Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm, a tree of the palm family that originated in the Pacific islands. Its many nutritional benefits and its pleasant flavor have made this fruit a common ingredient in numerous desserts and drinks. Dogs can also benefit from its flavor and nutritional composition, however, the fact that it is the fruit with the highest caloric value means that it should be included in the diet of our dogs in moderation.
If you're wondering if dogs can eat coconut or not, don't miss the next article on our site, where We explain everything you need to know about coconut for dogs.
Is coconut good for dogs?
Coconut is a fruit rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins that, moreover, does not contain any component that is toxic to dogs. These factors make coconut a fruit suitable for dogs Proof of this is the existence of multiple feeds and snacks for dogs that include coconut in their list of ingredients.
However, it is important to bear in mind that the coconut is a high-calorie fruit because fat is its main component, after the water. In addition, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) maintains that the pulp of this fruit contains oils that, in large quantities, can cause upset stomach, loose stools or diarrhea in dogs Therefore, although it is a fruit suitable for dogs, only should be offered occasionally
On the other hand, we must point out that, although natural coconut is a suitable food for dogs, not all products that include this fruit will be suitable for our furry companions. Shredded or dehydrated coconut products often include sugars and other ingredients that are unsuitable for dogs. For this reason, it is preferable that you keep these products out of the reach of your dog.
Is coconut water good for dogs?
Coconut water is considered a natural isotonic drink, rich in electrolytes, which is especially appreciated in tropical countries. However, is not a suitable product for dogs According to the ASPCA, coconut water should not be included in the diet of dogsdue to its high potassium content High levels of this electrolyte can cause an alteration of the electrolyte balance of dogs, especially when they have kidney pathologies.
On the other hand, we also have coconut oil, which can be used in different situations. We talk about it in this other article: "Coconut oil for dogs".
Coconut benefits for dogs
Beyond its flavor, which is sure to please most dogs, coconut provides a number of nutritional benefits when included in a dog's diet:
- Coconut is one of the fruits that contain higher levels of fiber Although the digestive system of dogs cannot digest the Fiber is an essential nutrient in your diet. Among other things, fiber creates a feeling of satiety, contributes to the maintenance of the intestinal microbiota, regulates intestinal transit and stool consistency.
- It is a fruit rich in minerals such as selenium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Selenium is involved in hormone metabolism and is necessary for optimal functioning of the immune system. Iron is an indispensable component of the hemoglobin and myoglobin molecule. Magnesium promotes the proper functioning of the intestine, nerves and muscles, is part of the bones and teeth and improves the immune system. Phosphorus is also involved in the formation of bones and teeth. Potassium, for its part, is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle activity and is involved in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance.
- It stands out for its content in vitamin E, which is involved in the metabolism of fats, in the formation of cell membranes and acts as antioxidant protecting cells against free radicals.
- It also contains considerable levels of folic acid and other water-soluble B vitamins
How to give my dog coconut?
As we have explained throughout the article, coconut is a suitable fruit for dogs. However, it should not be a food that is part of the regular diet of our pets. Due to its high energy value and its high percentage of fat, it is preferable to administer this fruit in moderation and occasionally A good option may be to provide it sporadically as a prize
When you decide to offer this fruit to your dog, you should take into account the following recommendations to avoid any undesirable effect on your dog's he alth. Specifically, we recommend that you follow these steps when preparing it:
- First, you must remove the outer crust.
- Next, you need to cut the coconut into small pieces. Depending on the size of your dog, they can be more or less small.
- Finally, you must remove the brown skin that surrounds the pulp. In this way, you will prevent the fibrous and rough covering of the coconut from injuring the oral or gastrointestinal mucosa of your dog. So, if you're wondering if coconut shells are good for dogs, the answer is no.
Coconut contraindications for dogs
Although we have already seen that dogs can occasionally eat coconut, there are certain situations in which its contribution may be contraindicated:
- Overweight: as it is the most caloric fruit, it is advisable to keep it away from obese or overweight dogs. In these cases, you can opt for fruits with a lower energy content, such as blackberries or raspberries. Discover in this other post How to give blackberries to a dog.
- Dogs requiring low-fat diets: in dogs with diabetes, liver, pancreatic or digestive problems, it is necessary to restrict the amount of dietary fat. For this reason, in these animals it is preferable to avoid the contribution of coconut, since fat is its main nutritional component.
- Hyperkalemia or hyperkalemia: consists of an increase in potassium levels in the blood. It can be seen in kidney diseases (such as acute renal failure) or in cases of hypoadrenocorticism or Addison's syndrome. In these cases, it is advisable to avoid the contribution of coconut, since it contains high levels of potassium.
If you want to continue learning, don't miss this video where we talk about the best fruits for dogs:
