Mary Allen
Coconut oil and coconut flakes are considered miracle cures for all sorts of diseases in dogs. What is really behind it? We took a closer look at the coconut and coconut products for dogs.
In any case, coconut for dogs is an excellent addition to the daily food. But that’s not all. Many things can be obtained from the coconut, such as:
- Coconut flakes
- Coconut Oil and Coconut Oil Spray
- Coconut fat
- Coconut milk
- Coconut sticks
Coconuts form the basis of cocktails and dishes that immediately convey holiday flair.
Does the picture of a coconut palm also evoke South Seas feelings in you? When you think of coconut, doesn’t it immediately make you think of coconut trees, white sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea, and tropical temperatures?
Coconut is an extremely diverse fruit. And by the way, coconut tastes delicious.
Many dog owners still don’t know that coconut has many health benefits. But we can even use these positive properties for our dogs.
Is Coconut Healthy For Dogs?
The flesh of coconut contains significantly less fat than other nuts and is rich in vitamins from the B group. Coconut also contains vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid.
Coconut oil and coconut flakes are considered a natural remedy for worms in dogs.
Coconut oil contains a lot of medium-chain fatty acids. These are similar to the fatty acids found in breast milk. Coconut strengthens the immune system and stimulates your four-legged friend’s metabolism thanks to its good digestibility.
Coconut oil also helps to keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels stable because fatty acids are digested more slowly than carbohydrates, for example.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Coconut?
If your dog has diabetes, coconut might be especially good for them. Because medium-long fatty acids are known to reduce insulin resilience. They help the pancreas to produce insulin.
The coconuts themselves are rich in antioxidants. These ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat. The thyroid function is stimulated, and many dogs are more energetic and full of life.
But that’s not all of the health benefits coconuts have to offer. Coconuts are known to reduce allergic reactions, reduce the risk of cancer and prevent fungal infections.
A specific acid found in all coconut products has a positive effect on hormone production.
Older four-legged friends in particular can benefit from the fact that osteoarthritis and osteoporosis both prevent and promote the healing of existing diseases. By adding coconut to their food, you can help dogs with stomach ulcers.
Coconut for dogs?
The pulp of the coconut, the coconut oil, and the coconut milk is important for our dogs.
The pulp contains a high proportion of fat and up to 45 percent water. The coconut is rich in trace elements and minerals. It contains vitamin C and vitamins from the B group.
If you want fresh coconut pulp, you need to buy whole coconuts. You then have to open the nuts yourself.
Dried pulp, which is then called copra, is also commercially available. The original water content of the fruit is reduced to around 5 percent.
Copra is processed into coconut oil, coconut fat, or paste. Grated, it is often used in the kitchen.
Coconut and Desiccated Coconut for Dogs
Coconut pulp can make a healthy side dish for dogs, fresh or dried. You can sometimes feed a little more, especially when barfing because coconut pulp contains important roughage.
Grated coconut is a great way to get your dog’s digestion going. The rasps are ideal for gastrointestinal complaints.
However, if your dog tends to be overweight, you should be careful. Because grated coconut and coconut flakes contain a lot of high-calorie fat. Then only use coconut in small amounts.
Coconut flakes are also very suitable for parasite prophylaxis.
Coconut flakes against worms
While classic worm tablets are only effective in the event of an acute parasite infestation, coconut is said to have a preventive effect. Nevertheless, coconut should ensure that the dog becomes parasite-free again in the event of a worm infestation.
To do this, give your dog coconut flakes in their food every day for a period of around ten days. For a medium-sized dog weighing around 20 kilograms, this should be about one tablespoon of coconut flakes per day.
However, its effectiveness against parasites has not been scientifically proven. That’s why you should have your dog’s stool sample checked by your vet on a regular basis. There are simple worm tests for at home, for example from Vetevo.
Coconut oil against ticks and fleas
Coconut is also said to help against ticks. This is where coconut oil comes into play.
The reason for the anti-tick effect is the lauric acid. This is a medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut. Parasites are very sensitive to this fatty acid.
