Can dogs or cats eat pineapple?

17 July 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat pineapple?

Break out the Hawaiian shirts; pineapple is safe for dogs to eat! Aside from its nutrient content, pineapple also has an enzyme called bromelain that helps with digestion by breaking down proteins. This makes pineapple a great snack for dogs who may have digestive issues or are prone to developing gastrointestinal problems.

But remember, while pineapples can be safe for dogs to consume in moderation, they should not become a significant part of their diet, as excessive consumption can lead to stomach upset or diarrhoea due to the fruit's high fibre content.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your dog eats pineapple (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat pineapple?

Is your cat feeling luau vibes today? Break out some pineapple! It's safe for them to eat. Pineapple contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion by breaking down protein molecules. That's good news for feline tummies.

The bad news is that too much pineapple can cause digestive upset in cats due to the fruit's high fibre content. Eating more than a small amount at once may lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Also, keep in mind that cats need to get most of their nutrients from meat, so don't rely on any plant-based foods to do too much nutritional heavy lifting.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats pineapple (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet