How much coconut water for dogs per day

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water? Lets Find Out!

This post contains affiliate links.

Coconut water, considered safe for humans, is a natural, tasty beverage that has become trendy over the past few years, and is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins. But what about your furry friends? Can they share a glass or two with us on a hot summer afternoon?

Dogs can drink coconut water, but you must give it to them in small amounts. Coconut water contains several important electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals and is an excellent way for dogs to rehydrate. However, its high potassium content means that it can be harmful when consumed in large amounts.

Several controversies surround dogs and everything coconuts. This article will clarify any doubts you may have about coconut water and show you the best ways to give it to your dog.

What Is Coconut Water?

Coconut water is water from a coconut, which is the clear liquid inside the fruit. It is typically tapped from green, immature coconuts as they contain more water than ripened ones. As the fruit matures, some of the water ripens into the soft white flesh or meat.

Coconut water is mainly used for rehydration as it contains 94% water, but its benefits do not end there. According to the USDA, one cup (240g) of natural coconut water contains:

• 10g of carbs
• 0g of fiber
• 2g of protein
• 10g of sugars
• 44 calories
• 0g of fat
• 64mg of sodium
• 24mg of vitamin C
• 0.5g protein

These nutrients and vitamins can benefit your dog in many different ways, including boosting your dogs immune system, repairing tissues and muscles, and protecting its heart.

Why Is Coconut Water Safe for Dogs?

Coconut water is full of natural electrolytes that keep your dog constantly hydrated and energized. It also contains lots of essential nutrients, including:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iodine
• Selenium
• Sulfur

In addition to nutrients, natural coconut water is packed full of B-vitamins and vitamin C to boost your dogs immune system. With no added sugar or toxins, an allergic reaction to a few laps by your dog is unlikely. Coconut itself is not a tree nut, so even if your dog is allergic to tree nuts, it can still consume the water.

Coconut water does not have any known side effects on dogs, but you might need to watch your dog to make sure it does not show any allergic reactions.

While there are health concerns associated with giving them to dogs, most experts agree that it is entirely safe when they consume it in moderate amounts.

Many of these concerns stem from the fact that its calorie content is relatively high about 45 calories per cup and can lead to obesity in dogs. As long as you dont let your dog have too much coconut water in one serving, it is a safe and healthy treat.

Another concern is from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) which advises that coconut water should not be fed to dogs because of its high potassium content. It contains as much potassium as four bananas, so when consumed in excessive amounts, it may cause hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by higher-than-normal potassium levels in the bloodstream.

Hyperkalemia is considered a life-threatening condition as it can lead to heart malfunction or failure. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, but the most common ones are the following:

However, these are only possible problems, so as long as you give them just a small amount, its safe.

There have also been several other claims that coconut water may be bad for dogs, but many claims are not substantiated and have almost no evidence to back them up.

Benefits of Coconut Water for Dogs

Fresh coconut water, harvested from green and immature coconuts, has a handful of benefits for dogs, which we list below.

Good Source of Electrolytes

Coconut water contains many electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, to help your dog rehydrate, boost energy and mood, regulate fluid balance, and ensure proper muscle function.

While it doesnt provide rehydration any better than water after a long walk or run, your dog is sure to enjoy its slightly sweet taste and nutty flavor.

Supports Your Dogs Heart Health

Coconut water is low in sodium, which helps your dog maintain a healthy heart. Calcium and potassium also work together to keep your pups bones, heart, liver, and kidneys in good condition and prevent heart diseases.

Boosts Your Dogs Immune System

Coconut water contains antioxidants that improve your dogs immune system. Antioxidants help to modify and prevent the formation of free radicals that contribute to cell damage and many diseases and infections.

The tasty natural drink helps your dog form a defense system against viruses, harmful bacteria, and fungi.

Builds Stronger Bones and Teeth

Coconut water contains calcium, which does more than promote stronger teeth and bones. It helps in proper blood clotting and muscle contraction and function. If a dog doesnt get enough calcium in their diet, it leads to a condition called hypocalcemia, where the calcium levels in their blood are lower than normal.

