Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Is It Safe?

There is nothing that can compare to coconut. Fry some chicken in it and there are instant health benefits.

Finely shredded coconut provides the perfect topping for tropical fruit salad. It tastes delicious, and it is well known for its nutritious benefits, so it only makes sense to share it with man’s best friend.

It can be hard to say no to those adorable, begging eyes, but it’s important to make sure that coconut is healthy for dogs before giving in to that wagging tail.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

Sure, dogs can eat coconut! It is extremely common for pet owners to give their dogs coconut in a variety of forms. Some drizzle coconut oil over dog food so that pets can enjoy the nutritious benefits that it provides. Raw coconut is often given as a snack, too.

It is also common for dog owners to give their beloved friends the husk to chew on once the meat has been eaten, but it is important not to do this. Some dogs have a difficult time digesting larger pieces, and it may get stuck in their stomach. In rare cases, this will require surgery.

Health Benefits of Coconut for Dogs

Coconut in all forms provides exceptional health benefits for dogs. Owners can use this as a natural way to address ringworms, but it is important that the results be verified by a qualified veterinarian to ensure that the worms are gone. It also has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties that can help dogs with arthritis or inflammation get moving again. Dogs that have itchy skin will appreciate no longer having dry skin when their owners feed them coconut.

Coconut can also be used to prevent future conditions in dogs. Because it is packed with nutrients, has anti-viral properties and naturally fights fungus, most owners give it to their pets to boost their immune system. Dog owners that give their pets a regular dose of coconut enjoy fewer trips to the vet than those that do not. According to this study, it can help dogs fight, or prevent, obesity.

Coconut oil is often applied to a pet’s skin or fur coat externally. The antibacterial properties help wounds combat infections. Coconut oil can also help reduce or eliminate bothersome symptoms of dry skin, such as severe itching. Last, pet owners commonly use this method to give their pets fur coat a shiny, healthy look in a matter of minutes.

Health Concerns

Although there are many health benefits of giving coconut to dogs, there are also a few health concerns that dog owners need to watch out for. Feeding any dog, a coconut shell has the potential to cause significant problems and is not worth the risk. Another primary concern that dog owners face is the consequences that come with feeding their furry friend too much. Often, this can result in an upset stomach, gas and severe cramping. It is recommended that pets are only given ½ teaspoon coconut for every fifteen pounds.

What Forms of Coconut Are Best for Dogs?

Any form of coconut will help pets enjoy the benefits of coconut. Owners typically give their pets soft coconut meat, coconut oil or coconut water. This can be given as food or mixed with food when feeding the dog. The important thing is that owners only give their pets raw, unrefined coconut products. These products have not been processed so they have more nutritional value. They also do not have any additional ingredients that are not healthy for pets, such as additional sugars.

Aside from giving a dog the shell of a coconut or feeding them too much, there is nothing bad about a furry friend enjoying this tropical treat. In fact, it is good for them!

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