Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

Coconut is a delicious and nutritious part of humans' diets, so you may be wondering: Can dogs eat coconut? Yes, like strawberries and mango, small amounts of it can be good for dogs, too. But while dogs can eat coconut, you should limit the amount they eat and also consult their vet. The dense, white coconut fruit (often referred to as "meat") is high in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat. Whether it is raw, dried, blended into milk, or pressed into oil, coconut is a fine addition to your dog’s diet as long as it's fed with care.

Learn more about whether dogs can eat coconut, including what’s safe to feed and what’s not. 

What Coconut Products Can Dogs Eat?

Our omnivorous canine companions don’t need coconut in their diet, but it’s generally a safe treat that many of them enjoy. To feed it safely, follow these guideline.

Coconut Oil

Dogs can eat coconut oil, but note that while coconut oil is considered a healthy fat for humans, it doesn't fulfill your dog's dietary fat requirement.

Angela Rollins, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), says: "I often have clients ask me if they can use coconut oil as their pet's fat source. I have to tell them no because it lacks essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.”

So, stick to coconut oil as a supplement to your dog's healthy diet (no more than a teaspoon per day) and watch for loose stools that indicate digestive distress.

Coconut oil also offers skin-protecting properties, so it's a natural moisturizer for dry, cracked dog paws.

Coconut Meat

Dogs can eat a very small amount of coconut meat. Whether raw or dried, coconut meat is usually sold shredded or in flakes. A pinch of unsweetened, shredded coconut can be fed to your dog as a treat or food additive if your dog seems to love it. More than a pinch—or large flakes—can pose a choking hazard and may upset a dog's stomach due to the high fat and fiber content.

Coconut Milk

Unsweetened coconut milk is safe as a dog treat as long as it is given in small amounts (about a teaspoon per meal). Coconut-flavored ice cream is also safe for dogs in moderation, and if non-dairy, can be especially helpful if they are lactose-intolerant

Coconut Flour

This alternative to wheat flour is dog-safe and can be used to bake dog treats.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is safe for dogs to eat. While dogs don't need added sugar in any form, coconut sugar has a low glycemic index, so it makes a healthier alternative to cane or beet sugar if you're sharing a homemade cookie with your dog.

Coconut Flakes

While coconut flakes are safe for dogs nutritionally, if the flakes are very large they can pose a choking hazard to dogs and are best avoided. Shredded or very small flakes are a better choice for dogs, and should be fed just one at a time.

Coconut Benefits for Dogs

People love coconut because of its rich, tropical taste and its numerous health benefits. These attributes also make coconut oil appealing as a dog food supplement. Most dogs enjoy the flavor, and the following nutrients in coconut give dogs' diets a boost of:

• Manganese (integral to bone health and metabolic functioning)
• Phenolic compounds (antioxidants that help repair damaged cells)
• Lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the body and supports the immune system)
  

Fun Ways to Feed Your Dog Coconut

If your dog loves coconut—and you love getting creative in the kitchen—then consider whipping up homemade coconut treats. Here are a couple of fun ideas to get you started.

Coconut Oil Pup-sicles

Mix ½ cup of solid coconut oil with a handful of your dog’s favorite frozen fruit, portion out into an ice cube tray, and freeze. Offer no more than one per day to avoid feeding too much coconut oil.

Coconut Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup coconut flour, 1 egg, ½ cup water, ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup melted coconut oil, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of honey or coconut sugar. Roll out dough and cut into shapes; then bake for 20 minutes or until biscuits are set.

Banana Blueberry Coconut Smoothie

Blend together 1 banana, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup ice, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Portioned into 10 ice cubes, a 30-pound dog can get 1 or 2 as a snack daily.

What Coconut Products Should Dogs Not Eat?

Most coconut treats are safe and healthy for dogs, but the following should not be fed to your canine companion:

• Sweetened Coconut: Avoid feeding your dog sweetened coconut, which contains added sugars that aren’t healthy for your pup.
• Coconut Husk or Shell: If you buy whole coconuts, keep the husk and outer shell away from your dog. These rough parts can be harmful if swallowed.
• Coconut Water: Because coconut water is high in potassium, it may be unsafe for dogs and should be avoided.

How Much Coconut Should Dogs Eat?

While it is safe to give your dog coconut (except for large flakes), coconut products should be given in small amounts. For coconut meat/shredded coconut, a small pinch is suitable. When it comes to coconut oil or milk, you should aim for no more than one teaspoon per day. Coconut flour should be given in moderation due to the high fiber content. Because of the sugar content, stick to just small amounts of coconut sugar and ice cream.