The benefits and potential risks of feeding coconuts to dogs.
Over the past few years, coconuts have fallen in and out of favor in dog nutrition. Some people love them, others not so much.
But science and research on coconuts suggests that there are many benefits when added to your dog’s diet in small amounts. The This article aims to give us a deeper look at the nutritional and health benefits of coconuts for dogs.
What does the research say?
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that provide a origin of energy for body and brain. It can also help manage digestive disorders in dogs.
Based on research, coconut oil can also help improve our dogs skin and coat when applied topicallywhich makes the coat more shiny and less prone to damage.
Another research study confirmed that coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. This is due to MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), specifically lauric acid, which help fight harmful bacteria and fungi in dogs.
Some studies suggest that coconut oil may have anti-inflammatory properties and this too capable speed up the healing of cuts, hot spots, and other wounds in dogs.
Research shows that the MCTs in coconut oil may also help improve brain function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline in dogs.
Are there any dangers of giving coconut to dogs?
In rare cases, high amounts of coconut oil can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. For Medium size dog, more than 1/2 of the coconut flesh can cause these symptoms.
I also do not recommend giving large amounts of coconut oil to dogs that has a history of pancreatitis or elevated pancreatic enzymes. A few teaspoons is fine, but large values can be aggravating.
Many sources exaggerate such risks and appear to spread such information without any scientific backing. This often happens when inexperienced writers and non-veterinarians write articles and copy this information from each other.
In summary, most dogs can benefit from small amounts of coconut oil or fresh and dried coconut. flea as a treat. Dogs love fresh coconut and will do eat this regular in the climates where they are available.
Can dogs gain weight eating coconut?
Unless we are giving large amounts of coconut or coconut oil, weight gain should not be an issue. However similar to others calorie dense food, we must pay attention to the amount of calories we give our dogs if they appear to gain weight.
Are coconut shells dangerous for dogs?
Most dogs naturally leave behind coconut shells. However, some dogs may chew the pieces which may carry the risk of an obstruction. Always supervise your dog when giving coconut in a shell.
If your dog is eating coconut shell pieces, click here for first aid instructions.
Coconuts are also hard, which carries the risk of tooth breakage. If you give your dog a coconut, shell it first or monitor your dog to prevent it from chewing on the hard shell.
What types of coconut products are safe for dogs?
In general, all forms of coconut are safe.
Coconut oil and coconut milk have a higher fat content so only small amounts are recommended. I included certified organic coconut oil JointButter – a joint and mobility support for dogs, for additional benefits.
Coconut water is good for dogs, unless they are allergic to it, and this contains useful minerals and vitamins. Coconut meat can be given more often depending on our dogs tolerance.
A homemade coconut yogurt is another great option and treat for you and your dog.
How can we give coconut oil to dogs? Can it be applied topically?
Coconut oil can be given orally but also applied topically. For example, this is one of the ingredients in FleaHex and TickHexnatural and no chemicals flea and tick control for dogs.
It is known to make the coat more shiny and reduce the potential of bacterial and yeast overgrowth of the skin.
Is coconut a cure for dog health issues like yeast infection or inflammation?
As mentioned above, research has shown that coconut capable suppress yeast growth and reduce inflammation in dogs making it beneficial in small amounts. However, it probably won’t help in completely solving such issues.
Focusing on the underlying cause of infections and inflammation will provide the best results.
Sources:
1. Vecchiato, CG, et al. (2023). Fecal Microbiota, Bile Acids, Sterols, and Fatty Acids in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathy Fed a Homemade Diet Supplemented with Coconut Oil. *Animals, 13*(3), 502.
2. Pan, Y., et al. (2018). Efficacy of a Therapeutic Diet in Dogs with Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): A Prospective Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Clinical Study. *Frontiers in Nutrition, 5*, 127.
3. Trinity, TP, Mallillin, AC, Valdez, DH, Loyola, AS, Askali-Market, FC, Castle, JC, Encabo, RR, Mass, DB, Maglaya, AS, & Chua, MT (2006). Dietary fiber from coconut flour: A functional food. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 7(4), 309-317.
4. Fernando, WMADB, Martins, IJ, Goozee, KG, Brennan, CS, Jayasena, V., & Martins, RN (2015). The role of dietary coconut for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: potential mechanism of action. British Journal of Nutrition, 114(1), 1-14.
5. Kabara, JJ, Swieczkowski, DM, Conley, AJ, & Truant, JP (1972). Fatty Acids and Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2(1), 23-28.
6. Eyres, L., Eyres, MF, Chisholm, A., & Brown, RC (2016). Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Nutrition Reviews, 74(4), 267-280.
