Coconut water has grown a lot in popularity in recent years. People love the refreshing drink that offers a lot of health benefits.
Most of all, it’s a delicious alternative to water with many of the same hydrating properties. It’s rich in nutrients and can help people improve their digestive systems.
But what about your dogs? Can dogs drink coconut water?
Coconuts are safe for dogs. There is nothing in pure, natural coconut that is toxic to them. However, too many coconuts can give dogs diarrhea. For this reason, coconut water should be an occasional treat rather than an everyday substitute for water.
That’s because they contain what are called medium-chain triglycerides that can cause stomach bloating and discomfort.
You should also be aware that many coconut products have additives like sugar and flavoring that could be harmful to your dog. We know most pet owners want their animals to be healthy and happy, so you must monitor the ingredients of whatever you’re giving to them.
Let’s take a look at how you can introduce coconut water into your dog’s diet in a positive, healthy way.
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Pure Coconut Water vs Additives
There’s a coconut craze going on in the consumer product space. People use coconut skincare products, shampoos, candles, and coconut water.
Coconut is generally a very healthy fruit, full of important nutrients. It can help with things like acid reflux and is even touted as an appetite suppressor for people who are on a diet.
The proliferation of coconut products has been great for consumers, but not everything on the market is made of pure coconut. That includes coconut water.
Pure coconut water
Pure coconut water can be great for your dogs. It’s full of electrolytes that will keep them hydrated when they’re outside running around or chasing sticks.
Most grocery stores will have pure coconut water in stock, and you can check to see that it’s pure by looking at the ingredient list on the back.
Refrain from giving them anything that isn’t pure coconut water. It can be a challenge to find in some stores, so your odds are better if you visit your local health foods shop.
Coconut water with pineapple
Coconut water with pineapple juice is another popular drink that some dog owners want to give to their pets.
Keep in mind, though, that pineapples are rich in natural acid. That could risk upsetting your dog’s stomach if they drink too much.
Can They Drink It Every Day?
While the risk of adverse health effects is low, feeding your dog coconut water is probably not a good idea. Can dogs drink too much coconut water?
The short answer is, yes, they can. Even too much pure coconut water can lead to discomfort for dogs because they would be drinking too many medium-chain triglycerides.
If you see that your dog has diarrhea or is visibly uncomfortable, you should take this as a sign that they’re drinking too much coconut water and refrain from giving them more.
Can Dogs Eat Coconut?
We’ve covered whether drinking coconut is ok for dogs, but what about eating coconut meat? The same principle applies here.
In general, eating the white flesh of a coconut is perfectly healthy for dogs. You can feed it to them as a treat or put it in their food on occasion. As a guiding principle, you should introduce new foods and drinks into your dog’s diet very slowly.
First, you want to see that they like whatever you’re giving them, and it’s easier to treat your dog if they show any adverse symptoms. Increase the amount of coconut you’re giving them gradually just to be safe.
4 benefits of coconut water for your dog
Ok, so we know that coconut water is ok for your dog to eat on occasion, but what sort of benefits, if any, is it bringing to the table? Let’s take a look at the 4 benefits of coconut water for your dog.
Benefit 1 – It’s a healthy treat
There’s a lot of junk that you could feed your dog. Instead of table scraps, food high in sugar, and other processed food, giving them some coconut water or coconut meat is a good alternative. Again, feed it to them in moderation and they’ll love it!
Benefit 2 – Coconut can reduce inflammation
As a food, coconut is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s a good food item for dogs that are older and struggle with arthritis.
Benefit 3 – Coconut fights off flea allergies
As inflammation is lowered, your dog will be less sensitive to any flea allergies they might have. They’ll sneeze less often, and their head will be clearer absent the allergies.
Benefit 4 – A stronger immune system
A hydrated dog full of nutrients from coconut water will have a healthier immune system. They’ll be able to fight off diseases like the flu more easily and won’t get sick as often.
Don’t Give Your Dog a Whole Coconut
In your excitement about coconut water and pure coconut treats, one thing that’s important to remember is to never give your dog an entire coconut.
Dogs are notorious for scarfing the whole thing down, including the husk that is very hard for them to digest. It will wreak havoc in your dog’s stomach and their digestive system will pay the price.
Instead, chop up the coconut meat, separate the water out, and feed it to your dog separately. That, or buy them premade from the grocery store.
Most pet owners need to find high-quality treats that will keep your dog feeling and looking fantastic. Coconut is a wonderful organic option that can be used sometimes as a treat and to give your dog the noted health benefits.
Start slow and introduce them into your dog’s diet slowly. Monitor how they react and go from there. If your dog is like most dogs, they’ll absolutely love the coconut products!