Pineapple skin is the yellow, thin, and slightly tough outside layer of the fruit. It is green in color and contains a multitude of little brown bumps, as well as some fine white hairs. These bumps contain an enzyme called bromelain; this is what gives the pineapple its unique flavor. For humans, eating the skin of pineapple is perfectly healthy as it’s a great source of fiber. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium and potassium, as well as manganese and Vitamin C. But what about dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple Skin?

Yes. Dogs can eat pineapple skin. While the fruit’s core is a no-go for canines, its peel is perfectly healthy as long as you remove the eyes and thorns before serving it to your pup. There’s another condition as well- the skin must be cooked well.

If you have questions about whether or not your dog can eat pineapple skin, this article will help you answer them.

Here’s Why Dogs Can Eat Pineapple Skin

At first glance, it would seem dogs should not even consider eating pineapple skin because of its high acidity and citric bite. However, while it is true that the fruit has a unique flavor and a sour kick, pineapple skin is no more acidic than lemons, limes, or grapefruits. In fact, it is lower in acid content than these fruits.

For the leading cause of death in dogs, cancer, pineapple skin is just what they need to fight against this ailment. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in dogs and it is no mystery why. Nearly 80% of tumors in dogs are linked to cancer, and a large number of these tumors are caused by a mutation at the TP53 gene. This gene is responsible for creating a functional tumor suppressor, which fights against any proliferation or spread of cancerous cells within the body. Nutrients present in pineapple skin are helpful to strengthen the TP53 gene.

The skin is also a very good source of beta-sitosterol, which is a phytochemical that has anti-carcinogenic effects. It helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which are linked to heart disease in dogs.

Best Ways to Feed Pineapple Skin to Dogs

If you decide to feed your dog some, make sure to cook it first as the uncooked skin will make your pet’s mouth feel weird and cause him indigestion. If uncooked, it can also get stuck in his throat or rub against his teeth which will cause unnecessary pain. It may have a starchy texture and taste like a sponge when eaten raw so it’s best to cook it before consumption if you wish to feed your dog.

Also, make sure you remove the fruit first and then cut away any of the flesh that is covering the outermost part of the skin. As a precautionary measure, wash your hands after handling pineapple skin so that you don’t accidentally transfer any juices from the fruit (which could irritate their stomachs).

Also, be aware that while you are giving your pooch a healthy treat – if they eat too much at once – they could end up with an upset stomach. Offer no more than a quarter of an inch per day.

Do not give pineapple to your dog if you do not know his reaction to it first. Not all dogs can eat pineapple skin and some may be allergic or develop stomach issues if they ingest the fruit peel. Monitor your pup for any digestive issues or allergies that might arise.

Also, check out Can Dogs Drink Pineapple Juice?

Things To Be Careful About

While pineapple skin is a healthy treat for your dog and an alternative to their regular kibble, there are some things you should keep in mind.

You should note that pineapple skin can be toxic to dogs, as it contains an enzyme called bromelain which breaks down certain tissues in the body, including muscle. This can cause digestion issues as your dog’s food is not absorbed properly into the body. It can also cause an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the tongue and lips. While these reactions are not common, they may be more likely if your dog has a history of ingesting foods to which he is allergic.

Conclusion

A lot of people love pineapple, but not many know that your pup can also enjoy it! As it turns out, most dogs are totally cool with eating the pineapple’s skin. As long as it’s cooked well and fed in moderation, your pup should be fine! However, some dogs are allergic to the fruit itself, so you should monitor their symptoms after eating pineapple skin and see how they react.

Thank you for reading the article.

A diet that includes pineapples of all shapes and sizes can be great for your dog’s health, but you should definitely read up on it first to determine if your pet can eat pineapple before serving it for free meals. Know all about feeding this fruit to your pup in our article “Can dogs eat pineapple?” Find out more on Pineapple for dogs. 

Have you ever shared pineapple skin with your dog? What was their reaction? Did they like it? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!