Straight up, the answer is yes, you can generally feed pineapple to Shih Tzu without having to worry. In fact, pineapple is often a nice treat for Shih Tzu and other dogs & pets. While it should never be the primary ingredient in dog food, small amounts of pineapple are not harmful.
This being said, it’s always a good idea to keep a few things in mind if you’re a dog owner. As with any human food product, just because it’s safe for Shih Tzu, doesn’t mean it’s not going to make your dog feel sick. Let’s take a closer look at some additional information about Shih Tzu and pineapple.
- 1 Health Benefits of Pineapple for Shih Tzu
- 2 Can Shih Tzu Eat Dried Pineapple?
- 3 Can Shih Tzu Eat Pineapple Core?
- 4 Can Shih Tzu Eat Pineapple Skin?
- 5 Can Shih Tzu Drink Pineapple Juice?
- 6 Don’t Mix Your Pineapple with Other Food
- 7 Don’t Feed Your Dog Too Much Pineapple
- 8 Do Pineapples Have High Sugar Content?
- 9 Should I Check on My Dog After Feeding It Pineapple?
- 10 Check with Your Vet to Build a Well-Balanced Diet
Health Benefits of Pineapple for Shih Tzu
So, here’s the question. Is pineapple good for Shih Tzu? Well, aside from its sweet, tangy taste, pineapple (be it fresh pineapple or canned pineapple) has many health benefits, which include:
- Bromelain – an enzyme that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain is also thought to be a natural histamine and can help with skin problems. It’s also used to treat coprophagia or the bad habit of eating poop.
- Minerals – raw pineapple contains potassium, folate, magnesium, manganese, thiamin, calcium, niacin, riboflavin, and more that are all beneficial for healthy tissues, skin, and strong ligaments for your dog’s body.
- Vitamin B6 – this one is a vital co-enzyme for body and brain functions supporting neurotransmitters, regulating fluid balance, hormones, and building proteins for a Shih Tzu’ health.
- Vitamin C – acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and boosts your dog’s immune system.
- Antioxidants – antioxidants help repair damaged cells.
- Hydration – pineapples are 82% water, which is perfect if your pooch is suffering from constipation and possible dehydration due to a hot summer day.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Dried Pineapple?
If you want to feed your dog dried pineapple, you need to ensure there aren’t any additives (especially added sugar) or additional products included with the dried pineapple. This advice is particularly crucial if you’re sourcing the dried pineapple from a third-party source.
If the dried pineapple is plain, there won’t be any significant differences from traditional pineapple. This fruit is a delicious sweet treat, but it should be eaten in moderation.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Pineapple Core?
It can be difficult to eat through the core of a pineapple. While Shih Tzu typically like bones and other hard food products, pineapple cores can be particularly dangerous. A pineapple core should not be given to your dog.
The primary reason that pineapple cores are so dangerous is their ability to cause blockage. The core can cause severe damage to your dog’s digestive system, and pose a high choking risk. Additionally, some Shih Tzu might find it extremely hard to digest a pineapple core.
If you decide to feed pineapple to your dog, it’s best to stick to the soft pineapple chunks.
Can Shih Tzu Eat Pineapple Skin?
Unfortunately, Shih Tzu cannot eat pineapple skin. The tough, sharp surface of pineapple skin can cause a variety of different problems for your dog. It might end up causing obstructions, or it could damage your dog’s esophagus, stomach, or digestive tract.
As with pineapple cores, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog pineapple skin. You should always peel the pineapple before you feed it to your dog. The fruit component of the parts of the pineapple is the only safe part for your dog to eat.
Can Shih Tzu Drink Pineapple Juice?
Yes, you can. But to be safe, only in small amounts. Keep in mind that pineapple juice contains higher concentrations of sugar compared to raw pineapple, and excessive sugar is not good for Shih Tzu at all.
Don’t Mix Your Pineapple with Other Food
You should consider each item individually when you are going to give new food to your dog. You could be putting your dog in danger by mixing foods. If you’re going to feed your dog multiple types of human food at the same time, make sure to research each food individually.
Many pet owners make the error of feeding their pets food with seasonings or additives. This can lead to serious consequences. Always give your dog food that’s plain and without cross-contamination.
Don’t Feed Your Dog Too Much Pineapple
Many dog owners make the mistake of overfeeding their Shih Tzu. While your pet might appear to be capable of eating all day, this doesn’t mean that it should. Always temper the amount of human food that you offer your dog. It should only make up a small component of its overall diet.
Do Pineapples Have High Sugar Content?
Fresh fruits that contain high natural sugar can contribute to raising blood sugar levels and particularly obesity. Pineapples contain 10% sugar. If your dog has diabetes or obesity, large quantities of pineapples could cause your dog to become overweight.
Whenever you give your dog a tasty treat, watch closely for a chance of an upset stomach and other gastrointestinal health problems like diarrhea, vomiting, or straining to poop. These can all happen when your furry friends consume something new. If your dog shows any of these signs after eating pineapple, you should immediately stop giving it to your pet and consult your vet. But in general, the key when introducing a healthy treat (e.g., pineapple, watermelon, or celery) to your doggie is to do it in moderation. You should only give your dog small amounts.
Should I Check on My Dog After Feeding It Pineapple?
Yes. If you ever introduce new food to your dog, it’s always best to perform regular checks on its health. If it appears to be sick, or it suddenly develops diarrhea, this is most likely a result of the pineapple or another external food that you’ve added to its diet.
Your dog’s behavior is a crucial indicator of whether the food agrees with its stomach or not. should be vigilant about your dog’s behavior after you introduce new food. Just because a type of food is safe for most Shih Tzu to eat, doesn’t mean that it will agree with your dog’s stomach.
Check with Your Vet to Build a Well-Balanced Diet
It’s easy to get carried away when you start offering human food to your dog, but it’s important to remember that Shih Tzu aren’t humans: they have their own dietary requirements and needs. For this reason, it’s essential to speak with your vet if you decide to change your dog’s diet.
A reliable vet can help you devise a well-balanced diet that ensures your dog receives the nutrition it requires to stay healthy. There’s a reason so many vets recommend commercial food products: They typically contain the nutrients that your pet needs.
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