Yes, dogs can eat coconuts in moderation. It is not toxic for dogs. Indeed, coconuts are beneficial to a dog’s health and well-being. Read on to learn about the nutritional benefits, side effects, the quantity of coconut to feed, and how to provide coconut to your dog.
Table of Contents
What is a Coconut?
Coconut belongs to the palm tree family. The word “coconut” can refer to the entire coconut tree, the seed, or the fruit, a drupe in botanical terms. Before eating the coconut, people take off the fibrous outer shell.
The essential nutrient found in coconut is manganese. It is also rich in antioxidants and has an immune-strengthening component named Lauric Acid. In addition, coconut contains natural oils suitable for your dog’s digestive system and takes care of the skin and fur coat of the dog.
Is Coconut Safe for Dogs?
Yes, coconut is safe for dogs to consume. However, the shell should be removed before it is fed to your dog. The following forms of coconut are safe for your pet:
Coconut meat
Raw or dried coconut meat that is unsweetened, shredded, or in flakes is safe for dogs. Feeding your pet more than a pinch or in large amounts causes choking hazards and stomach upsets due to the coconuts’ high fat and fiber content.
Coconut milk
Unsweetened coconut milk in moderation ( a teaspoon per meal). Check for additives and preservatives as these are toxic to your pet’s health.
Coconut Flour
The best dog-safe alternative to wheat flour that you can use to bake dog treats.
Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and makes a more nutritious alternative to cane and beet sugar. You can use this to make dog treats and bake homemade cookies for your dog.
Why is Coconut Good for Dogs?
Boosts the immune system
Coconut contains lauric acid. This substance helps the body to fight against viruses and boosts your dog’s immune system.
Helps in the formation of Red Blood Cells
Coconut helps in forming red blood cells as it contains albumin. Albumin regulates blood volume by controlling pressure in the blood compartment.
Helps in Dealing with Skin Conditions
Coconut helps deal with skin conditions, including flea allergies and itchy skin.
Helps with Bad Breath
Coconut can help with bad breath.
Helps with Healing
Coconut speeds the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, and more.
Helps with Bone Health and Metabolic Functioning
Coconut contains high levels of manganese, integral to bone health and metabolic functioning.
Helps in Hydration
Coconut pulp is very hydrating and is packed with healthy fats, carbs, and proteins.
Fights off viruses and ear infections
Coconut aids in fighting off viruses and treats ear yeast infections, which some dog breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles are prone to.
Improves your Dog’s Brain
Coconut can improve a dog’s brain sharpness. In addition, it has been proven to improve cognitive function and even ward off dementia.
Regulates and Balances Insulin and Thyroid Levels
Coconut regulates and balances insulin and thyroid levels.
Helps in healing Arthritis and Ligament Problems
Coconut aids in healing arthritis and ligament problems.
Keeps the Coat Smooth and Glossy
Coconut keeps the coat smooth and glossy.
Rich in antioxidants
Coconut is rich in antioxidants.
Combats Parasites
Coconut helps your dog to combat parasites.
Why is Coconut Bad for Dogs?
Contains Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Remember that coconut has medium-chain triglycerides, which aren’t poisonous for a dog. However, it can irritate your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, particularly if it has a sensitive stomach, and cause bloating and stomach aches.
Contains too much Fat
Consuming too much coconut can lead to canine obesity. This is because coconut contains high-fat levels, which causes obesity and adversely affects your dog’s health in the long run.
Sweetened Coconut Contains Sugar
Do not serve sweetened coconut to your dog, as it contains added sugars and is generally used in baking. Instead, opt for unsweetened varieties and feed them in moderate amounts. Also, never feed your dogs candies that have coconut.
How Much Coconut to Feed Your Dog?
You can give one teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. But remember that this is different from the quantity to start with. So instead, start with lower quantities and increase gradually.
How to Serve Coconut to Your Dogs?
Coconut Chips
Mix Coconut chips in the dog food or give it to them as a treat.
Coconut Paste with Peanut Butter
Use coconut paste to make your dog a special treat. Mix the paste with some all-natural peanut butter and freeze it.
Coconut pop-sicles
Mix ½ cup of solid coconut with your dog’s favorite frozen fruit. Arrange it in portions into an ice cube tray, and freeze it.
Coconut, Peanut Butter, and Honey Biscuits
Ingredients:
½ cup coconut flour
1 egg
1 cup water
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup melted coconut oil
2 tablespoons of baking powder
Method:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all the ingredients and add 1 tablespoon of honey in a large bowl. Roll out the dough, cut it into the desired shapes, and then bake until the biscuits are set.
Banana Blueberry Coconut Smoothie
Blend 1 cup blueberries, 1 banana, 1 cup ice, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon coconut. You get a healthy and tasty smoothie for your pet.
Blackberry Coconut Frozen Dog Treats
You only need two ingredients to make this delicious frozen dog treat- blackberries and coconut. Just put them in a blender and freeze them.
Banana Coconut Dog Treat Recipe
You will require flax seed, almond milk, oats, wheat flour, unsweetened shredded coconut, banana, and cinnamon to make this dog treat. Blend the ingredients in a mixer and freeze them.
Grain-Free Coconut and Banana Dog Treat Recipe
You need coconut flour, peanut butter, banana, egg, coconut oil, almond milk, and honey to make this dish. Blend and freeze these for your dog’s treat.
Winter Coconut and Cranberry Dog Treat Recipe
These tasty dog treats contain coconut oil, flour, egg, bran, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and peanut butter.
Chicken and Egg Coconut Cookie Recipe
Cookies baked with beef or chicken broth, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, egg, and coconut will satiate your dog’s taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Coconut Shells?
Coconut shell is terrible for dogs because it is difficult to chew and can result in choking or intestinal blockage. In addition, the hairy fibers of the shell can affect your dog’s bowel movements and the intestines when consumed. So, never give coconut shells to your dogs.
Can dogs have coconut oil?
Yes. You can include coconut oil in your dog’s diet due to its hydrating, antibacterial, and soothing properties. In addition, coconut oil reduces allergies and heals bug bites, itchy skin, and other skin-related issues.
Final Words
Dogs quite easily digest coconuts but remember that they must be served in moderation. Coconut shells should not be given to dogs at any cost. Too much coconut may end up causing diarrhea in your dog.
