Why
Pineapple is not toxic to dogs. The AKC calls a few chunks of raw pineapple an excellent snack. It is rich in vitamin C and contains several B vitamins and minerals such as manganese and potassium.
Pineapple is also high in natural sugar, fiber and acid. Too much can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach, and some dogs simply dislike the sour taste. The spiky skin, the leafy crown and the hard core are hard to chew and digest and can cause a blockage in the intestines.
What to watch out for
- The core, skin and crown, which can cause blockages
- Diarrhea or an upset stomach from eating too much
- Canned pineapple in sugary syrup
- Sugar content for dogs with diabetes or weight problems
- Acidity in dogs with sensitive stomachs
How to serve it
- Cut off the skin and crown, remove the core, and cut the flesh into bite-sized chunks.
- Offer one or two pieces first and watch for loose stool.
- Frozen chunks are a good hot-weather treat. Let very hard pieces soften a little first.
- Skip canned pineapple in syrup and bottled pineapple juice.
How much?
A small dog can have one or two small chunks of pineapple and a large dog up to a handful, now and then.
Canned pineapple, juice and dried pineapple rings
Canned pineapple is not toxic, but the AKC warns that the syrup in canned fruit contains too much sugar for most dogs. Bottled pineapple juice has the same problem. Fresh fruit is always the better choice.
Dried pineapple is fresh pineapple with the water taken out, so the sugar in each piece is concentrated. PetMD says store-bought dried pineapple is generally not recommended because it often contains added sugar or preservatives. A small piece of homemade dried pineapple with nothing added is fine now and then.
Pineapple cakes, pastries and desserts
Pineapple turns up in many baked goods, from pineapple cakes and tarts to buns and fruit desserts. The filling is usually cooked down with sugar, and the pastry is made with butter and flour. A crumb that falls on the floor is not an emergency, but these are not useful treats for a dog, and a whole box can upset its stomach.
Check the ingredient list of any sugar-free or reduced-sugar dessert. Some are sweetened with xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. If your dog ate a sweet that contains xylitol, call your vet right away.
Does pineapple stop dogs from eating poop?
Some owners add pineapple to their dog's food in the hope that it will make stool taste bad, often crediting bromelain, an enzyme in the fruit. PetMD says there is no strong scientific evidence that pineapple prevents dogs from eating feces.
Eating stool can have medical or behavioral causes, so it is worth raising with your vet instead of relying on fruit. Feeding large amounts of pineapple to test the idea is more likely to cause diarrhea than to solve the problem.
Common questions
Is pineapple good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Pineapple is not toxic to dogs. The AKC calls a few chunks of raw pineapple an excellent snack.
Is pineapple bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: the core, skin and crown, which can cause blockages.
Are dogs allowed to have pineapple?
Yes. Cut off the skin and crown, remove the core, and cut the flesh into bite-sized chunks.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Benefits and Risks.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).