Pineapple is a perfectly refreshing snack for summer days! Apart from being tasty, it’s definitely a pretty healthy fruit for humans, too. But can you share it with your feline friend? Can cats eat pineapple?
Can cats eat pineapple?
Yes, pineapple is safe enough for cats. Although cats don’t have any capacity to taste sweet food, they can still have some curiosity about this food… So you can share a bit with them, always in small amounts. Offering a small piece of pineapple occasionally, as a treat, should be fine – just be sure to keep it in moderation.
What are the health benefits of pineapple?
Cats are obligate carnivores (which means they don’t need fruits and vegetables in their daily diet, which should consist mostly of meat). However, there are some nutritional benefits they can get from this refreshing fruit:
-Helping the digestive system
Due to the high fiber content, pineapple is a great food to help with constipation.
-Providing hydration
Pineapple has high water content, which is a great advantage since most cats don’t drink enough water on their own.
-Full of vitamins and minerals
This nutritional content will boost the immune system and increase resistance to infections.
What should I be aware of when offering pineapple to my cat?
It’s important to take note that only the fruit part can be offered, not the skin or the leaves – these parts present a choking hazard. Processed pineapple, like canned, is also prohibited because it contains syrup and other added ingredients that can cause problems to felines.
When it comes to the pure fruit, pineapple is safe to give as a treat if offered a couple of times a week – but do not exceed that amount. When eaten in large amounts, the high amount of fructose can cause diarrhea and other problems.
It’s a good idea to start with even smaller amounts, cut in small pieces. Monitor your cat for any digestive issues that may appear afterwards. Finally, keep in mind that pineapple should not be used as a replacement for their normal food, but just as a treat once in a while.
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