The aroma of pineapple while cutting it can cause profuse salivation not only in the owner but also in the pet. What do you do if your dog becomes a gourmet and asks for a piece of exotic fruit? Can dogs have pineapple? What consequences can result when an animal steals a slice or cut peel without notice?
Benefits of fruit for dogs
Pineapple contains many organic acids, vitamins (group B, ascorbic acid), and mineral compounds (potassium, manganese, iron). Among the beneficial effects of consuming pineapple for dogs are:
- Increasing immunity;
- Strengthening the cardiovascular system;
- Improving the condition of bones and muscle tissue, especially with regular physical activity;
- Preventing obesity, which is extremely important for dogs that exercise little;
- Promoting good digestion.
Harm of pineapple
Although the benefits of pineapple for an animal are apparent, the fruit can harm your pet’s health. Firstly, pineapple can disrupt stomach functions due to the high content of organic acids. If the dog has gastric problems, introducing an exotic fruit into the diet will exacerbate the disease. If you have gastritis, peptic ulcers, or other pathologies associated with the stomach, you should not give your dog pineapple.
Allergies are the second most common problem associated with pineapple. Any substance in the fruit can cause an adverse reaction in the body, but most often, the cause is the enzyme bromelain. It can also lead to irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Some allergy signs are throwing up, having swollen and red mucous membranes in the mouth, itchy skin, and stuff coming out of the nose and eyes. Please don’t take chances; don’t give your pet pineapple a past of allergies or is more likely to get them because of genes.
The peel and core of the fruit are complex and challenging. Once in the dog’s stomach and intestines, these parts of the pineapple are almost indigestible. The pet may experience intestinal blockage and obstruction if their volume is large.
Finally, if your dog has terrible teeth, avoid tropical fruit. Pineapple acids negatively affect enamel and can exacerbate dental problems.
How to give pineapple to your pet
To treat your dog to pineapple, fresh, ripe fruit is peeled, and the core. You can cut The pulp into small pieces or grate. You can also freeze it – cold cubes will ease your pet’s condition in the heat.
If you are giving your animal an exotic fruit for the first time, you should limit it to a small piece and then wait a day or two to see how the body reacts. If you have any health problems, eating pineapple should be stopped forever. If the dog tolerates the unusual treat well and asks for more, you can increase the portion and gradually introduce pineapple as a dietary supplement. The volume of the exotic fruit should not be equal to or exceed the usual one-time portion of food.
Give your dog pineapple half an hour before the central feeding or a few hours later. The frequency of treats is 1-2 times a week. Regarding the amount of a single serving, you should focus on the individual characteristics of the pet. Experts advise avoiding dried pieces and canned fruits, as they contain large amounts of sugar and other additives.
