Can Dogs Have Coconut?
Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut? Dogs can have coconut oil and pet owners will add it to their pet’s diet, but can we feed our dogs pieces of the actual coconut? The response is a definite yes! Coconut flesh is just as nutritious, if not more so, than coconut oil. They have the same attributes in that they both hail from the same place.
Coconut is non-toxic to dogs, but it does contain medium-chain triglycerides, which may cause some gastrointestinal upset and bloating. You’ll want to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog coconut, of course.
Decreases Inflammation
Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut? Coconut meat contains a high level of lauric acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid. What this means is that the molecules can be absorbed by the body whole and used as an immediate source of energy. Lauric acid is also very effective against viruses, like the flu. It is also used to treat yeast infection, ringworm, and Giardia.
It also possesses some interesting anti-inflammatory properties—it has significantly decreased swelling in lab rats. Less inflammation will accelerate healing of cuts, hot spots, and other injuries. Inflammation also creates most types of arthritis, so giving coconut to your dog can alleviate pain in their sore joints, as the inflammation resolves. Crack open the shell before serving coconut to your dog because the shell may become stuck in their esophagus and irritate the intestines and blockage. Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut?
What Coconut Food Is Safe for My Dog?
Although coconuts are not poisonous for dogs, not all coconut foods are safe for them to munch on.
Coconut Meat
Coconut meat is just as tasty for your dog as it is for us. However, to give your dog coconut meat, use it as, well, a treat, and just sprinkle a few flakes on their meal. Treats in general, like coconut, should constitute no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil should be safe in tiny amounts (like as a good lubricant for administering a pill to a dog) unless your dog has pan-cutaneous disease or gastrointestinal disease. But be very frugal in how much you provide, since lots of coconut oil will give doggy diarrhea.
But you can safely use coconut oil on your dog topically—for example, applying it to chapped paw pads and using it on their coat to help keep it shiny.
Coconut Water
Coconut water can be a special treat for your thirsty pooch, but it should never be given as your dog’s primary water source. It’s important to read the label on your freshly cracked can of coconut water before sharing it with your pup. Some coconut drinks can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol.
Coconut Milk
Who can outdo a bowl of breakfast cereal topped with a sprinkle of coconut milk? It’s creamy and rich addition to your morning diet, but since coconut milk contains inherent high fat content, you’d not share a spoonful with your dog. The high-fat foods have the capability to induce pancreatitis in dogs.
Coconut Husk
While the white, meaty coconut flesh is fine, the hard exterior husk isn’t. Coconut husks are quickly a choking hazard or blockage in the intestine, so never give one to your dog to chew on.
Is Coconut Good for Dogs?
Like other fruits, such as peaches and pineapples, coconut does have some health benefits for dogs. It is high in fiber and fat and is high in omega-6 fatty acids as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron and potassium. Coconut also possesses anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, since coconut contains high amounts of saturated fat (predominantly medium-chain triglycerides), it is not a good treat to offer to overweight or obese dogs. Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut?
To prevent weight gain by any dog, coconut may be utilized merely as a treat, and treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Provided your dog consumes complete and balanced meals, they will not require the nutrients coconut provides.
Can Dogs Have Coconut Oil?
Yes, it is fine for dogs to consume unrefined or virgin coconut oil in small quantities. Do not overdo the coconut oil for your dog because excess coconut oil will cause an upset stomach or pancreatitis. Coconut oil is also great applied topically as a skin and coat moisturizer for your dog and as a softening agent for cracked paws. Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut?
Can Dogs Have Coconut Water?
Coconut water is safe in small quantities for the average dog, but you don’t want to rely on it as a primary source of water for your dog as it is very high in potassium. You also need to read the ingredients on coconut water products as some of them include added sugars or the canine-toxic sweetener xylitol. To err on the safe side, consult with your veterinarian prior to providing coconut water for your dog. Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut?
Can Dogs Have Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is not necessarily harmful to dogs if consumed in small amounts, but double-check the contents for unhealthy ingredients for dogs. Coconut milk is extremely rich and fatty, and a small amount is best to avoid a stomachache. Coconut milk, like coconut oil, can be used externally as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners for dogs to help make your dog’s coat shiny and keep your dog’s skin healthy. Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut?
How Do I Feed My Dog Coconut?
Always consult your vet first and ask if you can feed your dog coconut. They’ll advise you whether it is okay for your dog based on their health history, and they’ll also advise you on the amount you can give your dog safely. Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Can Dogs have Coconut?
When serving coconut to dogs, ensure you remove the shell since it will lead t o blockage or harm to your dog’s digestive system if ingested.
Never give sweetened coconut – often used when baking – as this is extremely sugary. But for you avid bakers reading this, you can attempt baking your own doggy treats using a little bit of coconut oil if okayed by your vet – there are plenty of great recipes available!