The benefits of eating pineapple are numerous. It is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients, and it’s easy to find in stores and prepare in many ways. You can eat this fruit raw, grilled, cooked, or mixed with meats, salads, or desserts. And for those who can’t have fresh pineapples available all the time, canned or dried options can be a decent replacement.
But did you know that your dog can enjoy this refreshing fruit, too? All mentioned methods of serving pineapple will do for your furry buddy, too, except canned fruit, which is loaded with sugars. So you can take this tropical fruit, which has a medical benefit for your dog and make a healthy, refreshing treat your pet will enjoy.
Great Source of Vitamins
One of the top pineapple nutrients is vitamin C. It’s necessary for the synthesis of collagen in the mammal’s body. This substance is the main structural protein essential for building blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. And as this exotic fruit abounds in vitamin C, you should give it to your dog since their puppy age.
Vitamin C has been proven to boost the dog’s immune system. This nutrient will enable proper growth and development. It’s also necessary for energy production and cell growth. Vitamin C is needed by the animals’ bodies to produce antibodies and hormones.
Pineapple also contains vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. It’s an essential supplement for dogs for healthy hair and skin due to its regenerating features. If your pet suffers from some skin issue, a daily intake of vitamin A will restore skin elasticity and hair quality.
This tropical fruit also contains a significant amount of B vitamins. Vitamins from this group bring the most benefits to dogs, especially as they grow. For example, folic acid or vitamin B9 helps strengthen the immune system. It’s also involved in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and protein metabolism. Vitamin B3 (niacin) helps develop a healthy nervous system and preserve its function as your dog ages.
Minerals in Pineapple
Some minerals found in this tropical fruit are chromium, zinc, manganese, and sodium. But magnesium and potassium are prevalent. Magnesium is necessary for the production of energy. Potassium provides healthy muscle function, especially in the skeletal system. That is why pineapple is essential in the diet of active dogs.
Always give pineapple to your pet in fresh, raw form (dices or slices). Otherwise, some essential nutrients will be lost. You can put this fruit on a grill to add some smokey flavor, but don’t burn it. Except the pineapple will get a bitter taste, minerals and nutrients in it will lose their function.
There are some phytochemicals found in pineapples. Some of them play a huge role in disease prevention and may prevent cancer as well. One of these compounds, called tannic acid, has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
Bromelain for Healthy Digestion
One of the pineapple nutrients that all should take advantage of is Bromelain. It is a natural enzyme that works wonders for your dog’s digestive tract. By eating pineapple even in small amounts, you provide enough Bromelain for your pet’s regular bowel movements. That will help them avoid upset stomach, cramps, and diarrhea, which can occur due to improper digestion.
Bromelain is also known as an anti-inflammatory agent. It can reduce pain in your dog, whether it’s an acute form resulting from an injury or chronic discomfort because of some severe disease. In fact, this nutrient has been used as an effective medication for animal arthritis.
Pineapple has a mild alkalizing effect on the body. It aids digestion and also creates a hostile environment for cancer cells. Bromelain has been shown to stimulate the death of certain carcinogenic cells and enhance the function of white blood cells.
Besides, this tropical fruit has a significant amount of fiber, which is helpful in easing constipation. This issue happens in dogs because of eating meat. Fibers can bind with unhealthy fats and toxins and then eliminate them by natural digestive processes.
Preventing Tooth Issues
As for other enzymes, Bromelain from pineapples boosts their work, too. They help to speed up the digestive processes and improve intestinal microflora. Also, balanced enzyme levels can help to regulate the production of saliva in dogs. That will remove excess bacteria from your pet’s mouth, thus lowering the chance of tooth decay and plaque buildup.
Treasury of Antioxidants
According to studies, eating foods rich in antioxidants can boost one’s immune system. They will ward off infections and inflammation in both humans and animals. Pineapple has plenty of nutrients that can aid your pet in getting rid of toxins. If you give them this fruit regularly, you can prevent many disorders that dogs could develop as seniors.
This tropical fruit has beneficial compounds that can reduce oxidative stress. This condition can trigger some severe, even malignant diseases. So, giving pineapple to your pup can lower the chances of health problems like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive disorders. More on cancer prevention in dogs see on this website.
If your dog eagerly watches you while eating pineapple, don’t hesitate to treat them with a few pieces of this fruit. In raw form or turned into healthy, homemade treats, pineapple is always a score. Still, don’t overdo it because fruit should be an addition to your dog’s diet, not the main food.
