Table of Contents
Many dog owners love coconut and are aware of the benefits it may provide. But what about dogs? Can they eat coconut too?
Coconut is often used in dog treats, dog shampoos, and other dog grooming products. Therefore, if you think about it, this must come as no surprise that pups can eat coconuts as well.
Coconut is a wonderful and nutritional part of many people’s diets, and little portions of it may be beneficial to dogs as well. Coconut meat is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat. Coconut may help stimulate a dog’s cognitive function, improve digestion and oral health, enhance coat and skin health, and even keep ticks and fleas away.
Can Dogs Have Coconut?
Yes, dogs can eat coconuts when served properly and in moderation. Coconut meat, whether dried, raw, or in flakes, is safe for dogs to consume. Aside from its delicious flavor, coconut is also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Additionally, it is full of antioxidants, which boost the immune system, as well as microbial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities, which enhance your dog’s skin and coat health.
Coconut flesh is hydrating, and carbs, good fats, plus proteins are necessary for providing dogs a boost of energy and growing strong muscles. Coconut oil can also be used to disinfect and soothe cuts and wounds.
Coconut contains lauric acid, which is recognized to fight viruses, manage yeast infections, and reduce inflammation. As a result, many dog owners feed coconut to their dogs as a natural home cure for relieving joint pain.
Benefits Of Coconut For Dogs
Coconut is popular due to its rich, tropical flavor and several health advantages. These qualities also make it ideal as a dog food supplement. Most dogs appreciate the flavor of the coconut, and its following nutrients help dogs’ diets:
- Phenolic compounds
- Manganese
- Lauric acid
Additionally, the advantages of coconut for dogs are given below.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
Coconuts have anti-inflammatory qualities due to the presence of lauric acid. Coconut can therefore help dogs heal faster and minimize inflammation around hotspots, cuts, and wounds. Coconut can also benefit dogs with arthritis by reducing joint pain.
Boosts The Immune System
Coconut is high in antioxidants, which help to maintain immune health. Antioxidants aid in the battle against free radicals, which damage the cells in dogs. It also contains manganese and lauric acid, which contribute to the reduction of inflammation and the dogs’ immune systems’ function.
Alternatively, you may give your dog broccoli since it is also packed with antioxidants that may help boost the immune system of your dog.
Provides Energy
Coconut has a lot of calories due to its carbs and fat content. Because these fats are easily digested, they provide an excellent energy source for dogs.
Improves Skin And Coat Health
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, an important fatty acid that aids in the improvement of a dog’s skin and coat. Furthermore, the antioxidants in coconut oil might provide relief for itchy and dry skin.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Coconut helps deliver energy to a dog’s brain through ketones, which effectively improves brain function while also preventing dementia in senior dogs.
Types Of Coconuts That Are Safe For Dogs
Coconuts are perfectly safe to feed to dogs. These fruits, however, can come in a variety of types and recipes, a few of which are good for dogs while others could be harmful. Below are the types of coconuts that can be safely eaten by dogs in moderation.
Coconut Meat
Dogs can eat coconut meat. This is due to the fact that coconut meat is not harmful to dogs and may be digested without negative effects. Coconut meat provides important nutrients that pups can greatly benefit from. Coconut meat, like any other food, must be consumed in moderation and properly included in the diet.
Coconut Milk
Limited portions of unsweetened and organic coconut milk can be safely added to a dog’s diet. Coconut milk has various possible health benefits for your pet when consumed in small amounts, including the following:
- Boosts immune system
- Improves skin and coat health
- Eliminates bad odor
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is fantastic for dogs. This is an excellent gluten-free option for dogs because it is rich in protein sources and fiber. It is not only nutritious, wholesome, and hearty, but it is also extremely tasty, much like the meat of a coconut.
Pineapple is also a known source of fiber that your dog can also enjoy.
Coconut Yogurt
Dogs can only eat homemade coconut yogurt. You only need two ingredients to make it: plain lean yogurt and raw coconut bits. Artificial coconut flavoring in commercial yogurt may have no nutrient benefit for your dog.
Flakes (In Very Small Quantities)
Coconut flakes may be good for dogs. If you opt to offer coconut flakes to your dog, keep a close eye on their reaction as they may induce an upset stomach. If they begin to have stomach or digestive issues, stop feeding them instantly and visit your vet.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a tasty treat for your pup. It has electrolytes that may help keep your dog refreshed and hydrated and possibly offer them an energy boost because it contains the following minerals:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
You may also let your dog eat watermelon to freshen them up during the hot summer days.
