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Can Dogs Eat Coconut

Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
coconuts next to coconut oil in a bowl

Yes, dogs can eat coconut in small amounts, and most dogs can eat both plain coconut and coconut-based foods. Consult your veterinarian before adding a new food into your pet’s diet to make sure it’s an appropriate snack for them.

We know that the digestive systems of most dogs can handle small amounts of this fruit—but is coconut good for dogs? And does coconut meat benefit your dog if they eat it? The short answer is yes. Dogs and coconut-loving pet parents can consume this tasty and nutritious snack together, as long as dogs are fed only small amounts at a time as occasional treats.  Coconut oil can also be a delicious treat for your dog once in a while in small quantities. While your pet can have some coconut, remember that both coconut meat and coconut oil contain triglycerides, the main component of fat; when consumed in large amounts, this can cause bloating, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, including life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in some pups. Plus, triglycerides contain a lot of calories, so eating a lot of coconut can pack on the pounds and is not a good choice for already overweight pets.

As always, check with your veterinarian before giving your dog a treat of coconut, of course. If your vet gives you the go-ahead and your dog likes the taste of coconut meat, feel free to treat them with some.  

Health benefits of coconut for dogs 

One possible benefit of coconut meat for dogs is that it contains a fatty acid called lauric acid that helps decrease inflammation so injuries, such as cuts and other wounds, may heal faster. Whether ingested or applied topically, coconut oil for dogs can also help improve some skin conditions—including hot spots, flea allergies, yeast infections and dehydrated, itchy skin. When ingested, the fatty acids in coconut can help improve and maintain dogs’ skin health from the inside, while topical application of coconut oil to their skin can help soothe inflammation on the outer layers of skin.

Coconut for dogs also holds anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease joint and muscle pain. For a dog with arthritis, the lauric acid in coconut may lessen the discomfort of inflamed, achy joints. If your dog has arthritis, ask your vet whether coconut meat or oil can help ease your pet’s swelling and pain.

In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, coconuts contain antioxidants that can support your dog’s immune system in fighting off infections with foreign microbes such as bacteria, viruses (like influenza), fungi (like ringworm and other yeast infections) and parasites (such as the gastrointestinal parasite Giardia). If your dog has been diagnosed with any of these conditions, remember that while coconut meat certainly has benefits, coconut won’t cure disease; speak to your vet about whether coconut meat or oil can be incorporated into your pet’s treatment regimen.

How to feed coconut to your dog 

As long as your pet has a well-rounded diet and you follow a few guidelines, adding some coconut as a wholesome treat can provide tasty variety to your pup’s day. First, remember that any form of coconut, whether meat or oil, is a treat, and treats in your pet’s diet should not comprise more than 10% of their total daily caloric intake.

Second, avoid giving your pup any sweetened coconut, as it contains added sugars commonly used in baking that can contain unwanted calories. Nutrition labels are usually available on flaked or shredded, raw or dried coconut varieties that show sugar content. Stick with unsweetened coconut when offering your dog a coconut treat to avoid feeding any added sugar.

Finally, if you’re a fan of keeping whole coconuts in your home, be sure not to feed your pup the husk or shell of this fruit, and keep discarded coconut waste out of reach. The exterior parts of the coconut can pose a choking hazard for pets and can cause severe digestive issues if eaten.  

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

Featured Dog Food and Treats with Coconut

FAQs about feeding your dog coconut 

As mentioned earlier, as long as you are serving it in small quantities, coconut oil is a fine treat for your dog to enjoy on occasion. In fact, many pet parents have begun using coconut oil in their own food dishes as a healthier alternative to cooking oil. While there hasn’t been much research into whether our canine companions enjoy the same benefits we do when incorporating coconut oil into their diets over other oils, we know it can help decrease inflammation and improve the quality of their skin & coat.

If you’re thinking of feeding your pup coconut, here are some factors to consider before adding coconut oil to your list of treats for dogs:

  • Some research has shown coconut oil may contribute to increased cholesterol levels in some pups. Coconut oil also contains a lot of calories and saturated fats, making it a less than optimal snack for smaller dogs at greater risk for health conditions like pancreatitis or for overweight dogs of any size
  • Studies have also shown that dogs whose daily diets contain a lot of saturated fats might have a reduced ability to smell

It’s also always good to remember that some dogs can have sensitivities to new foods introduced into their diet. If you notice any abnormal physical or behavioral signs in your pup after feeding them new treats, be sure to stop serving them, and have your pet checked out by a veterinarian if the abnormal signs continue.     

As we’ve already established, when it comes to adding coconut oil into your dog’s diet, stick with the unsweetened variety. Also, as studies have shown that hydrogenated fats tend to increase heart disease in people, it is best to feed your pets nonhydrogenated virgin oil if you’re going to offer them coconut oil.

When introducing coconut oil into your pet’s daily diet, start small and watch them for reactions—good and bad. Start with a quarter teaspoon a day for smaller breeds, while larger dogs can enjoy a full teaspoon. From there, you can gradually increase the amount of coconut fed to your dog in a serving, as long as they don’t experience adverse reactions. Remember that large servings may cause gastrointestinal upset and weight gain.

When feeding your dog coconut oil, be sure to mix it in with their regular food. How often it’s appropriate to offer your dog coconut oil depends on their overall health and body weight. Avoid providing the oil to overweight pets, as its high-calorie content can help add extra pounds. Talk to your veterinarian to see how much coconut oil is safe to add to your pet’s diet.

We’ve covered meat and oil, but what about coconut milk for dogs? The answer is yes, dogs can typically have coconut milk, but only in small amounts. Coconut milk is nontoxic to canines and, like coconut oil and meat, it may offer health benefits of its own—including a slight boost to their immune system, a healthier-looking coat, and fresher breath. As with coconut oil and meat, be sure to introduce coconut milk into your pet’s diet gradually to avoid an upset stomach. Offer dogs organic coconut milk, as it typically is free of harmful pesticides or other additives.

While dried coconut is a popular food among pet parents, be careful when giving it to your pup, as many store-bought brands contain high amounts of added sugar that may contribute to weight gain.

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