When the calcium level falls dangerously low, your dog may experience significant weakness, panting, fever, vomiting, convulsions, loss of coordination, and muscle spasms. If your dog is weak or sick, giving them coconut water can improve their condition.

Repairs Body Tissues and Wounds

One cup of coconut water contains different amino acids, including arginine, alanine, serine, and cysteine, which are the building blocks of protein and help to repair body tissues and wounds. It is particularly high in arginine, which allows your dog to respond to stress better and improves blood flow in their heart.

Its high potassium content also means that it helps in your dogs muscle growth and repair, as well as boost their metabolism, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption.

Benefits Their Skin and Coat

Coconut water keeps your dog from dehydrating, which helps prevent dry, tight, and rough coats. When dogs are well hydrated, their fur will be soft, silkier, and brighter with stronger ends, reduced knots, and less frizz.

How Much Coconut Water Can Dogs Drink?

As mentioned earlier, your dog should drink coconut water in moderation. If youre considering giving it to your dog, try introducing it gradually into their diet to see how they react to it. Start with a few ounces a day and then go from there.

Ensure that the coconut water youre using is 100% natural as well. If you cant get a whole coconut, check the ingredients list of any product youre buying from the store. It should not contain any sweeteners or additives like sugar.

If your dog has a history of allergies to foods, try giving them a taste and checking their response before adding more to their water bowl. Of course, its always best to reach out to your vet if you have any concerns.

Ways To Give Coconut Water to Your Dog

Coconut water has several benefits, and if your dog loves it, you should definitely give them some. Here are a few ways to allow your dog to enjoy this natural beverage:

Cold Coconut Water

The simplest way to give your dog coconut water is to put it in the refrigerator and pour it into their water bowl. Since it tastes better than regular water, it is a great and fun way for them to rehydrate on a hot afternoon, but dont overdo it.

Coconut Water Ice Cubes

Another great way for your dog to enjoy coconut water is through ice cubes. Add a little tap water and pour it into some empty ice cube trays. You can add a few dog-friendly extras to the ice cubes to allow them to enjoy it better after a hot walk, on a hot day, or as a special treat during training.

Coconut Water Popsicles

Who doesnt enjoy licking on some popsicles on a hot summer afternoon? A more refreshing twist to the ice cubes is to throw in some fresh fruits and blend them with coconut water to make nutritious popsicles. Some healthy additions include blackberries, carrots, apples, blueberries, strawberries, pineapples, or any other fruits and veggies they love.

Make a Smoothie With Coconut Water

Just as smoothies are good for humans, dogs can also enjoy their numerous benefits, as they are a great way to supplement your furry friends diet and keep them hydrated. Adding a spoon of coconut water boosts the flavor, vitamins, and nutrients in a smoothie.

There are many healthy smoothie recipes that you can make for your dog. One simple recipe involves blending:

• One tsp of turmeric
• 1/3 glass of coconut water
• 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries
• Half of a grated carrot
• Two strawberries

Remember to give them only small amounts.

Final Takeaway

Coconut water is a great and safe treat for dogs in small quantities. A few ounces in their water bowl can be an excellent way for them to cool off on an occasional basis, but you should avoid giving them a whole bowl of coconut water as it may cause serious complications due to its high potassium content.

When giving coconut water to your dog, always remember that its not in any way a complete substitute for water. So, you can let them enjoy this tasty and nutritious drink, but in moderate amounts.

Related Articles

Sources

Mrdogfood.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.

Is Coconut Water Healthy To Drink Everyday? Your Guide to a Daily Dose

Coconut water is typically safe for you to consume daily as long as you limit your intake.

Many of my clients drink coconut water for health benefits or for hydration. Thus, they want to know is coconut water healthy to drink everyday. Here is what science has to say

In this post, I will cover where or not it is safe to drink coconut water daily, what benefits you can expect, and what adverse effects you need to watch out for. Lets begin!

Is It Bad to Drink Coconut Water Every Day?

