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Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

Can Dogs Eat Coconut

Coconut is a very delicious snack. Either in the form of dessert or drinks, coconut delicacies have become very famous in humans. But is it only us who enjoy coconut, or do our furry friends enjoy it too? Yes, from treats to grooming products, it is not only famous among us, but it is trendy in the pet world too.

But here comes the questionIs it ok to feed our dog’s plain coconut?“, “Can Dogs eat coconut?”

The answer is: Why not? Absolutely yes, dogs can eat coconut, but in moderation only. There are some other considerations too that you should keep in mind while feeding it to your furry.

It has many health benefits that it offers without harming your dog’s health.

Let’s go ahead and learn more about it.

Coconut

Benefits Of Coconut For Dogs

Coconut has great taste, but aside from great taste, it also has many health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a good source of nutrition that can be added to your dog’s diet.

It contains a high level of manganese, which is necessary for bone health and good metabolism. It promotes healthy skin and is good for the heart. Coconut has immune-supporting antioxidants which boost the immune system, as well as medium-chain fatty acids, also known as lauric acid, that helps in reducing inflammation in the body.

Various dog moisturizers and shampoos also contain coconut oil which helps to maintain their skin healthy and coat shiny.

Coconut Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Raw Coconut As Per (1 cup/100 grams)Dried Coconut As Per (1 cup/100 grams)
Calories354650
Protein3 grams7.5 grams
Carbs15 grams25 grams
Fiber9 grams18 grams
Fat33 grams65 grams
Manganese75% of the Daily Value (DV)137% of the DV
Copper22% of the DV40% of the DV
Selenium14% of the DV26% of the DV
Magnesium8% of the DV23% of the DV
Phosphorus11% of the DV21% of the DV
Iron13% of the DV18% of the DV
Potassium10% of the DV16% of the DV
Source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Safety To Be Taken While Feeding Coconut To Your Dog

First of all, as we know, that coconut contains lots of vitamins, minerals and is rich in manganese, but there is no special need to add coconut treats to your pup’s diet as the need for vitamins and minerals can be fulfilled by other things already added to your pup’s diet too.

Coconut also contains lots of calories and has a high-fat content that can lead to unwanted weight gain and upset stomach, and that can further lead to pancreatitis if not given in moderation.

If you still want to feed your furry with coconut, the following are some guidelines that you can follow for safely adding coconut to your pet’s diet.

Guidelines To Feed Coconut 

Firstly, if you are thinking of feeding coconut to your furry friend, you should consult with your vet. They can tell you how much you should feed your dog safely based on their medical history and is it a good idea to feed them coconut as your dog may have some kind of allergy.

Secondly, try not to feed them sweetened coconut [used in baking] as it contains a high amount of added sugar that is quite unhealthy for your puppy. Instead, you can give them unsweetened coconut but always give in moderation. Giving them coconut without any restraint can lead to bloating as it contains a high amount of calories. Coconut also has medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) that can lead to an upset stomach.

If you are thinking of feeding whole coconut to your pup, remove all the harder parts and its shell as it can lead to blockage and is harmful to the digestive system if swallowed.

While feeding coconut oil, try to feed them with high-quality coconut oil. Don’t give with a large amount; start with adding a small amount of non-hydrogenated oil. Don’t feed more than one tablespoon per 30 pounds body weight. It can be given both directly or mixed in your dog’s food. 

Always remember to feed coconut or any treat only 10% of their diet. If you are not following this 10% rule, it can cause ill-effects to your pup’s health.

Conclusion

In the end, you can feed your dog coconut by first consulting your vet. It should be given in moderation. As a dog’s guardian, you should take all proper measures while feeding it, as mentioned above, because for us, as dog owners, it is our utmost responsibility to make sure of our pup’s health. You can also check for other vegetarian food options with our guide on what fruits can dogs eat safely?

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