Coconut water is considered a safe and healthy drink for us humans. It is naturally sweeter than water and replenishes electrolytes in the body, keeping us hydrated. These benefits mean that we not only drink it straight, but we add it to smoothies and other refreshing drinks and combine it with sweet foods to make a tasty treat.
But Is Coconut Water Safe for Dogs?
Yes, in small quantities. Are there any health benefits? Health concerns? And, if it is safe for dogs, how is it best served? Read on for all the answers about giving coconut water to your dog.
What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside the coconut. It is usually tapped from young coconuts and should not be confused with high-fat coconut milk or coconut oil. It is considered a good source of hydration, replacing electrolytes in the body, and is often chosen as a low fat, low sodium alternative to sports drinks. With that said, coconut water does still contain quite a lot of calories, and many people overlook this because it is called water.
Is Coconut Water OK for Dogs to Drink?
Opinions on the safety of coconut water for dogs do vary, although most experts agree that it is safe as long as it is consumed in only small amounts. When consumed in limited quantities, it may serve to offer small amounts of natural electrolytes. It is not toxic for dogs, and it is highly unlikely to cause any allergic reaction. With that said, it should only be consumed in moderation, largely because of the number of calories that a single serving contains and its naturally high potassium concentration, which is not appropriate for dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, or those on potassium-sparing medications.
If you want to speak with a vet but don't want to leave home, you can head to PangoVet.com. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
Nutritional Benefits
Coconut water is a safe occasional treat, as long as it is consumed in moderation. It also contains several vitamins and minerals, chief of which include:
- Potassium – Potassium is prevalent in dogs’ bodies. It is used in muscle function and to provide and maintain strength in your dog. It helps regulate nerve transmission and normal heart function. Coconut water contains a higher potassium level than most dog treats, so only very small amounts are appropriate.
- Calcium – Calcium is an essential mineral and it serves a lot of purposes. It promotes strong teeth and bones and it ensures that your dog’s blood clots properly. It also aids in the proper movement, extension, and contraction of the muscles so healthy calcium levels ensure healthy movement from your dog.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps get rid of free radicals in the body. Although dogs produce sufficient vitamin C on their own, routine supplementation is not needed for healthy dogs.
Health Concerns
There are some health concerns associated with giving coconut water to your dog. Firstly, the water should be removed from the coconut, because the husk of the coconut is impossible for a dog to digest and could cause choking or gastrointestinal obstructions if they consume the fibrous material
Coconut water also contains approximately 60 calories per cup, which is obviously a lot more than is in water and will have a bearing on your dog’s daily calorie allowance. If you do plan on giving your dog some coconut water as a treat, bear in mind its potential for causing weight gain and digestive upset in sensitive dogs.
Coconut water should not be used to treat dehydration; dogs with dehydration require veterinary care and appropriate electrolyte-balanced fluids. Likewise its potassium content makes it unsuitable for dogs with renal or cardiac issues, or those taking potassium-sparing drugs like spironolactone, as these patients are already at risk for elevated potassium levels.
How Much Coconut Water to Give Dogs
When introducing any new food or liquid to your dog’s diet, you should start small and work up to a healthy amount. Something as sweet as coconut water may not agree with your dog’s stomach, which means that it could cause problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
Start with a few ounces on occasion, you can increase this a little, if necessary, but do not need too much or too often because of the high calorific content of this liquid and its electrolyte load.
How to Serve It
You can give a small amount of the water in a bowl, or mix it in with their dry or wet food to add a sweet and nutty flavor.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a way to feed coconut water on a hot day as a means of cooling your dog down, why not combine it with a little tap water and freeze it to create coconut water ice cubes? If your dog really likes the taste, these can even be used as a refreshing treat, either for training or as a general reward.
Alternatives to Coconut Water
Coconut water is considered safe and non-toxic for dogs, but it is also high in calories, so it should only be given as a treat and in a relatively small volume. The most obvious alternative to this sweet, watery treat, is plain old water. Water is the only liquid that your dog needs to stay hydrated, and you should always ensure that there is a fresh bowl of water readily available for your dog to drink.
Is Coconut Water Safe for Dogs?
Coconut water is safe for your dog to consume. It’s not toxic and is unlikely to cause any negative reaction. It contains potassium, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals that can be part of an occasional treat.
Offer it as an occasional treat, add it to their food, or make coconut water ice cubes to cool them down on a warm day. But remember that it does contain calories, so you should avoid giving it too frequently or giving too much of it in one go, and avoid it entirely in dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, or those on medications that affect potassium levels.
Related Reads:
- Can Dogs Drink Coconut Milk? Vet-Approved Benefits, Drawbacks, & FAQ
- Can Dogs Eat Coconut? Is Coconut Safe for Dogs?
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
But Is Coconut Water Safe for Dogs?
