Coconuts contain a lot of fiber and are rich in antioxidants. This makes them a superfood for humans. But what about our furry friends? Can dogs eat coconut? As a pet owner, you might have wondered if this tropical treat offers the same benefits to our fur babies. This guide will help you answer this question.
Can Dogs Eat Coconut?
Coconuts are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, and you can feed their flesh or meat to dogs. Coconut flesh is as safe, non-toxic, and healthy as coconut oil is to our canine buddies. However, coconut also contains medium-chain triglycerides, which, in excess, could contribute to weight gain or obesity in pets.
Is Coconut Safe for Dogs?
Yes, dogs and coconut are generally a good match. Coconuts contain healthy fats that improve your dog’s skin and coat. However, moderation is key. Too much coconut consumption could lead to digestive problems, gastrointestinal distress, or even obesity in dogs.
Health Benefits of Coconut for Dogs
Supports a Healthy Coat and Skin
Coconut is one of the best treats for a dog's skin. It nourishes their fur and adds shine. It can also help reduce itching and skin irritation as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Some minor cuts are quite common for dogs. The antibacterial properties of coconut oil can heal the minor cuts and abrasions.
It also helps relieve itchy skin and coconut oil has the benefit of keeping fleas and ticks at bay, in addition to all the other great health benefits it provides to your dog. Small amounts of coconut can help in the management of hot spots, allergies, and other inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema in dogs.
Boosts the Immune System
Research shows that lauric acid found in coconut has antibacterial and antiviral properties. This may be useful in preventing microbial infections in dogs. Lauric acid also controls the balance and distribution of intestinal gut microbiota, improves antioxidant capacity, and creates a hostile environment for fungi and other microbes. This helps boost your dog’s immunity.
Aids Digestion and Gut Health
Coconut pieces – in moderation – can be a great treat for dogs because they support their gut microbiome and contain a ton of fiber that keeps them full longer. As per Medical News Today, most of the fiber in coconut flesh is insoluble. This type of fiber is known to improve a variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
“Is coconut ok for dogs?” is a very common question – one that can be answered positively and satisfactorily. This is mainly due to its antioxidant content. Antioxidants help fight inflammation by counteracting inflammation-causing free radicals. Thus, regular intake of coconut can protect your dog’s joints, brain, and heart health from these pesky free radicals.
Risks and Precautions When Feeding Coconut to Dogs
High Fat Content and Potential Weight Gain
The question “Is coconut safe for dogs?” can, without doubt, be answered positively. But overfeeding is dangerous with any type of food. Too much coconut can pose problems to dogs, especially given that it is high in fat. Overfeeding can cause obesity in some dogs, and too much fat could even lead to pancreatitis.
Possible Digestive Upset
There are several benefits of coconut for dogs but too much can also cause health issues. This is why you should add coconut to your dog's diet slowly. Begin with a tiny piece of coconut each week, depending on your dog's size. Look for signs of too much coconut: diarrhea, stomach pain, or allergies like itching and swelling.
Coconut Shell Dangers
You might wonder, “Can dogs have coconut shells or husks?” The answer is no. You must strictly avoid feeding coconut shells or husks to your pet, as these can result in choking and intestinal blockage. Always remove the shell pieces before serving fresh coconut pieces to your dog.
Allergies and Sensitivities
The answer to the question, “Can dogs have coconut?” is generally yes. However, in rare cases, a dog could be allergic or sensitive to this tropical fruit. Hives, itching, diarrhea, bloating, redness, or abdominal pain are some signs of coconut allergy or sensitivity. If you notice these signs, please stop feeding coconut right away. If the symptoms continue despite stopping, please take your pet to the vet.
Best Ways to Serve Coconut to Dogs
Fresh Coconut Meat (Raw or Dried)
You must consider coconut as a treat for dogs and, like all other canine treats, they should make up only 10% of their daily calorie intake. The other 90% of calories must come from a balanced dog diet.
Begin by mixing one or two small pieces of fresh or dried coconut meat into your dog's meals. The serving size must depend on your dog's weight. For instance, a small dog weighing between 5 and 20 pounds can have around ⅛ of a teaspoon of coconut meat each day.
Coconut Oil for Dogs
Coconut oil moisturizes dry skin and makes your dog's coat shiny. You can put a little coconut oil right onto your dog’s fur. Even if your dog licks it, it is safe. On dog food, coconut oil is also a good addition as a food topper. Another option is allowing your dog to lick it off a spoon. You can also substitute it for peanut butter when giving your buddy their medicine.
Do not feed more than a quarter of a teaspoon of coconut oil to a small dog and about one teaspoon to a large dog. Always choose USDA-certified organic coconut oil that is free from preservatives and additives.
Coconut Milk and Coconut Water: Are They Safe?
