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which breaks down milk proteins. This is why fresh pineapple with dairy products tastes bitter.
Pineapple for dogs – what you need to know
Too much (ripe) pineapple is not poisonous for dogs but can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Eating pineapple can also trigger diarrhea and flatulence in sensitive dogs, as the fruit has a high acid content and contains a lot of fructose, explains Nicole Trape.
As with the preparation for humans, the following also applies to dogs: the peel and leaves must be removed, and only the flesh must be eaten. The pineapple should also be ripe, and only small portions should be fed. One to three pieces a day, and not every day, is a good dose.
The dog nutritionist advises against feeding canned or dried pineapple. These products are often additionally sweetened, which is not suitable for dogs. Canned pineapple also does not contain as many vitamins.
The nutritional content of pineapple
Pineapple contains many vitamins, such as provitamin A (a precursor of vitamin A), the vitamins of the B group, and vitamin C. It is also full of valuable minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. The special feature of pineapple, bromelain, can aid digestion and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
“However, this effect can only be achieved in extracted form and not by feeding pineapple,” Nicole Trape qualifies. Nevertheless: “The secondary plant substances in pineapple make it a healthy snack for dogs that supports the immune system.”
Health conditions that preclude pineapple in a dog’s diet
However, Nicole Trape advises against feeding pineapple to dogs with diseases such as diabetes or bladder stones. This is because pineapple contains a lot of fructose, which is unsuitable for dogs with diabetes. And because of the high potassium content, caution is advised with bladder stones. She therefore recommends offering your dog other types of fruit.
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Healthy fruit snack alternatives to pineapple for dogs
Fruit is a tasty and healthy snack for dogs. Nicole Trape particularly recommends berries such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries – they taste good and contain lots of antioxidants. Apples are also a great regional fruit available all year round.” In summer, a slice of melon can be a nice refreshment for the dog. With stone fruit such as peaches, plums, or apricots, the stone must be removed before feeding the dog.
While this may not apply to pineapples, Nicole Trape recommends purchasing regionally grown, seasonal, and organic fruit or cultivating it in your garden: “This approach is more environmentally friendly and healthier.” Fruit should be washed before feeding. This is the best way to get rid of harmful substances and pesticides.