To use the oil as parasite prophylaxis, simply spread it on your dog’s coat before each walk. There is a special coconut oil spray for this.
Mainly the smell lets them take to their heels. However, we humans and our dogs do not perceive this smell.
When applied externally, lauric acid is effective against ticks and fleas.
Coconut oil in dogs
Basically, you can use coconut oil externally and internally.
Coconut oil is ideal as a supplement to the feed. Here it works internally not only against intestinal parasites. It also provides the dog with important fatty acids and gives energy.
Last but not least, coconut water is healthy for the dog. You can offer your four-legged friend coconut water to quench their thirst. Or you can simply mix some coconut water into the food.
Buy coconut oil for dogs
When purchasing coconut products, you should pay attention to good quality and freshness. Due to the high-fat content, coconut flakes or shredded coconut can become rancid.
It is best to pay attention to the designation VCO. The abbreviation stands for “Virgin Coconut Oil”. This coconut oil is cold pressed and has not been bleached. I also prefer organic coconut oil myself.
Almost every dog likes coconut
The coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm, which has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years.
The palm tree is very distinctive due to its unbranched trunk and the tuft of leaves. Coconut trees can grow up to 25 meters tall. It bears fruit all year round.
Strictly speaking, coconuts are not nuts, but stone fruits. The palm originally comes from Southeast Asia. Today it is cultivated throughout the world’s tropical belt.
Most dogs love the taste of coconut. That’s why you don’t have to do much persuasion. So you can use the positive properties of coconut for your dog.
And for very special occasions, here is a recipe for a birthday cake with coconut and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coconut is currently a trend among dog owners, especially as an oil. Your dog can also eat fresh coconut or coconut flakes.
How many coconuts Can Dogs Eat?
You can feed your dog coconut meat occasionally without any problem, it will not harm him.
Are Coconut Flakes Harmful to Dogs?
Grated coconut is a great way to get your dog’s digestion going. The rasps are ideal for gastrointestinal complaints. However, if your dog tends to be overweight, you should be careful. Because grated coconut and coconut flakes contain a lot of high-calorie fat.
How much coconut flakes dog?
To do this, give your dog coconut flakes in their food every day for a period of around ten days. For a medium-sized dog weighing around 20 kilograms, this should be about one tablespoon of coconut flakes per day.
Which coconut flakes for the dog?
Desiccated coconut is best for preventing intestinal parasites. They are available in every bakery section in the supermarket. About a teaspoon, a day (depending on the size of the dog) is enough.
Can you feed coconut flakes to birds?
Uncooked rice or grated coconut should also not be offered, as they swell up in the birds’ stomachs, just like bread. However, winter feeding should not be seen as a substitute, but as a supplement to a garden design that is as natural as possible.
How often does coconut flake dog?
Feeding recommendation: give 1/2 teaspoon per 10kg body weight 3 – 4 times a week over the feed.
How healthy are coconut flakes?
Coconut flakes are obtained from the flesh of the coconut and are ideal for a healthy diet thanks to their high nutrient content and the many healthy vitamins and fats they contain.
How often is coconut oil for dogs?
In this case, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Application: Add about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to your dog’s food, depending on its size. In order for the oil to be fully effective, it is best to treat your pet for several weeks.
How healthy are coconut chips?
Coconut chips are also rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and manganese, minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of our body. In addition, they can be a source of protein (100 g of coconut chips contain 5-6 g of protein).
Is coconut milk good for dogs?
Coconut milk should be introduced into your dog’s diet gradually to allow their digestive system to adjust and should be limited to a few milliliters per day.
How much coconut oil dog daily?
Depending on the length of the dog’s hair, rub a pea to a walnut-sized amount of coconut oil into the dog’s fur several times a week. You can also mix the oil with the feed, then it works against ticks from the inside (half a teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 kg of body weight daily).
How healthy is the coconut?
It contains many minerals, especially magnesium, iron, sodium, and selenium. The water of the coconut is said to have a beneficial effect on heartburn and gastritis, the oil is considered antibacterial and antifungal.