Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

Pineapple is one of those fruits that can transport you to a tropical locale just by looking at it — and tasting it is even better. Can you share this sweet treat with your dog? Yep, pineapple is a delicious and nutritious snack that both you and your pup can enjoy. But because of its high sugar and fiber content, pineapple should only be fed to dogs in moderation. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is packed with vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin B6, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. All of these nutrients help keep your dog's digestive and immune systems healthy. In pineapple, you’ll also find bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion, reduces inflammation, improves healing, and fights cancer.

Pineapple is also an excellent source of vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid). For us humans who cannot produce vitamin C, pineapple is a great source of the vitamin. Dogs, on the other hand, do not require much vitamin C added to their diet because dogs (and cats) produce vitamin C naturally.

How to Add Pineapple to Your Dog’s Diet

Pineapple is high in sugar and fiber, which means it can irritate your dog's digestive system if you feed it to them in large amounts. Stick to small portions (a few chunks is enough), and keep an eye on your dog the first time you feed it to them. If it causes an upset stomach or diarrhea, switch to a fruit that's easier to digest like apples or bananas. You might find that your dog doesn’t like the smell or taste of pineapple — not all dogs do! If your dog isn't a fan, there are many more dog-friendly superfoods to try.

To serve to your dog, cut up raw, fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks or sticks. Never feed your dog the core or spiky skin, which can cause an obstruction. Avoid canned pineapple, which is packed in sugary syrup that can irritate a dog’s digestive system and lead to diarrhea or vomiting.

For a refreshing treat during the summer, freeze pineapple chunks before feeding them to your dog. Frozen pineapple contains just as many nutrients as fresh and will help keep your dog cool.