Do you want to add some kinds of fruit to your dog’s daily meals but aren’t sure if they are safe for your furry friend? What are the benefits and risks of feeding your pet coconut? Is there a correct way to do it? Can dogs eat coconut? Let this post pave the way for you!
Can dogs eat coconut?
Most of us are probably no strangers to coconut, a familiar fruit native to tropical regions with its numerous uses, from providing common cooking ingredients being a staple of the beverage industry, and is used in cosmetics skin-care products. Copra, the dried meat of the coconut, is rich in vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial to your dogs in the long term.
In addition, feeding dogs copra or coconut oil can be an occasional treatment for their skin and hair thanks to the antibiotic properties included in the shell, which can aid in the case of an infected wound. Just don’t let your dog scratch the shells of the coconuts, as they may accidentally ingest the coconut fiber.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
What are the benefits of coconut?
Provide nutrition
Coconut copra contains many essential minerals, especially manganese and copper. Manganese supports enzyme activity and promotes fat metabolism, while copper supports bone formation and maintains heart stamina.
Coconut is also high in fat, and up to 89% of the fat in copra is saturated fat – a type of fat that is fully absorbed by the small intestine and used by the body for energy production.
Improve digestive system
Copra is high in fiber, promoting a healthier digestive system. Foods made from copra are also high in fat, so when your pet consumes these foods, he cannot absorb fat-soluble nutrients.
What are the risks of letting your dog overeat coconut?
Problems with the digestive system
Coconuts are generally safe for dogs. However, it would be best if you consider that coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides, which can lead to digestive problems like stomach upset, flatulence, or pepperoni.
Obesity
While the coconut is suitable for your dog’s health, it’d be better to ensure the right amount. It is also high in fat so that overeating coconut could lead to obesity in your dog
Allergy
When giving your dog coconut for the first time, you need to watch for your dog’s reaction. In case there are not any symptoms, it means the dogs have ingested the coconut well. But if your dog starts vomiting or has signs of loose stools and stomach pain, stop right away! Perhaps he/she is allergic or sensitive to this food.
How often can you let your dog eat coconuts?
The appropriate dose is calculated by weight for dogs, each day, about a slice 3 cm thick for a dog weighing about 5 kg. As a beginner, only use about a little piece per day for small puppies, then increase gradually over a few days until you reach the correct dose. This ratio can be similar to cats or some other pets.
Which ways to keep coconut fresh?
Compared to other fruits, coconut is considered to be the least perishable. Since the coconut shell is quite thick, and the fibrous layer has a tough shell, the coconut can be preserved from bacteria or insects.
Fresh coconuts, after peeling, will quickly darken. The darkening process is caused by the oxidation of polyphenols, so the peeled coconuts will no longer be ivory white but turn dark brown. In other words, it reduces the sensory value of the coconut.
Currently, there are many ways to preserve coconuts from darkening. For example, one of these methods is rapid, deep cooling. When applied to this method, the temperature will drop quickly, from -35 degrees C to -40 degrees C, at which the oxidation processes are inhibited.
Perhaps you don’t know; coconuts can be preserved for 2-3 weeks without any loss of nutrients. However, you must keep to the right temperature, remove the shell and refrigerate the coconut at 1-4 degrees Celsius, for the coconut in its shell should be 8 degrees Celsius.
FAQ
We have listed some commonly asked questions related to dog food. You can find some useful information as follows.
Can dogs eat lemon?
Like grapefruit and any citrus, do not give lemons to dogs. The acidic nature of lemons can cause several serious stomach problems, vomiting, and other problems.
Can dogs eat nectarines?
Like coconuts, nectarines are safe for dogs if you remove the seeds before feeding them. Nectarines have seeds containing a compound that can turn into cyanide when ingested, a toxic poison to dogs.
Can dogs eat hot dogs?
Hot dogs can be used as pet food. A small amount is harmless to dogs but offers little health benefits. Hot dogs have no nutritional value and even contain starches and calories.
Related post: What Food Do Pugs Eat?
Final words
It’s always important to check your dog’s physical status after letting him try new food. This is especially true for puppies whose stomachs are still very sensitive. It would be best if you always fed your dogs with fruits and vegetables at all times, but don’t forget to measure the amount to ensure your canine’s health. Can dogs eat coconut?– maybe this question is no longer a burden to you!
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