Just like us, our furry friends need a balanced diet to stay healthy, but that doesn’t mean they can eat everything we put on our own plates. This is especially true for fruits like pineapple, which are delicious but packed with natural sugars.
The Danger of Unripe Fruit
First things first: never feed your dog unripe pineapple. Unfortunately, a lot of pineapples are picked way too early so they can survive the long trip to the grocery store. While they need to be harvested a bit early for transport, they still need to have reached a certain level of maturity on the plant.
Eating unripe fruit can lead to some pretty nasty stomach issues for both humans and dogs—think severe cramps or diarrhea. You’ll know a pineapple is ripe and ready when the skin is a nice golden-yellow or light brown. If you see green patches, it’s best to leave it on the shelf.
Give it a sniff, too! A ripe pineapple should smell sweet and fruity. If it smells fermented or like vinegar, it’s overripe. At that stage, it can actually start producing alcohol, which is definitely a no-go for your pup.
Keep Portions Small
When served correctly, pineapple can actually be a fantastic treat. It’s loaded with enzymes that help with digestion and is a great source of Vitamin C. However, because it’s high in fructose (fruit sugar), those extra calories can add up quickly if your dog isn’t burning them off.
Stick to feeding pineapple in small amounts. The best part? You don’t have to worry about peeling it perfectly or removing the core like you do for yourself. In fact, many dogs love the tough, chewy texture of the core, and it’s perfectly safe for them to gnaw on.
Dried Pineapple as a Healthy Treat
If you’re looking for a convenient way to share this tropical snack, try drying the pineapple chunks. Dried pineapple is much easier to portion out, making it a great topper for their regular kibble or a handy high-value training treat. Plus, dried fruit lasts much longer, so you’ll always have a healthy snack ready to go!
