Pineapples are a popular fruit among humans, and for good reason. They’re nutrient-rich, low cost, and easy to find. That’s why many German Shepherd owners wonder if they can feed pineapples to their German Shepherds.
The short answer is yes—pineapples are safe for German Shepherds to eat! But there are lots of questions regarding how many pineapples should be given and whether German Shepherds should eat them often or in moderation. We’ll answer every question you might have about feeding your pup pineapple below! Let’s start with this one:
Are pineapples safe for German Shepherds?
Pineapples are safe for German Shepherds to eat, but only if you remove the spiky skin and hard inner core.
The fruit itself is perfectly fine to feed your German Shepherd, but be careful of the core and spiky skin. German Shepherds can’t digest these parts of the pineapple, so they can cause gastrointestinal upset in some German Shepherds.
If you’re feeding your German Shepherd pineapple for the first time, it’s best not to give them too much at once. Some German Shepherds can experience an allergic reaction or a food intolerance when they eat too much pineapple at one time, so monitor them after they’ve eaten it for the first time. If you notice any unusual symptoms (like vomiting), stop feeding them any more pineapple and visit your vet right away.
Benefits of pineapples in German Shepherds
Moisture: Pineapples are rich in water, which is essential for keeping your German Shepherd hydrated.
Minerals: Pineapples contain plenty of potassium and magnesium, which help maintain healthy muscles and bones.
Vitamins: Pineapples provide a good source of vitamin C that helps your German Shepherd prevent health problems such as scurvy, rickets, and other metabolic disorders.
Bromelain: The bromelain enzyme found in pineapples has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and pain associated with injury or inflammation.
Fiber: Pineapple contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps promote digestion by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and reducing cholesterol levels.
Do all German Shepherds like pineapples?
Unfortunately, no. Your German Shepherds may not like the taste or texture of pineapple.
German Shepherds have food preferences, just like humans do. It’s important to respect your German Shepherd’s likes and dislikes with food.
Some German Shepherds can be allergic to pineapple, so consult with your vet before introducing a new food to their diet if you suspect that this might be the case.
Don’t force it if your German Shepherd doesn’t seem interested in eating the fruit—just try again another time! Instead, try other German Shepherd friendly fruits like bananas and apples instead.
Can my German Shepherds have pineapples every day?
There’s no rule on how often German Shepherds can eat pineapple.
If you want to feed your German Shepherd pineapple every day, go for it! Just make sure you’re giving them the recommended amount of German Shepherd food that they need per day, and don’t forget to vary their treats for different nutrients.
We recommend you don’t feed your German Shepherds pineapple every day because they can get bored with the same thing every time.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat pineapples?
Yes, German Shepherd puppies can eat pineapple, but only after they’re two months old and have been on a specialized puppy diet. You should never feed your puppy pineapple before that time.
Puppy food is designed to be the best possible nutritional content for your German Shepherd. It’s important to stick with the right food during this time so your puppy gets the development it needs, especially in its digestive system.
Once your pup turns two months old, start introducing small bites of pineapple once or twice a week. Be careful—puppies have delicate digestive systems and need to be slowly introduced to new foods so their bodies can adjust. Make sure you consult with your vet before introducing any new food into your puppy’s diet.
How much pineapple can German Shepherds eat?
It depends on the age, size and activity level of your German Shepherd. Consult with your vet first for best serving size. Raw, sliced and peeled 2/3 small bites are enough. Portion control is important.
Start small and if there are no side effects (vomiting, diarrhea), you can offer more. Follow the 90/10 rule: German Shepherds need a completely balanced diet. 90% from the dry kibble mix or fresh food and 10% from treats.
How to serve pineapples to your German Shepherds?
Serving ideas:
Raw: Peel and slice into small pieces, then serve 2/3 small pieces.
Mixing it in yogurt: Mix ½ cup of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of pineapple juice and serve.
Pureed pineapple: Puree 1 cup of fresh or canned pineapple and mix it with a little water to make a thin paste. Serve ¼ cup at a time to your German Shepherd. This can also be used to add flavor to other foods, like dry German Shepherd food.
Smoothies: Combine 1 cup of plain yogurt with 1 cup of pureed pineapple and 1/2 cup of water, then blend until smooth and serve. You can also add other fruit, like bananas or berries, for variety.
When are pineapples bad for German Shepherds?
Pineapples aren’t bad for German Shepherds, but they can cause some issues if you aren’t careful. Here are a few things to watch out for:
For example, if a German Shepherd has an allergy or diabetes and eats pineapple, it may cause them to become ill. The same is true of overindulgence in the fruit—if a German Shepherd eats too much fruit, it can cause digestive upset or diarrhea.
Pineapple contains high levels of fiber and sugar, which can cause an upset stomach in some German Shepherds. The inner core of the pineapple is hard for German Shepherds to digest, which can lead to intestinal blockages if eaten regularly by your pet.
Canned and dried pineapples may contain added sugars and salt, which can be harmful to your German Shepherd if they consume too much.
Other human foods German Shepherds can eat
What other human foods can German Shepherds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your German Shepherd can eat.