Pineapple or Ananas comosus is a collective type of fruit – made of fused berries and native to South America. We have been well-aware of the pineapple’s health benefits ever since sailors ate this fruit to prevent scurvy. Today, we use it not just because it is healthy but also because it tastes incredible. Healthy and tasty, it is no wonder we are willing to wait two years for the pineapple plant to grow fruit.
Can Bulldogs eat pineapple? Yes, Bulldogs can definitely enjoy this tropical fruit. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy phytonutrients, pineapple is an excellent addition to the Bulldog’s menu. However, moderation is the key, as pineapple is also packed with sugars and carbs.
The pineapple’s safety for Bulldogs is not a matter of simple yes or now. Other factors, including sourcing, portion size, and serving frequency, are worth considering. Keep reading, as this article will reveal everything you need to know about Bulldogs and pineapples.
DOGS, PINEAPPLES AND AN URBAN MYTH
There is a widespread misbelief that feeding dogs pineapples will prevent them from eating their poop. The concept revolves around the pineapple’s enzymes that make the poop smell weird and repel dogs from eating it.
Eating poop (coprophagia) is a big issue among certain dogs and is associated with several health risks. Therefore, it is obvious why dog parents are looking forward to a simple solution to this issue.
However, the juicy tropical pineapple is not the answer. First, you cannot feed pineapple dogs pineapples every single day. And more importantly, a dog that does not find the idea of eating poop questionable will not be repelled by a weird smell.
HEALTH BENEFITS: ARE PINEAPPLES GOOD FOR BULLDOGS
Consider adding this juicy and sugary, yellow fruit to your Bulldog’s menu? These are the benefits you can expect.
Immune system boost and fueling
Exceptionally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, pineapple promotes a more robust and more efficient inflammatory response. It is suitable for fighting infections and protecting the cells from free radicals and their damaging effects.
Bromelain and anti-inflammatory features
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which are essential for Bulldogs with arthritis. Plus, pineapple acts as natural histamine, which is helpful for Bulldogs with skin issues.
Vitamin C supplementation
In addition to the previously mentioned immune boost, vitamin C is vital for other functions, including heart health promotion, cholesterol reduction, cellular regeneration, and improved nutrient absorption.
A wide specter of vitamins and minerals
There is more than vitamin C in pineapples. This tropical fruit is rich in zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, and copper. It also contains pyridoxine, thiamine, folate, riboflavin, and niacin.
High fiber content
Dietary fiber is necessary for digestive health and normal intestinal motility. Pineapple is rich in fiber which is vital for two main reasons – digestive health and providing satiation feeling.
This is excellent news for your Bulldog with a sweet tooth – one small chunk of pineapple will satisfy its sugar cravings and keep it full for hours.
Natural and healthy treat alternative
Pineapple is a low-fat fruit loaded with healthy nutrients. In those terms, pineapple can be used as a natural alternative to commercially available dog treats. Plus, it is rich in water, which is quite refreshing, especially on hot summer days.
PINEAPPLE NUTRITION FACTS
One cup of pineapples (165 grams) contains around 82 calories. Here is a short overview of the other nutrients found in a pineapple cup.
| NUTRITIONAL VALUE | |
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100 grams) |
| Protein | 0.9 gr |
| Fats | 0.2 gr |
| Cholesterol | 0 gr |
| Carbohydrates | 22 gr |
| Sugar | 16.3 gr |
| Fiber | 2.3 gr |
| Sodium | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin C | 79 mg |
HEALTH RISKS: ARE PINEAPPLES BAD FOR BULLDOGS?
The benefits are quite appealing but let’s see which potential risks lurk behind this delicious fruit.
Maybe too much fiber
Dietary fiber is good and vital for smooth running digestion. However, too much fiber can wreak havoc on the Bulldog’s tummy and result in diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may be accompanied by dehydration and warrant a trip to the vet’s office.
Risk for obesity and diabetes
Pineapple is a sugary fruit. The sugar content is not an issue when fed moderately. However, offering too much pineapple or too frequently increases the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Bulldogs are already prone to gaining weight, so you should not take this drawback lightly. As for diabetes, the Bulldogs’ risk for diabetes is not above the average, but still, it is worth mentioning.
Choking hazard
It is no secret that Bulldogs are not skilled chewers. They gulp down on food without giving too much thought. Therefore, unless the pineapple is chopped into bite-sized pieces, they can easily choke on it.
FEEDING GUIDELINES: PINEAPPLES FOR BULLDOGS
As already mentioned, the pineapples’ safety for Bulldogs comes with certain restrictions. Therefore, knowing the following guidelines is of paramount importance.
