In terms of popularity among other exotic fruits, coconut is in the middle. One way or another, we use pasta, oil, and coconut flakes to prepare dishes. Is it possible to give coconut products to dogs? And then in what quantities and how often?
Benefits of coconut for pets
Coconut has high nutritional value. It contains many vitamins, minerals, vegetable fats, and biologically active compounds that positively affect the dog’s body.
Improves digestion. Coconut fiber stimulates the activity of digestive enzymes and improves intestinal motility. Coconut oil acts as a prebiotic, maintaining the balance of microorganisms, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect, normalizing the formation of feces and relieving constipation and diarrhea.
Coconut oil added to dog food improves the taste of food and makes it more attractive. The pet will eat with great pleasure. It helps with vitamin deficiencies and conditions associated with mineral deficiency. Coconut contains amino acids, fatty acids, potassium, phosphorus, B vitamins, and other substances necessary for life.
It helps maintain the healthy skin and coat of your pet. If a dog regularly eats a portion of coconut, its coat becomes shiny and strong, skin rashes disappear, itching decreases, and the skin glands work better.
Coconut products contain antioxidant substances, compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Introducing coconut into dog food as a dietary supplement enhances the body’s defenses and increases resistance to adverse factors.
Coconut helps the liver neutralize toxic substances, promotes its normal functioning, improves the composition and properties of bile, and reduces the risk of developing organ diseases. Improves the condition of joints when they are inflamed. Reduces the severity of the inflammatory process and enhances motor activity and mobility.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial substances that make up coconut strengthen the gums, prevent the development of pathogenic microbes in the dog’s mouth, reduce bleeding of the mucous membrane, and prevent tartar formation.
How can coconut harm a dog?
In some cases, coconut can cause an allergic reaction in your pet. Symptoms may include itching, skin rashes, discoloration of the mucous membrane of the mouth, and indigestion. If you give coconut for the first time, you should limit yourself to a small piece and observe the animal’s condition over the next 2-3 days.
The first introduction of coconut products into a dog’s diet in large quantities can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. Unusual foods can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. If you give an animal a large portion every day, this will gradually lead to metabolic disorders, the development of obesity, and other pathologies. Such properties are associated with the high content of vegetable fats in the fruit.
If the pet independently approached the fruit and chewed it, it must also be for a couple of days. Although the intestines cannot digest the harsh and sharp sections of the coconut peel, they are still capable of causing damage to the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and causing blockage.
How to give coconut
- The dog can receive fruits in several ways.
- Fresh. The coconut of the skin and internal contents, then the pulp, is cut into small pieces.
- As oil, coconut oil is added to your pet’s food to increase nutritional value. This fertilizing is introduced periodically and in minimal quantities.
- Shavings. They do animal food. Dry coconut, like oil, should be supplemented with caution.
- Coconut water. Instead of milk, the liquid inside the unripe fruit appears in a mature coconut with plain water or frozen in cubes.
The recommended volume of coconut product for a single serving is:
- Miniature breeds – one teaspoon (coconut oil, water, milk, grated pulp);
- Large dogs – one tablespoon.
In general, to properly give a dog coconut, you need to proceed from the characteristics of its body and gradually, under supervision, increase the portion to the optimal one. If you have doubts or uncertainty about your actions, it is better to first consult with a veterinarian.
