Can Dogs Eat Coconut? If So, What Are the Benefits? |UK Pets

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) earned the title as the tree of life for humans, but what about for dogs? The Coconut Research Centre has gathered successful stories and benefits they got from coconut products.

Nigel Markey, one of the respondents, shared a story about him and his Mastiff dog. Nigel had gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, whilst his dog had a water retention problem. Drinking coconut water helped improve their health conditions.

But is coconut good for dogs? Or is it just the coconut’s water and oil?

Science has revealed that the oil comes from the meat itself. As such, it is safe to consider coconut meat as beneficial as coconut oil. When properly prepared and served in adequate amounts, it’s not only a delicious treat but a nutritional one as well.

Overall Benefits of Coconut for Dogs

It contains medium-chain fatty acids that improve heart health.
It boosts the immune system.
It aids red blood production.
It possesses anti-inflammatory
It is beneficial for the canine’s skin and coat.

Trivia: A Whippet contestant in the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show eats an egg and cheese omelette made with coconut oil in preparation for competition. Such nutrition is said to be great for his coat.

Is Coconut Meat Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Coconut meat provides a handful of health benefits to pooches such as:

Halved coconut shell with thick coconut meat on a cutting board

Coconut meat can decrease the intensity of inflammation.
Coco meat contains anti-inflammatory properties and lauric acid, which makes it an excellent source of energy. This will help in fast recovery from cuts, hot spots, and other forms of wounds.
With reduced inflammation, it lessens the joint pains of dogs that have arthritis. This may not serve as a cure but will make the pain bearable and will aid your dog’s movement.

Coconut meat can boost the immune system.
It supports the body with extra defence against viruses, harmful bacteria, infections, parasites, and fungi.
Coconut meat can improve coat and skin.
It improves his odour and coat quality, keeping the coat smooth and glossy. Moreover, it is also beneficial to skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory content. This will reduce the risk of any infections, hot spots, dry and itchy skin, and flea allergies.

Although coconut meat is good for canine health, note that it has a high-fat content. Consuming it in large amounts can lead to stomach upsets, loose stools, and bloat.

Therefore, feeding your dog coconut meat should be done in moderation and must be closely observed for food reactions.

Raw coconut is the best way to feed to your pooch, but take extra caution with its shell. Other owners purposely give coconut shells as a chew treat, but it is generally risky.

It is best to remove the shell before giving the coconut meat. The shell can cause intestinal irritation or blockage when embedded in the oesophagus.

You May Also Like:

Is Coconut Water Healthy for Dogs?

A white Labrador Retriever drinking coconut water from a coconut shell.

Can you give coconut water to dogs? Some would say that coconut water for dog dehydration is effective. Let’s have a look at its nutritional content. Coco water provides vitamins, potassium, enzymes, electrolytes, and minerals.

Coconut water has energy-boosting nutrients.
It can keep your dog dehydrated.
It can be a nice treat for your dog.

How much coconut water should I give to my dog? Water from baby coconut contains 50% glucose and 35% sucrose and fructose for the remaining percentage.

It might be alarming at first glance, but a hundred millilitres of coco water contains only 2.9 grams of sugar. Thus, 200 millilitres of fresh coconut water provides your pet with only an average of 5.8 or 6 grams of sugar with glucose, fructose, and sucrose.

Moreover, beware of giving your canine bottled coconut water, as it is often processed with artificial sweeteners that can increase the level of sugar. To provide healthier nourishment, choose the freshest coconut available.

Is Coconut Milk Good for Dogs?

A bottle of coconut milk beside a coconut with a thick, white flesh.

Can you give your dog coconut milk? Similar to the aforementioned coconut products, coconut milk is not toxic to dogs. In fact, it is beneficial to the dog’s health.

Coconut milk can help fight off viral infections.
It boosts the immune system.
It adds glossiness and smoothness to the dog’s coat.
It contains certain enzymes that lessen your dog’s stinky breath.

However, only give your dog a small amount of coconut milk. Its high-fat content can trigger digestive issues if consumed in immoderate amounts.

Avoid sweetened coconut milk as it contains several additives that might not be beneficial to your pet’s health. It is healthier to provide natural coconut products such as coconut water—rich in electrolytes and nutrients and coconut oil—full of healthy fats.

You May Also Like:

How to Add Coconut to Dog Food?

Remember that when introducing new food to your dog, it should be done gradually. Here are some ideas on how to introduce coconut into your dog’s meals:

Add coconut chips to their meals as dog treats.
Dip doggy snacks in coconut oil.
Add coconut milk or coconut water to your dog’s food bowl or water bowl.
Give raw pieces of coconut meat.

FAQs About Can Dogs Eat Coconut

1. Is It Toxic to Feed Your Dog Coconut Meat?

Coconut meat is not toxic to dogs. However, it houses large amounts of fat, which can induce stomach problems when consumed excessively. Thus, feed coconut meat to your canine companion sparingly and in small quantities.

2. Is Coconut Milk Okay for Dogs?

Coconut milk is okay for dogs, but avoid the ones containing artificial sweeteners and other synthetic ingredients. Otherwise, its health benefits will lose their effect.

Much like coconut meat, coconut milk should be given to your pet in moderation to avoid stomach issues from arising.

3. Can Dogs Have Coconut Purée?

Allowing your dog to have coconut purée is not recommended. This human food typically consists of coconut cream and a sweetener. It is not the best option to feed your pet. Stick to offering him fresh coconut milk, coconut water, or coconut flesh.

4. Can a Coconut Give Dogs Diarrhoea?

Coconut is good for dogs, but eating too much of it can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Whilst it can be a part of your pet’s meals, only include it in his diet once in a while to avoid these side effects from occurring.

Conclusion

Dogs can eat certain parts of the coconut, including its meat, water, milk, and oil. They provide several health benefits, such as soothing skin problems, healing wounds, and strengthening the immune system.

However, they should not make up a large portion of your dog’s diet and must be given to him sparingly. If you are curious about what human foods you can include in your pet’s meals, we have a list prepared for you..