Can Yorkies Eat Pineapple? 3 Things You Need To Know

If you’re anything like me, you probably love spoiling your furry friend with tasty treats. But have you ever wondered, can Yorkies eat pineapple? Pineapple is a delicious and refreshing fruit, but is it safe for our tiny pups? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about feeding pineapple to your Yorkie, including the benefits, potential risks, and how to serve it safely. 

Is Pineapple Safe Treat For Yorkies?

Yes, Yorkies can eat pineapple! Pineapple is not only safe for Yorkies but can be a healthy treat in moderation. This tropical fruit is full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. It also contains bromelain an enzyme that helps with digestion.

But remember:

• Moderation is Key: Like any treat pineapple should be given in small amounts. Too much can cause digestive upset like diarrhea or stomach discomfort.
• Fresh is Best: Fresh pineapple is the best for your Yorkie. Avoid canned pineapple especially those with added sugars or syrups which can be bad for dogs.
• Prep Properly: Always remove the tough outer skin and the hard core of the pineapple before giving it to your dog. Those parts can be hard for them to chew and digest.

Pineapple Benefits for Yorkies

Besides its vitamins pineapple also has:

1. Hydration: Pineapple is 86% water so it’s a great snack to hydrate.
2. Antioxidants: Antioxidants in pineapple can boost your dog’s immune system.
3. Fiber: Pineapple has fiber to aid digestion and maintain a healthy gut.

How Much Pineapple to Give Yorkie to Stop Eating Poop

One weird but common problem with dogs including Yorkies is coprophagia or eating poop. While we still don’t know why dogs do this, some dog owners swear by pineapple as a solution. Coprophagia can be frustrating and worrying for dog owners but the idea behind using pineapple is that it can change the taste of the poop so the dog won’t eat it.

Using Pineapple to Stop Coprophagia

The theory behind this is that pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain helps with digestion and when it passes through the digestive system and comes out in the poop it makes the poop taste unappealing to dogs. Here’s how you can use pineapple to stop this behavior:

• Small Amounts: Start by adding a small piece of fresh pineapple to your Yorkie’s meals. A few small chunks (about the size of a pea) should be enough. Don’t overdo it as too much pineapple can cause digestive upset due to its acidity and sugar content.
• Monitor Reactions: Watch your dog after introducing pineapple to their diet. Make sure they don’t have any adverse reactions like allergies or digestive issues. If your Yorkie shows signs of discomfort, reduce the amount or stop using pineapple.
• Consistency: Adding pineapple to their meals consistently might help them stop eating poop over time. It might take a few weeks to see the results so be patient and consistent.

Important Notes

• Consult Your Vet: Before making any big changes to your dog’s diet, always consult with your vet. They can give you personalized advice based on your Yorkie’s health. Your vet can also rule out any underlying health issues that might be causing the coprophagia.
• Behavioral Solutions: In addition to dietary changes, consider the behavioral aspect of coprophagia. This can include better sanitation practices like cleaning up after your dog to remove the temptation. Training techniques to stop the habit can also work. For example teaching your dog the command “leave it” can help with this behavior.

Bromelain: The Digestive Enzyme

Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain which is anti-inflammatory and digestive. Bromelain breaks down proteins, aids in digestion and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. When added to your Yorkie’s diet bromelain can help with digestion and overall health but remember moderation is key. The enzyme also makes the dog’s poop less appealing so it can help with coprophagia.

When asking “Can Yorkies eat pineapple?” you need to think about the sugar content. Pineapple is sweet and has a lot of sugar in it which can be a problem for some dogs especially in large amounts.

Natural Sugars in Pineapple

Pineapple is full of natural sugars which is what makes it sweet. While these sugars are not the same as added sugars in many processed foods, they can still affect your Yorkie if consumed in excess. Natural sugars can give a quick energy boost but too much can lead to weight gain, digestive issues and even diabetes in the long run.

Moderation is Key

For Yorkies, a small breed with a small stomach, moderation is key. A few small pieces of pineapple here and there should be fine and even good for them due to the fruit’s vitamins and minerals. But feeding your Yorkie large amounts of pineapple regularly can lead to too much sugar which is not good for their health.

Monitor Your Yorkie’s Diet

Make sure to balance treats like pineapple with your Yorkie’s regular diet so they get a well-rounded nutritional profile without overloading on sugars. Fresh pineapple is better than canned varieties which often have added sugars and preservatives that can harm your dog.

Can Yorkies Eat Dried Pineapple?

When asking “Can Yorkies eat pineapple?” you need to consider the form. Dried pineapple while still pineapple is not the best for your Yorkie. The drying process concentrates the sugars so dried pineapple has more sugar content than fresh pineapple. This can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and even diabetes if consumed regularly. Dried pineapple also has added preservatives and sweeteners which can harm dogs. A small piece of dried pineapple here and there won’t cause immediate harm but generally it’s better to stick to fresh pineapple which has lower sugar content and is more hydrating. Always make sure any treat including pineapple in any form is given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. So if you’re asking “Can Yorkies eat pineapple?” fresh is the way to go and dried should be avoided.

Can Yorkies Eat Pineapple? Conclusion

Pineapple can be a yummy and healthy snack for your Yorkie. It offers hydration, vitamins and antioxidants. Used in moderation it can even help with the not-so-pleasant coprophagia. Always introduce new foods slowly and consult with your vet if you have any questions. With care and moderation, your Yorkie can enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple.

Next time you’re cutting up a fresh pineapple for yourself, share a little bit with your Yorkie. They might just thank you with extra tail wags and happy barks!