Coconut is a fruit obtained from the coconut tree, a tree belonging to the palmaceous family whose origin is found in the Pacific islands. It contains a large number of nutritional benefits and, together with its exquisite flavor, makes this fruit a widely used and valued ingredient in many desserts and drinks. For all these reasons, the temptation to give coconut to dogs is great.
And it is that dogs can also obtain the benefits of coconut in terms of its nutritional composition and flavor but with responsible consumption. It is a fruit with a higher caloric value than others, so it should be included in moderation in the canine diet. To find out if dogs can eat coconut, the benefits of the fruit on the animal’s health, and how to give it properly.
Can dogs eat coconut or not?
Coconut is a fruit with very interesting nutrients for health. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it does not contain components that are toxic to dogs, so it is a food suitable for canine consumption. A great proof of this is that there are many snacks and food for dogs with coconut included in their list of ingredients.
However, it is important to bear in mind that it is a very caloric fruit because fat constitutes its main component, after water. The meat of the coconut contains oils that, consumed in large quantities, can cause stomach upset, loose stools, and even diarrhea in dogs. For this reason, and despite being a fruit suitable for the consumption of dogs, you should only offer it occasionally to your little furry.
On the other hand, it is important to note that, although natural coconut is a suitable food for dogs, not all products that include this fruit are recommended for dogs. Products made from grated or dehydrated coconut, which include sugars and other ingredients unsuitable for its health, should not be offered to the animal. So, keep these types of products out of the reach of your furry friend.
Benefits of giving coconut to your dog
Beyond its magnificent flavor, which is very pleasant for most dogs, moderate consumption of coconut provides multiple nutritional benefits for their health. They are the following:
- Coconut is one of the fruits with the highest fiber content. Although the canine digestive system is not capable of digesting fiber, it is an essential nutrient in their diet. And it is that, among other aspects, fiber generates a feeling of satiety, helps to maintain good intestinal microbiota, and optimizes the regulation of intestinal transit, as well as the consistency of feces.
- Coconut is rich in minerals such as iron, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Iron is a fundamental component of the myoglobin and hemoglobin molecule. For its part, selenium is involved in the hormonal metabolic process and is needed for the optimal functioning of the immune system.
- Its contribution of magnesium favors the correct functioning of the intestine, muscles, and nerves, it is also part of the bones, and teeth and improves the immune system. Regarding phosphorus, it is involved in the formation of teeth and bones. As for potassium, it is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and normal muscle activity and is also involved in maintaining the hydro electrolytic balance.
- It is a fruit that stands out for containing vitamin E, which is involved in the metabolism of fats and in the formation of cell membranes. It also acts as an antioxidant, since it protects cells against the attack of free radicals.
How to give coconut to a dog?
Despite the fact that its consumption is suitable for dogs, coconut is not a food that should be a frequent part of the canine diet. As they contain a high energy value and a high percentage of fat, they should be administered in moderation and occasionally. So, a good way to give your little furry coconut is as a reward.
When you decide to give your dog coconut, we recommend that you follow these tips to avoid possible adverse effects on their health:
It is important that you remove the outer shell of the coconut.
Later, cut the coconut into small pieces. Depending on the size of your furry friend, these pieces can be more or less small.
Finally, remove the brown shell that surrounds the coconut meat. In this way, you will prevent the rough and fibrous cover of the fruit from damaging the oral or gastrointestinal mucosa of your dog. And it is that the coconut shell is harmful to dogs.