Can Chihuahuas Eat Pineapples?

Can Chihuahuas Eat Pineapples? [Feeding Guide!]

The sun is out and the weather is warming up, which can only mean one thing: It’s time to break out a smoothie! You cut up a pineapple and see your Chihuahua pup standing there, looking up to you for a piece. You wonder: can chihuahuas eat pineapples?

The simple answer to that question is, yes! Its perfectly safe for your chihuahua to have a piece of that sweet and tangy fruit. Not only they are safe, but also brings a lot of health benefits for your chihuahua. Take note however that there are some caveats to remember when you give them pineapples

In this article, we will discuss the composition of pineapples and why they should be safe for feeding, their health benefits, ways to prepare a pineapple, and precautions to remember when feeding your chihuahua this tropical treat!

What are pineapples?

What are pineapples?

A pineapple is a tropical fruit that grows on a plant of the same name. In appearance, they don’t look very appealing with their spiky crowns and skin full of eyes.

However, once you cut them up, they are highly prized for their sweet and tangy taste. The inside of a pineapple is composed of tiny strands called “fibers”. The fibers give the fruit its signature crunchy texture. Kind of like biting into a fibrous and fresh apple filled with tangy goodness. The high amounts of fiber would always take them to a trip to the bathroom so you don’t have to worry about stomach upset or indigestion.

What do pineapples contain?

So, we know pineapples can taste really good and they also have fibers in them… But what else do they contain, and what will my Chihuahua benefit from them?

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Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that aids in the digestion of protein. While this enzyme may cause a funny feeling in the mouth as it breaks down tissue in your chihuahuas mouth, the benefits of the enzyme for your chihuahua is a much needed source of digestive enzymes that can possibly help with any stomach issues.

Furthermore, the bromelain also contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help resolve some allergy issues or at least lessen their effects. It will likewise aid in recovery if they get into the habit of chewing on

In addition to bromelain, pineapples also contain a lot of vitamins that could significantly improve your chihuahua’s health and prevent diseases such as:

Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and promotes the production of collagen which is important for a healthy skin. Deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to dry and scaly skin, hair loss, poor wound healing, anemia, elevated risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin A: Helps with eyesight! Deficiency in Vitamin A can cause: night blindness and impaired immune system.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Helps with muscle and nerve function, converting food to energy for the body. Deficiency in thiamine causes anorexia, constipation, heart failure, seizures and beriberi.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Helps with energy production, metabolizing fats and proteins. Deficiency in Vitamin B2 causes scaly skin, anemia and sore throat.

Niacin: Promotes healthy circulation, helps with metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates. It also aids the digestive system by aiding in nutrient absorption. Deficiency can result to pellagra which includes symptoms of diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia and death.

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Pantothenic acid: Helps with energy production and metabolizing fats and proteins. Deficiency in Pantothenic Acid causes fatigue, depression, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss and insomnia.

Dietary Fibers: Fibers help with food digestion and can aid to prevent gastrointestinal problems. Despite being a power ingredient for your Chihuahua to have, it should be noted that excessive intakes of fibers can cause bowel obstruction or intestinal gas in very small dogs such as chihuahuas.

How to prepare pineapples for your chihuahua

How to prepare pineapples for your chihuahua

Before anything else, you should always wash the pineapple before cutting it up. Bacterias tend to stick on the pineapple’s skin and might end up on the fruit itself so be sure to wash it thoroughly.

The next step is to discard the skin. Peel it off because those can be very tough for your chihuahua to chew.

The next step is to cut it into small enough pieces. Chihuahuas have a very difficult time chewing through bones and hard food so the smaller you can cut the pineapple, the better.

You could also try blending it into a smoothie. This way, you can be sure that they won’t choke.

How much pineapple should i feed my chihuahua?

It’s important to monitor the amount of pineapple you feed your chihuahua. Pineapples do contain a lot of nutrients and vitamins that can benefit them but too much of something isn’t always good for them.

The rule of thumb is not to exceed 2 slices per day. This should be more than enough considering the health benefits of pineapples.

Precautions when feeding your chihuahua pineapples

Precautions when feeding your chihuahua pineapples

In addition, it’s also important to be aware of the things that pineapple could bring if not given in proper amounts.

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Never feed your chihuahua whole or large pieces of pineapple! This may cause choking and gastrointestinal obstruction. They might also have a hard time digesting pineapple if given in large portions as they contain a great amount of fiber.

Pineapple contains a lot of sugar and too much sugar isn’t good for your chihuahua. Excessive intake can cause insulin resistance due to its high fructose content which can ultimately result in obesity and diabetes so be sure to only give pineapples in moderation.

Not only sugar, pineapple contains a lot of acid which isn’t good for your chihuahua as well. Too much acid can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea so be sure again to give pineapples in moderation.

Final Words

Pineapples could bring a lot of benefits for your chihuahua but you have to be cautious when feeding them with this tropical fruit. Always remember that too much of anything isn’t good so limit their intake to 1-2 small slices per day. Its nutritional benefits and low cost makes pineapples a great addition to your chihuahua’s food and diet.

However, it’s also important to note the precautions and avoid giving them whole pieces or large amounts in order not to cause choking or indigestion. Be sure to give them in moderation and you’ll be surprised at all the benefits pineapple can bring to your chihuahua!

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