Coconut Cookies
Coconut flour is used to make coconut cookies. They are high in proteins, fatty acids, and fibers, all of which are beneficial to dogs’ health.
Coconut cookies can be fed to dogs in moderation, but excessive amounts may cause digestive problems. They must also not contain any potentially harmful ingredients.
Types Of Coconut To Avoid Feeding Your Dog
The majority of coconut treats are healthy and good for dogs, however, the following should never be given to your pet:
Shell
Don’t let your dogs eat coconut shells as they can be harmful if abrasive pieces are swallowed. Dogs cannot consume coconut shells since they induce choking, plus the hairy texture may result in the fine fibers accumulating in the intestines leading to bowel movement problems.
Sweetened
Avoid giving your furry friend sweetened coconut since it has extra sugars that are unhealthy for your dog.
Chocolate Coconut Macarons
Chocolate coconut macaroons are prepared with shredded coconut that has been dipped in chocolate. While the coconut is harmless for canines, chocolate may be harmful. It is also not recommended to offer coconut macaroons to dogs because they may be heavy in sugar, which is detrimental to their health.
The following are symptoms of chocolate toxicity:
- Tremors
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Death
- Seizures
How Much Coconut Should I Feed My Dog?
Below is a table that will serve as your guide based on your dog’s weight.
| Dog’s Weight | Amount of Coconut Per Body Weight |
| 30 lbs | 1 Tbsp |
| 60 lbs | 2 Tbsps |
| 90 lbs | 3 Tbsps |
| 120 lbs | 4 Tbsps |
What About Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil isn’t only good for your dog, but it is also incredibly beneficial. There are various coconut oil applications for dogs. A sizeable amount of coconut oil added to your dog’s meal will help boost energy, improve digestion, and fight infections. Furthermore, applying coconut oil topically to your dog’s skin and fur helps to eliminate odor, relieve skin problems, and refresh the coat.
Coconut oil for dogs promotes overall health and fitness by supporting various body functions. Below are a few advantages of using coconut oil on your dog:
- Supports digestion
- Weight loss
- Promotes overall gut health
- Manages skin conditions
- Improves immune system
- Eliminates odor
You may sprinkle coconut oil on moderate amounts of shrimp and add it to your dog’s diet for an added benefit.
Benefits
Coconut oil has various benefits for canines, just like it does for humans. After discussing with your vet, you may add coconut oil to your dog’s meals to help bring balance to their thyroid function, which can help overweight pets lose weight and sluggish dogs feel more energized.
Additionally, rubbing coconut oil on your dog’s skin will assist to lubricate their skin, which is especially crucial during the cold winter months, and avoid flaking or even other signs of irritation.
Risks
Excessive consumption of coconut oil can result in the following risks:
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Although the negative effects are only a few, there are still some things to consider when taking this oil. There have been some reports of adverse responses when introducing the oil into the dog’s meal or skin routine. Stop and visit a veterinarian if you observe any allergic reactions.
Quantity
Although coconut oil is harmless to dogs, it must be incorporated into the dog’s diet gradually. Excess fat consumed at a rapid rate may damage the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea and pain. The appropriate and safe amount of coconut oil is determined by the dog’s size and weight.
The table below shows the coconut oil dose for dogs based on their weight.
| Dog’s Weight | Coconut Oil Dosage |
| 4 to 10 kg | 4 ml to 10 ml |
| 11 to 20 kg | 10 ml to 20 ml |
| 21 to 30 kg | 20 ml to 30 ml |
| 31 to 40 kg | 30 to 40 ml |
| 41 to 50 kg | 40 ml to 50 ml |
| 51 to 60 kg | 50 ml to 60 ml |
| 61 to 80 kg | 60 ml to 80 ml |
| 80 kg and up | 80 ml to 100 ml |
How To Feed Coconut To Your Dog
If you want to feed this coconut meat to your dog, you must follow the guidelines below to avoid any negative health effects. We suggest that you prepare it by following the instructions outlined below:
- Take off the outer shell.
- Cut the coconut into smaller bits.
- Eliminate the brown shell that protects the coconut’s flesh.
Outro
Including coconut in your dog’s meal is an excellent method to provide them with additional health advantages. Weight loss, greater endurance, improved digestion, as well as a healthy coat have all been linked to coconut. If you want to include coconut in your dog’s food, consult with your veterinarian first to ensure it’s a good fit.
