Whether you incorporate the oil in your culinary adventures or prefer to stick a straw right in the shell as a poolside refreshment, one thing is for sure: coconut is one versatile fruit! But, as much as you love this tasty, healthy nut, can dogs eat coconut along with you?
The short answer is, yes. Coconut is non-toxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation. Of course, as is always the case when introducing a new food into your dog’s diet, you’ll want to know the dos and don’ts of feeding coconut to your dog.
Let’s crack open some knowledge about dogs and coconuts!
Can dogs eat coconuts for the health benefits?
For the last few years, the coconut has had quite a moment in the health world. As nutritionists learned that coconut may encourage cardio health, weight loss, skin restoration, and more, store shelves suddenly became stocked with all sorts of coconut products.
And, when you take a look at the nutrients in coconut, it makes sense! This fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and natural fats while being low in carbohydrates. Not only is coconut good for digestion and cell regrowth, but it can also help stabilise blood pressure, fight free radicals, strengthen the immune system, and lower inflammation.
Now, because of a few key differences in doggy and human digestion, our puppers probably won’t reap quite as many health benefits from coconut as we do. But, that doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from this highly nutritious fruit. If your pupper enjoys the taste, it’s perfectly safe to share coconut in all of its many forms (more on that in a moment) with your dog.
Even if your dog doesn’t want to eat coconut, they can still enjoy a few health benefits! The lauric acid in coconut oil, for instance, makes for a great doggy toothpaste as studies show that it offers natural antimicrobial properties. The oil can also be applied topically during bathtime to soothe itchy skin.
Are there drawbacks to giving your dog coconuts?
A lot of the magic of coconut comes from the unique breakdown of both saturated and unsaturated fats in the meat and oil. While these fats are typically absorbed and used in the body differently than animal fat, they do still add more calories to your dog’s diet. What’s more, one specific type of fat in coconut oil called a chain triglyceride can sometimes cause stomach upset in dogs.
Now, while the answer to “Can dogs eat coconut?” is yes, it probably goes without saying that we’re referring to the meat inside. It’s never a good idea to allow your dog to chew on the coconut husk as it could pose a choking hazard.
Dos and don’ts of giving your dog coconut
If you’re interested in introducing coconut to your dog’s diet, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind!
Do: feed your dog fresh coconut meat
If you want your dog to get all of the nutrients that coconut has to offer, opt for fresh coconut meat. This will ensure that your pup enjoys the full fibre content as well as all of the vitamins, minerals, and hydration.
Don’t: give your dog sweetened coconut products
Coconut itself is often not sweet enough for us humans to enjoy on its own. But the added sugar in many coconut products is not healthy for dogs. Take a look at the label and avoid anything with additional sweetness or flavouring. You’ll want to be especially careful not to give your dog any coconut water or milk with xylitol, which is a toxic artificial sweetener.
Do: use coconut oil in your DIY dog treats
Coconut oil is a brilliant binding agent for baking your dog’s favourite treats. For some tasty ideas, take a look at our Healthy Dog Treat Recipes.
Don’t: leave coconuts unattended on the counter
Maybe it’s the interesting outer texture or the fact that it looks like their favourite ball, but there’s something appealing about a whole coconut to dogs! As we’ve mentioned, coconut husks are not safe for doggy consumption, so you’ll want to keep them out of reach of your curious canine.
Do: keep an eye on how much coconut your dog consumes
Because of the high amount of calories and potential for causing stomach upset, it’s best to keep coconut consumption to a minimum. For oil, water, and milk, a few tablespoons per day drizzled on their food or added to their DIY dog treats is plenty. For fresh coconut, keep it to less than a palm-full of small, bite sized pieces (or less for small dogs.)
Don’t: feed your dog coconut before talking to your vet
Coconut is a unique fruit that won’t be appropriate for all doggy digestive systems. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before you introduce a new food item to your dog’s normal diet.
Do: look for coconut as ingredient in dog shampoos
If you’re not sure how your doggo will react to dietary coconut, stick with the topical benefits instead! Dog shampoos with coconut are a great way for your dog to enjoy the skin soothing and coat shining effects of coconut.
Don’t: worry if your dog isn’t nuts for coconut in any form
Maybe your dog is put off by the mere sight and smell of coconuts of any kind. That’s okay! While coconuts offer a range of benefits when eaten or given topically, there are other ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle for your pup. Getting them on a high quality dog food diet, for instance, will ensure that your pup gets all of the vitamins, minerals, fibre, and hydration they need.
Overall, can dogs eat coconut?
Tasty, healthy, and versatile, coconuts are a luxury food item that your dog can absolutely enjoy. No matter the form—fresh, oil, water, or milk—dogs can reap many of the health benefits that coconuts have to offer.
Of course, as is always the case when feeding your doggo something extra, it’s important not to overdo it and stick with coconut without sweeteners or flavouring.
Now that you know the answer to “Can dogs eat coconut” will you share with your pooch?