For the most part, it does appear that it is safe to drink coconut water every day. The drink is low in calories and sugars and doesnt contain any harmful components. Due to this, drinking it daily shouldnt cause any issues.

However, it is important to be aware of the fact that not everyone reacts to coconut water in the same way. Some people may experience a stomach upset or feeling of fullness with coconut water. If you fall into this category, naturally, your symptoms will worsen if you consume the drink on a daily basis.

You should be aware that coconut water should only be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are planning on drinking it every day. To gain a better sense of how much you should be limiting yourself to, keep reading

Last, but not least, it is vital that you check with your doctor about your coconut water consumption if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition. Only your healthcare provider will be able to give you a better idea of whether or not you can drink coconut water every day.

What are the Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water Daily?

Here are some of the advantages that you may be able to enjoy when you drink coconut water regularly:

Tasty Hydration

Lets face it although you know that you should drink more water, this isnt always easy to do. It tastes incredibly plain and few people can drink as much as they should.

Coconut water is a tasty way to add some hydration to your diet. Now, you should be mindful of the fact that you shouldnt consume too much of the drink. Still, having a little every day can make it more fun to get to your daily hydration quota.

Not to mention, when compared to juices and sodas, coconut water is a much healthier option. Unlike these beverages, coconut water is lower in calories as well as sugars.

Good Dose of Nutrients

Coconut water contains several nutrients including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Now, coconut water is only really high in potassium it contains 15 percent of your daily requirement. However, it is still a tasty way to add healthy nutrients to your diet, especially if you are struggling to do so in a healthy manner.

May Help to Prevent Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a painful condition that affects a significant portion of the global population. This is why it is good news that coconut water is a good source of citrate. This component makes it easier for your body to flush out components that contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

As a result, this can reduce the likelihood of the stones forming in the first place.

May Lower Blood Pressure

If you suffer from high blood pressure, then the high potassium content in coconut water may help to lower it. The mildly diuretic impact of coconut water may also work to lower the level of fluid in the body, making it easier to control blood pressure.

It should be noted that if you have low blood pressure then you should be especially cautious about your intake of coconut water. Always talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet.

What is Bad About Coconut Water?

There isnt anything particularly bad about coconut water. As with most food and drink, it simply has to be enjoyed in moderation.

This is largely to do with the fact that coconut water has a significant potassium content. If you stick with the recommended amounts, then potassium can be a great way to stay healthy and avoid a host of health issues.

Too much potassium, though, can mess with your digestive system. In this instance, you may suffer from diarrhea and other stomach or digestion-related issues.

If you are suffering from kidney issues or if your body isnt able to regulate or get rid of nutrients in an efficient manner, then you should be careful as well. This is because there is a greater risk of potassium building up in the body.

Insignificant amounts can cause potassium toxicity.

How Much Coconut Water Per Day is Safe?

All of this begs the question just how much coconut water is safe for you to drink on a daily basis?

Well, it is difficult to give you a straightforward answer here.

As mentioned, the main thing to be concerned with when drinking coconut water is the potassium content. Now, if you arent getting too much potassium from other foods and drinks in your diet, then you may be able to get away with indulging in a little more coconut water.

However, if you are already consuming a rather balanced diet, then you will need to limit your intake.

Also, as mentioned, coconut water may not always agree with everyone. For some people, the side effects only kick in after a significant amount. For others, even a small amount may cause problems. Therefore, you will need to regulate your consumption based on how it affects you.

On average, though, you may want to drink about 6 to 8 ounces of coconut water a day. Take note of how you feel. If this amount agrees with you then, great! If not, try experimenting with lower quantities until you find what works for you.

Even if you dont experience any side effects with coconut water at around 6 to 8 ounce doesnt mean that you should increase your consumption. This is as high as you should go.

There you have it you most likely can drink coconut water every day, but you do have to be mindful of how much you consume. Also, not everyone can drink the same amount you need to vary your consumption based on how the coconut water may affect you.

Did you enjoy this post? Then make sure to check out our Pinterest page. We have tons of other coconut-related content for you to check out!