There is a strong desire from many dog owners to bring in as many natural ingredients and fruits and vegetables as possible into a dog’s diet to keep pups fit and healthy.
As a result, it can be a little too easy to presume that any fruit that is good for us is also good for them.
This is not always the case, and there are some questions over whether can dogs eat coconut.
There are plenty of elements to consider when looking into the idea of the safety of coconut, such as what it is being used for and questions over the issue of can dogs drink coconut water.
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Is coconut good for dogs in any way, such as providing potential health benefits?
Coconut, as a fruit, is a great tasting option with a number of helpful vitamins and minerals on board.
With the right preparation and attitude to portion sizes, it is possible to see these elements at work in dogs too.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]There are a number of potential health benefits here for fighting off ill health more generally, such as virus prevention, boosting the immune system, increasing red blood cell counts.
More specific health benefits that have been noted from coconut consumption include hormone and insulin regulation and the ability to aid arthritis. If that wasn’t enough, there is also the chance to aid bad breath.
[/thrive_text_block]Is coconut bad for dogs in any situation?
Before you rush off to give your pup coconut with this assumption that it’s completely safe, there are some warnings in place about quantities and preparation.
Coconuts contain medium chain triglycerides and these elements are known to cause some digestion issues, such as stomach ache and bloating.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]There is a chance that dogs that are not used to coconut may have issues with their stools after eating it, especially if you give them a large amount.
It is best to give a small amount of coconut as a treat, see how they respond and gradually increase portion sizes until they get used to it. [/thrive_text_block]
There are also some concerns about the high fat content so again, moderation is important.
Some owners may ask are dogs allergic to coconut at all? Allergies don’t seem to be an issue with this foodstuff. However, if you feed some to your dog and suspect they are sensitive to it in some way, stop using it.
One of the common questions asked by dog owners is this: is coconut poisonous to dogs in any way?
As with many human foods, there can be problems with over-consumption. However, there is nothing within the fruit that is especially toxic to any dog.
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The biggest problem comes from the shells. Some dogs are given the chance to chew on them as a chew toy, but this has dangers on the teeth and the risk of them swallowing small fragments.
Then there is the hair of the husk to worry about.
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The only real chance of toxicity is in giving candied coconut treats where chocolate and sugar are involved. It is definitely best to stick to the real thing.
This leads to our next question: can you prepare coconut for dogs in any form?
Is coconut ok for dogs in small amounts?
Absolutely, but only if you treat it properly. Many say that raw flesh is best in manageable chunks because of the water and vitamins within. They have not been lost through desiccation and dehydration.
This doesn’t mean that the answer to can dogs eat coconut flakes is no. This is still a great way to add flavor to food and it is simple to eat in this dried form. Those asking can dogs eat coconut flour and can dogs eat coconut butter will receive the same response. It isn’t harmful, but there are better options.
We also need to consider the question of “can dogs have coconut water?”
Eating coconut is one thing, but drinking it is another. Coconut water is beloved with humans right now for its health-giving properties as an alternative energy drink.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]The good news is that coconut water for dogs is as beneficial for them as for humans. It contains loads of calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc, as well as those brilliant electrolytes and enzymes it is a good energy boost and a nice alternative to water. [/thrive_text_block]Again, there are caveats here when discussing the question of is coconut water good for dogs. It all depends on the source. The same rule applies as with the fruit. Natural water straight from the fruit is the only way to go. Be careful with store bought coconut water because of the additional additives, preservatives, and sugar that may have been added to the ingredient list.
There is another issue to consider when thinking about the question of can dogs have coconut milk, and that is in healthcare and grooming.
The most common source of coconut for dogs is not as a food, but as a topical treatment for skin care and grooming. We cannot overlook how helpful coconut oil and milk are here.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]Using coconut milk for dogs dry skin is a great idea, but it also helps to create a glossy coat and aids with wound healing and relief from rashes and flea bites. It is a revered antibacterial solution that should be in the bathroom cabinet of many dog owners. [/thrive_text_block]
What have we learned in this examination of can dogs have coconut?
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to dogs eating coconut and coconut milk for dogs because of all the vitamins and electrolytes in the milk and flesh, but you do have to be careful with the preparation and portions for the right result.
So, can dogs eat coconut?
There is no reason to avoid coconut flesh and coconut water in small amounts because they have proven health benefits. Just make sure to avoid any artificial ingredients and shells to stay on the safe side.