Coconut milk and coconut water can both be beneficial for dogs, provided they are without added sugar and preservatives. Coconut water is derived from young coconuts; coconut milk is obtained by crushing fresh coconut meat and water. The difference between the two is that coconut milk is higher in fat.
You can include both in your dog’s diet in limited quantities but do ensure they are organic, without added sugar or preservatives. Please note that sugar, xylitol, and other preservatives that are present in packaged coconut milk and coconut water have been known to cause diarrhea, vomiting, and tummy aches in dogs.
Coconut-Based Dog Treats
Nowadays, coconut-based dog treats are readily available in stores. Be sure to read their labels and look for sugar-free, no preservatives, food colors, or different dangerous additives. As we discussed earlier, make sure that your dog’s treat allowance is less than 10% of their daily caloric consumption.
If you have the time, you can easily make coconut treats for your dog at home. Here are some homemade coconut dog treat ideas:
No-bake coconut and oatmeal dog biscuits: simply mix oatmeal flour, coconut flour, non-fat yogurt, unsweetened peanut butter, and coconut oil. Roll the mixture into balls. Detailed recipe here.
Dog-friendly coconut cookies: combine mashed banana, shredded coconut, flour, honey, and oats. Bake them for 25 minutes at 350 F. Detailed recipe here.
How Much Coconut Can Dogs Eat?
Limit your dog’s total coconut intake (which includes coconut oil, milk, water, treats, etc.) to less than 10% of their total daily calories.
Recommended Serving Sizes
According to PetMD, here are the guidelines regarding the serving size of coconut for dogs based on their weight:
Extra-small dogs (2 to 20 pounds): ⅛ teaspoon of coconut meat per day.
Small dogs (21 to 30 pounds): ½ teaspoon of coconut meat per day.
Medium dogs (31 to 50 pounds): 1 teaspoon of coconut meat per day.
Large dogs (50 to 90 pounds): 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of coconut meat per day.
Extra large dogs (90+ pounds): 2 teaspoons of coconut meat per day.
Signs of Overfeeding Coconut
As always, check with your veterinarian before adding coconut meat to your dog’s diet. Follow the serving guidelines above based on your dog’s weight, and start with small amounts.
Look out for signs of discomfort or digestive upset, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating. Reduce or eliminate coconut from your dog’s diet if you spot these signs. If the symptoms do not go away, please see your vet.
Alternatives to Coconut for Dogs
Dog-Safe Fruits with Similar Benefits
While coconut for dogs is generally safe, some dogs are unable to digest it. Here are some safer alternatives to coconuts for such pets:
Bananas are a safe snack for dogs, albeit in small quantities. They provide potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
Apples (without the seeds) provide fiber and vitamins to your pet.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and are one of the best fruits to feed dogs.
Other Healthy Fats for Dogs
If your pooch has obesity, pancreatitis, or digestive issues, you can offer them other healthy fats rather than coconut oil. Coconut’s high-fat content could cause digestive problems for your pal. Coconut oil has its benefits, but fish oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil are healthier sources of essential fatty acids that provide similar benefits without the risk of weight gain or digestive issues.
Low-Calorie Options for Dogs on a Diet
If your dog is on a weight loss or weight maintenance diet, use this list of suitable foods to feed them instead of coconut: apples, blueberries, bananas, zucchini, cucumbers, broccoli, celery, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes. All of these are appropriate options for pets on low-fat diets.
The dietary content of these vegetables is mostly fiber with minimal amounts of fat. The consumption of these healthy foods helps maintain a healthy digestive system for dogs as well as providing extended feelings of fullness.
Conclusion
“Can dogs eat coconut?” is a very common question pet owners ask. If you are planning to feed coconut to your dog, please check with your vet first. Remember: What’s safe for one dog might not be safe for another, depending on their age, health, and diet. If your dog is on a prescription diet, avoid giving them any extra food or treats outside of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs have coconut oil?
Small quantities of coconut oil are generally suitable for feeding dogs. Feeding coconut oil in excess could result in canine obesity since it contains high levels of fat.
Can dogs have coconut milk?
Yes, you can feed small quantities of unsweetened, organic coconut milk to your dog based on their weight. Check that your coconut milk lacks additives and preservatives as well as sugar content.
Can dogs eat coconut ice cream?
The sugar content in coconut ice cream can be dangerous for dogs if consumed in excess. It may cause gradual weight gain and eventually lead to diabetes. So, please avoid feeding too much coconut ice cream to your dog and try to find alternative, healthier options that will be beneficial to your pup.
Can dogs eat coconut snacks?
The answer to this question depends on the snack type and its ingredients. Your dog should not consume coconut snacks that contain preservatives, sugar, and xylitol, as well as other harmful additives.
