Can dogs eat coconut? You may be asking this because you want to diversify your pup’s diet. Humans can eat coconut and enjoy it’s healthy benefits, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, coconut is safe for dogs to eat. Coconut is a tropical fruit that grows from a certain species of palm tree. It contains “meat,” oil, and milk, all of which can be beneficial for your doggo.
However, as with all human foods, you must contact your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new dietary additions. Here’s what you should know about feeding coconut to your dog.
How Is Coconut Good For Dogs?
Coconut “meat,” the white part of the coconut, is high in lauric acid. Lauric acid is a type of fatty acid that is a direct source of energy for your pup’s body. It also has the capability of reducing inflammation, which can be good for dogs with hot spots or arthritis.
Coconut meat is also a great source of antioxidants, which help boost your dog’s immune system.
While most oils are not good for dogs, coconut oil is very safe. In fact, coconut oil contains properties that can help your pup’s skin and coat.
Coconut milk, which is found in the center of the coconut, aids in digestion and increases metabolism.
In addition to all these qualities, coconuts have a taste that most dogs love. It’s important to note, however, that coconut is very high in fat. Though this fat is beneficial for your pup, you still don’t want to feed them too much.
How Can I Safely Give Coconut To My Dog?
As with other foods you give your pup, the coconut you give your dog should be as organic as possible. The best way to ensure this is to buy an entire coconut, shell and all.
Prepackaged coconut can come artificially sweetened, which is not the type of coconut you want to feed your pup. If you do buy prepackaged and precut coconut for your pup, be sure to buy an organic and unsweetened variety.
Do not give your dog the shell of a coconut, as this is not the edible part and can cause stomach upset.
Your dog should not eat an entire coconut in one sitting. Sprinkling small bits of coconut meat on your dog’s meal is a great way to feed this fruit to your doggo in moderation.
You can buy pure coconut oil at most every grocery store, and your pup can eat it as-is. A general rule for giving your dog the correct amount coconut oil is to add one teaspoon to their food per ten pounds of their total body weight.
You can also topically administer coconut oil to your pup’s hot spots. They may want to lick off the coconut oil, so wrapping the spot in a gauze is a good option to prevent this.
Has your dog ever eaten coconut? Do they enjoy the fruit or coconut oil in their food? Let us know in the comments below!