Are all pineapple parts safe?
No, only the flesh is safe. The core, skin, and leaves are not dog-friendly. The core is hard to digest, the skin is rough-textured and practically inedible, and the leaves are pointy and sharp.
How much pineapple can Bulldogs eat?
As a naturally sweet fruit, pineapples must be offered in small amounts. The pineapple’s portion size for Bulldogs is one to two bite-sized chunks.
The general rule of thumb is that treats should not comprise more than 10% of the Bulldog’s daily food intake.
How often can Bulldogs eat pineapple?
Once or twice a week is the ideal serving frequency of pineapples for Bulldogs. Feeding it more often poses weight gain risks.
A word of caution
If offering your Bulldog pineapple for the first time, provide less than the recommended portion size. Bulldogs are notorious for their sensitive tummies. Start small and see how your Bulldog reacts.
If there are no signs of tummy trouble, you can gradually increase the pineapple amount until reaching the recommended daily portion size.
Where to buy pineapple for Bulldogs?
Just visit the fruit section at your local grocery store or the farmer’s market and look for a pineapple that looks fresh and ripe. If the pineapple is well-ripe, you will squeeze it slightly, but the shell should still be firm. It is worth mentioning that you should buy organic whenever possible.
How to prepare and store pineapple for Bulldogs?
Once you have the pineapple cut the bottom and crown and dispose of them; carefully and thoroughly trim the pineapple’s sides and make sure you get rid of any eyes.
Proceed by cutting the pineapple in half and the halves into lengthwise pieces while removing each piece’s core. You can cut each long piece into bite-sized chunks, and the chunks stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
How to serve pineapple for Bulldogs?
There are different ways of adding pineapple to your Bulldog’s menu, including:
- As a natural and healthy treat
- Added on top of the regular meal
- Mixed with dog-friendly yogurt or plant milk into smoothie or ice-cream
- Baked into dog-friendly cookies.
BULLDOGS AND PINEAPPLE PRODUCTS
With fresh pineapple covered, it is time to say a word or two about other pineapple products and their safety for Bulldogs.
Can bulldogs eat dried pineapple?
No, dried pineapples are usually covered with sugar and are not a healthy pineapple product for Bulldogs. Plus, dried fruit mixes often contain fruits and nuts potentially toxic to dogs, such as raisins, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Can Bulldogs eat frozen pineapple?
Yes, frozen pineapple is safe for Bulldogs. However, it is advisable to let the pineapple thaw before serving.
Can Bulldogs eat canned pineapple?
Canned pineapples are dangerous for Bulldogs as they are packed with added sugars and preserving agents. Another hazard is the potential xylitol content. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly used in canned products, but sadly, it is highly toxic to dogs.
Can Bulldogs drink pineapple juice?
Pineapple juice is dangerous for the same reason as canned pineapple – too many sugars, potential xylitol presence, and preservatives. However, homemade pineapple juices made exclusively of freshly squeezed pineapples are safe for Bulldogs.
TO SUM UP: CAN BULLDOGS EAT PINEAPPLE?
If you were wondering, can bulldogs eat pineapple, wonder no more – the answer is yes. Bulldogs can eat pineapples and enjoy the benefits that come with this naturally sweet, tropical fruit.
However, keep in mind that pineapple is not a staple food for Bulldogs and should only be served in treat amounts and no more than twice per week.
All in all, just like many other fruits, pineapple is a good way of adding diversity to the Bulldog’s menu, but moderation is the key to safety.
FAQ’s
What fruit can Bulldogs eat?
Bulldogs can safely enjoy the sugary taste of many fruits, including bananas, apples, berries, watermelons, melons, cantaloupes, pears, peaches, mangoes, kiwi, and others. Just keep in mind that fruits are not staple foods for dogs; they are treats and should be offered sparingly.
What fruits bulldogs cannot eat?
Bulldogs must not eat avocados, grapes, and raisins as these fruits are highly toxic to dogs. Bulldogs must also not eat fruits, seeds, leaves, and peels.
Can pineapple make dogs sick?
If fed moderately and occasionally, pineapple is not something that can make dogs sick. However, if a dog overeats on pineapple, it will likely develop gastrointestinal upset followed by diarrhea bouts. This is because pineapple is rich in water and dietary fiber.
Can my dog drink pineapple juice?
Store-bought pineapple juice is a big no-go as it is packed with sugars and additives. On the other hand, homemade pineapple juices served freshly and without any additions are safe for dogs.
