Can dogs eat coconut?

Updated 01/05/2024

From tropical curries to smoothies and cakes, the humble coconut has truly found its way into diets around the world. And packed with antioxidants and its fresh yet creamy flavor, it's no wonder us humans keep going back for more. But can dogs eat coconuts safely? And can they reap any of the same health benefits that we can? Well it's safe to say that dogs can eat coconuts, but the health benefits for dogs aren't as clear-cut like they are for us. For more on that and to find out which forms of coconut are safe to share with your pooch, keep scrolling.

Related article: Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

Is coconut poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat coconut without any risk of toxicity? And is coconut safe for dogs in all forms? Well you'll be relieved to know that if your curious pup managed to nab a piece from the table, there's no risk of poisoning - coconuts don't contain any known compounds that are toxic to dogs. Like with any product though, you should always monitor your pup closely after they try any food for the first time. As with us humans, there's a slim chance your doggo could be allergic to anything, even common foods for dogs like chicken. So, while coconut isn't poisonous to dogs, there's a slim chance your pooch could be intolerant to it, which may result in unwanted symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Related article: Can dogs eat walnuts?

Is coconut good for dogs?

Now we come to the million dollar question - can dogs eat coconut and get anything out of it, like we humans can? Or is coconut flesh simply a creamy treat for your pup to enjoy every now and then? Well while we could do with more research into the effects of coconut on dogs, many claim a variety of health benefits on both the internal body when the fruit is ingested, and when it's applied topically onto the coat and skin. For more details on some of the potential health benefits of coconut for your pooch, explore below.

And what about negative health effects? Is coconut bad for dogs in any way? Well as you might already know, coconut is high in fat. So, while it may be packed with healthy properties, avoid feeding your pup coconut if they've got any specific health conditions that require them to be fed a specific type of diet. Too much fat in the canine diet can result in obesity and can increase the risk of pancreatitis, so it's always best to tread carefully when adding new foods into your pup's diet– even those packed with antioxidants. It’s also advisable to remove a coconut’s husk and shell before feeding it to your pooch, as these could act as potential choking hazards.

Related article: Can dogs have pumpkin spice?

Health benefits of eating coconut for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat coconut - you might be curious to know some of the benefits your precious pooch could reap if they gnaw on the odd coconut chunk every now and then. But firstly, a quick caveat. As you'll know, the dog food you pick out for your pup will have been carefully formulated to make sure it contains all the nutrients necessary for a healthy dog to thrive. So, when it comes to adding fruits and vegetables into your dog's diet, know that they should only be considered a treat, despite the health benefits many claim. And now, for the health benefits of coconut for dogs.

• Antioxidants. Like many edible plants, coconuts are packed with antioxidants, which are compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.  They can have a number of health benefits, such as supporting the immune system and helping to improve some of the symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis.
• Lauric acid. This is thought to have natural antimicrobial effects on the body, which may help your dog fight off infections. This ability to slow microbial growth, in addition to its soothing abilities, when applied to the skin, is why you'll often also find it in dog shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers.
• Anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, coconut oil can help treat inflamed skin that's dry and itchy.

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Other coconut products

When it comes to coconut-flavored products like ice cream, yogurt and desserts, we don't advise sharing them with you pup (no matter how irresistable those puppy dog eyes might be). Processed, sweet foods often contain high levels of sugar (which is of course bad news for dogs), and xylitol, a sweetener that's toxic to our furry friends.

Other forms of processed coconut should also be avoided. For example, coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat and calories, and coconut water is high in potassium– an electrolyte that can impair the heart’s ability to function normally if blood levels become too high.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now you're all clued-up on the question - can dogs eat coconut - explore more foods dogs can eat below.

• Blackberries
• Peas
• Asparagus

Related article: Can dogs eat onions?

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.