Is coconut water good for dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 14, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water? Everything You Need To Know

Coconut water is sweet, tasty, and replenishes electrolytes, so you may wonder, can dogs drink coconut water? When it comes to human health trends, we often assume that whats good for us is also good for our dogs. So always better to investigate first.

Coconut water should not be confused with milk or oil, which are two different coconut products. The water specifically may benefit dogs with UTIs and kidney stones, but like any human food, we always need to be careful about feeding our dogs anything in excess.

Coconut water can be good for your dogs digestion, especially with supplements like a quality probiotic chew. Here, we cover what makes it good for dogs and any health risks it may have.

So, Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water?

Coconut water is safe and even beneficial for dogs in small quantities. When dogs are exercising intensively, a few teaspoons of coconut water can help them rehydrate. But the high potassium levels can be dangerous to dogs in excess.

So if youre wondering, can dogs drink coconut water everyday?. The answer is no. If dogs have a balanced diet with the right amount of minerals, giving something that can create an excess is dangerous.

However, coconut water is a natural drink and is fine as an occasional treat for your dog. However, while it offers hydration, electrolytes, and other benefits, coconut water can never substitute good old plain water.

Before introducing coconut water into your dogs diet, introduce the beverage gradually. This establishes if your dog can have the drink without creating problems like tummy issues.

What is Coconut Water?

Coconut water is the clear liquid inside the center of green coconuts. It is not the same as milk, which is made with water and coconut meat, and it is not the same as oil, which is the fat or lipids extracted from the coconut.

What Kind of Coconut Water Can Dogs Have?

Dogs can have a small amount of 100% purely natural, additive-free coconut water to enjoy maximum health benefits. However, look for artificial additives in some store-bought products like xylitol, a common sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

Sweetened, xylitol-free coconut water isnt good either because the added sugar can cause health issues like diabetes and obesity. Sticking to the basics and giving your dog the clear liquid directly from fresh coconut is best, although you can still purchase it from the store.

Health Benefits of Coconut Water for Dogs

Coconut water can benefit your pooch due to its anti-inflammatory properties, nutrients, and electrolyte content. Whether you freeze the drink into dog treats or give it to your dog directly, its an asset to your canines health.

1. High in Vitamins and Minerals

This drink has several biologically active components like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that include:

Vitamin C Boosts a dogs vitality and is a powerful antioxidant
B-vitamins These water-soluble vitamins are necessary as coenzymes for enzymatic reactions vital for cellular function
Potassium Helps in electrical charges of the heart and muscles. Coconut water may be good for dogs with hypokalemia, which is a potassium deficiency. However, a high potassium content can get excessive in dogs (hyperkalemia) if given too much coconut water. If your dog is already ingesting a lot of potassium in their dog food with ingredients like sweet potatoes and liver, be careful. Too much potassium can affect their hearts.

Remember that the ASPCA lists coconut and its products as dangerous to dogs due to high potassium levels.

Calcium Important for bone health in the right amounts
Iron Essential for carrying oxygen in the blood
Zinc Helps a dogs immune system, coat health, and thyroid function

The next time youre from intense exercise with your dog, sneaking them a sip of your coconut water can help them rehydrate. The drink contains five electrolytes a dog needs: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium. But remember, no more than a sip.

While coconut water can make a great isotonic drink, nothing can top normal water for hydration. Because of the small amounts of coconut water recommended, your dog will still likely feel thirsty after drinking it.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties Aiding in Eliminating Free Radicals

When dogs exercise, the exercise increases the amount of oxygen they burn, causing oxidative damage (or free radicals), which can damage cells. The micronutrients found in coconut water give it anti-inflammatory properties, supporting your dogs immune system and protecting them from damage.

Eliminating free radicals reduces the chances of arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

3. Improves Digestion

Dogs are famed for their strong stomachs that can handle almost anything, but some dogs do have sensitive stomachs. Dogs can have small amounts cilantro, coconut water, and a dollop of plain yogurt to aid their sensitive stomach as a temporary solution.

This beverage contains monolaurin, a monoglyceride that soothes and cleanses the digestive tract. Additionally, this water is high in manganese which activates enzymes used in metabolism and regulates bowel movements.

4. It May Help Reduce Kidney Stones and UTIs

Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can result in dogs with a low thirst drive or who dont drink enough water. These dogs can benefit from adding a bit of flavor to their drink, which can be achieved with coconut water. More dog-specific studies on the UTI function of coconut water are necessary, but research on humans seems promising.

As a natural diuretic, coconut water can flush out toxins by promoting diuresis (increasing how often a dog needs to pee) and reducing UTIs. High potassium levels in the drink can play a key role in dissolving some kidney stones, reducing their size.

Remember that dogs get different kinds of kidney stones; some need to be removed surgically, and what works to dissolve one kind can cause another. So its vital to have a veterinarian assess any stones in the urinary tract.

Health Concerns of Coconut Water

Unfortunately, dogs should never have too much coconut water. Dogs that frequently take plenty of coconut water are at risk of gastrointestinal issues and hyperkalemia, among other problems. Lets look at some of the risks coconut water may pose to dogs.

1. Gastrointestinal Upset

This is the most common side effect of coconut water in dogs. Dogs with an upset stomach exhibit the following:

Vomiting;
Diarrhea;
Lack of appetite;
Discomfort; and
Pacing.

