The flesh of the coconut may be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in a variety of dessert and drink recipes due to its exquisite flavor. There has been a recent trend toward include the tropical ingredient coconut in pet diets and treats, and it’s not just for canines. But then the obvious question arises: can canines eat coconut?
If you have questions, Purina has solutions. Learn whether the coconut you feed your dog is safe for them to consume, from the meat to the oil and even the milk.
Coconut: safe for dogs?
Even while dogs may safely eat coconut meat, giving them too much at once might create health issues. When consumed in large quantities, coconut’s high calorie content may cause weight gain. In addition, its high fat content is associated with gastrointestinal distress and an increased risk of pancreatitis. We caution consulting with your vet before giving any coconut and should only give very little amounts. If your dog is experiencing any health problems or is overweight, your veterinarian may urge you to refrain from giving it coconut.
What about coconut oil for dogs?
It’s true that coconut oil is safe for dogs, but giving them too much of it might cause them to gain weight or have digestive issues. Similar to giving fresh coconut meat, we advise discussing it with your veterinarian beforehand. Commercial dog foods and treats often use coconut oil, but only in moderate quantities.
Does anybody know whether dogs can drink coconut milk?
Coconut milk is likewise non-toxic, although many store-bought varieties include fillers that aren’t present in the fresh fruit. It’s already concerning that overfeeding may lead to weight gain and digestive issues, but this raises the stakes even further. Because of these potential issues, your veterinarian may suggest you stay away from coconut milk.
Many of the purported health benefits of coconut are attributable to medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), a kind of lipid that is naturally present in coconuts. As your dog becomes older, the MCTs in his diet may serve as a reliable supply of energy for his brain. We can’t suggest coconut as a dependable approach to acquire the advantage of these nutrients since the level of MCTs might vary across various coconut products. MCTs are included in certain dog meals, usually at doses specifically designed to promote senior dogs’ health.
Some dog shampoos and moisturizers include coconut oil for its topical benefits on the skin and coat. As a result, it is believed that this aids in keeping the skin and coat healthy and lustrous.
How can I give coconut to my dog?
Before giving a dog any kind of coconut, however, you should always check with your vet. Based on your dog’s health, they can advise you on whether or not this is a good option, and they can propose appropriate dosages.
The coconut shell might cause obstruction or injury to your dog’s digestive tract, therefore it’s important to always remove it before giving your pet coconut.
Never give your pet sweetened coconut, a typical baking ingredient. But if you’re an avid baker and your doctor is OK with it, you may try your hand at making your own dog treats using a little bit of coconut oil.
Treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake, so keep that in mind whenever you give them coconut.