Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

Yes, dogs can eat pineapple. A few small pieces of fresh pineapple flesh are a safe treat for most dogs.^1,2 Remove the core, skin and crown, which are tough and can cause choking or a blockage, and skip pineapple canned in syrup or juice, which adds sugar.^1,2 Despite the popular tip, there's no evidence that pineapple stops dogs from eating poop.^2,3

Pineapple Nutrition for Dogs

Pineapple is high in vitamin C and manganese, with some fiber, and it's fairly sweet. Dogs make their own vitamin C, so they don't need it from fruit.^4,5

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values. Piece calories are our estimate for a 1 by 1 by 1/4 inch piece.^4,6,7

How Much Pineapple Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^8,9 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.¹⁰ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Pineapple uses more of that allowance than most fruits, so keep portions small. The American Kennel Club says a few bite-size chunks are usually enough.¹ Amounts based on PetMD's guidance are below.²

Pieces about 1 inch by 1 inch by 1/4 inch. Handful calories are our estimates.

How to Serve Pineapple to Your Dog

• Cut off the skin and crown and remove the hard core.^1,2
• Cut the soft flesh into small pieces.
• Freeze pieces for a summer treat, letting them soften slightly so they're easier on the teeth.^2,1
• Plain cooked pineapple is fine in small amounts once cooled, but never cooked with garlic or onion.²
• Pineapple is acidic, so stop if it seems to upset your dog's stomach.²

Does Pineapple Stop Dogs From Eating Poop?

There's no good evidence that it does. The idea is that an enzyme in pineapple, bromelain, makes poop taste bad. PetMD says research hasn't confirmed it, and the UK veterinary charity PDSA says there's no evidence it works.^2,3 In a large owner survey from UC Davis, products sold to stop poop eating almost never worked.¹¹ If your dog eats poop, ask your vet to rule out medical causes, pick up after your dog promptly, and use training and supervision. See why dogs eat poop.¹²

Canned, Dried and Juice

• Canned pineapple: not recommended. It's usually packed in syrup or juice, which adds a lot of sugar.^1,2,6
• Dried pineapple: drying concentrates the sugar. Store-bought dried pineapple often has added sugar or preservatives. Homemade dried pineapple only in very small amounts.²
• Pineapple juice: fresh-squeezed juice only, and no more than a tablespoon or two. Avoid bottled juice with added sugar.²
• Pineapple cake and baked goods: call your vet if they contained xylitol or nutmeg. See xylitol poisoning.^2,13

Risks and When to Skip Pineapple

• Core, skin and crown: choking and intestinal blockage risk. Call your vet if your dog ate the core.^2,1
• Too much: vomiting, diarrhea, gas or constipation.²
• Diabetes and weight: high in natural sugar. Ask your vet first.²

Can Puppies Eat Pineapple?

Yes, once they're eating solid food. Start with one small piece and watch for stomach upset.^2,9

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.² Watch for vomiting, belly pain, loss of appetite or straining to poop if your dog swallowed the core or skin.

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