2. Hyperkalemia

Dogs that take too much coconut water can suffer from hyperkalemia due to excessive potassium levels. This is a severe condition thats thankfully rare but requires medical attention. Signs include:

Vomiting;
Lethargy;
Weight loss;
Dehydration;
Muscle loss;
Breathing problems; and
Paralysis.

3. Obesity

Coconut water has a high-calorie content of about 60 kcal per cup. Coconut water must be kept within your poochs daily caloric allowance to stay within a healthy weight. Excessive coconut water can cause weight gain, then obesity.

Obesity poses major health risks to dogs, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.

How to Give Your Dog Coconut Water: How Much Coconut Water is Okay for Dogs?

The exact amount of coconut water to give your dog isnt a one-size-fits-all, and it varies based on your dogs size. A few ounces every few days a week will suffice. Its essential to introduce the drink gradually in tablespoon amounts to determine if your dog reacts to it.

Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may react negatively to coconut water with an upset stomach. Others are allergic to the drink, although allergies are quite rare.

You Can Serve Your Dog Coconut Water This Way:

Mix a couple of ounces into their drinking water;
Give it to your dog directly as a treat; or
Freeze and give to your dog as a frozen treat.

Can Dogs Have Coconut Milk?

Dogs should not have coconut milk as a regular part of their diet. Remember that coconut products are listed as dangerous to dogs because of the high levels of potassium.

Coconut milk is higher in fat and is a mixture of shredded coconut flesh and water. The greater fat content makes coconut milk risky to your dogs weight when given in large quantities over long periods.

Excessive consumption leads to stomach upset with diarrhea and vomiting.

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Oil Everyday?

Coconut oil is high in fat and shouldnt be taken by dogs every day. Excessive coconut oil will cause stomach upset in dogs and obesity after extended use. A teaspoon for small dogs and a teaspoon for big dogs should be enough for dogs that dont react to coconut oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Is coconut water good for a dogs skin?

Coconut water may be good for dogs skin and coat. The drink is high in B vitamins that promote coat health and eliminate free radicals that would damage the coat. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that support skin health.

Is coconut water good for dogs with UTIs?

Coconut water helps dogs with UTIs by increasing urine production, which flushes out toxins. Additionally, the potassium content in the drink helps dissolve some kidney stones, effectively reducing their size. The drink also encourages dogs with UTIs to drink more water.

Is coconut water good for dogs with parvo?

Parvo causes sick dogs to lose water excessively due to diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to severe dehydration and death. Dogs recovering from parvo can benefit from coconut water as it replenishes electrolytes in the body, reducing dehydration. But your dog will still need immediate medical treatment.

Is coconut water good for a dogs diarrhea?

Coconut water helps a dog with diarrhea by introducing electrolytes that are lost. If the diarrhea results from indigestion, coconut water reduces it because the drink aids digestion. Other digestive issues like constipation can improve with coconut water and other home remedies aiding dog scooting.

Can coconut water give a dog diarrhea?

Coconut water can cause diarrhea if dogs drink it in large quantities. Gastrointestinal issues are easy to spot and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can have diarrhea even with little coconut water.

Final Thoughts

Dogs can safely drink coconut water and enjoy benefits like rehydration, better digestion, and nutrition. Coconut consumption should be controlled in dogs to prevent gastrointestinal issues and obesity due to its high fat content. Coconut oil and milk are other coconut by-products that benefit dogs in small quantities.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

Dogs can consume coconut oil, and owners sometimes add it to their pets diets, but what about the coconut meat itself? Should we be giving actual pieces of it to our dogs? The short answer is yes! Coconut meat is just as healthy, if not more so, than the coconut oil alone. They share similar properties since they come from the same place.

Coconut is non-toxic to dogs, but it does contain medium-chain triglycerides, which may cause some gastrointestinal upset and bloating. Youll want to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog coconut, of course.

Decreases Inflammation

Coconut meat is high in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. This basically means that the body is able to absorb the molecules whole, using them as a direct source of energy. Lauric acid is particularly good at fighting off viruses, such as influenza. It also helps treat yeast infections, ringworm, and Giardia.

It also holds some major anti-inflammatory propertiesit has greatly reduced swelling in rats during laboratory studies. Reduced inflammation will help speed the healing of cuts, hot spots, and other wounds. Inflammation is also the main cause of arthritis, so feeding coconut to your dog might make their aching joints feel a little better, as the inflammation settles down. Make sure to remove the shell prior to giving your dog coconut, as the shell could become lodged in their esophagus and cause intestinal irritation and possible blockage.

Boosts the Immune System

Coconut is packed with antioxidants to support the immune system. It also helps the body form a healthy response to foreign microbes. This means coconut provides the body with an extra defense against bad bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Although the ingestion of coconut hasnt been proven to cure any diseases, there have been studies supporting its anti-viral properties. Along with its ability to reduce inflammation, coconut is a great snack for a dog thats feeling a little under the weather or healing from illness or injury.

Benefits the Skin

Coconut oil and meat can be used internally and externally; the oils are very beneficial for your dogs skin and coat. The anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce any yeast infections, hot spots, flea allergies, and dry, itchy skin, and the fatty acids promote a soft, healthy coat. Topically, the oil acts as a moisturizer and can be used on wounds to help soothe inflammation and promote healing.