Is coconut milk ok for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

We love to share our indulgences with our petsafter all, who hasn't purchased a pup cup for their dog? But if we splurge on a coconut cream-blended beverage, is that OK to share? Can dogs eat coconuts?

As long as the hairy fruit is given in moderation, dogs can safely eat coconuts. Though, there are some precautions pet parents need to be aware of before letting their dog crunch on coconut meat or drink coconut milk.

Is Coconut Good for Dogs?

Coconuts are not toxic to dogs. In fact, some coconut elements (such as coconut meat and coconut oil) can be healthy for dogsin moderation.

Coconuts contain antioxidants that can boost a pups immune system. The fruit is also high in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that helps fight off viruses, such as canine influenza. Coconuts also offer bone-health benefits, as they are rich in magnesium.

But that doesnt mean you should give your dog coconut as an everyday treat. Coconuts are a source of saturated fat, which can give your dog an upset stomach. But if you drop a piece of coconut meat or a splash of coconut milk on the floor and your dog laps it up, they should be fine.

Before introducing anything new into your pets diet, consult with your veterinarian.

What Coconut Products Can Dogs Have?

While coconuts are not toxic to dogs, not all coconut products are OK for them to snack on.

Coconut Meat

Coconut meat for dogs is just as delicious for them as it is for us. However, when feeding your dog coconut meat, treat it as, well, a treat, and only add a few flakes to top their food. Treats of all kinds, including coconut, should only make up 10% of your dogs daily calories.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is likely safe in very small quantities (like as a helpful lubricant for giving a dog pills) unless your dog is prone to GI issues or pancreatic disease. But be very conservative in how much you give, as too much coconut oil can cause doggy diarrhea.

But you can safely use coconut oil on your dog topicallyfor example, applying it to chapped paw pads and using it on their coat to help keep it shiny.

Coconut Water

Coconut water can be a special treat for your thirsty pooch, but it should never be given as your dogs primary water source. Its important to read the label on yourfreshly cracked can of coconut water before sharing it with your pup. Some coconut drinks can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol.

Coconut Milk

Who can resist a breakfast cereal topped with a splash of coconut milk? Its a rich and creamy addition to your daily nutritional intake, but because coconut milk is naturally high in fat, you shouldnt give any to your dog. Foods high in fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

Coconut Husk

While the juicy white meat of a coconut is OK, the hard outer husk is a different story. Coconut husks can easily be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage, so never give one to your pup to chew on.

How Much Coconut Can Your Dog Eat Safety?

Again, treats of any kind (including coconut) should only make up 10% of a dogs daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.

• Extra-small dog (220 pounds):1/8 teaspoon of coconut meat per day

• Small dog (2130 pounds):1/2 teaspoon of coconut meat per day

• Medium dog (3150 pounds):1/2 teaspoon of coconut meat per day

• Large dog (5190 pounds):11 teaspoon of coconut meat per day

• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds): 11 teaspoon of coconut meat per day

How to Feed Your Dog Coconut

1. To Coat Pills

If your dog has figured out that youre hiding pills in the peanut butter, you can try using coconut oil instead.

2. As a Food Topper

One to two small pieces of coconut meat on top of your dogs food is a simple way to introduce the fruitand the health benefitsto your dog.

3. Baked in a Dog-Friendly Recipe

If baking is your favorite pastime, there are endless coconut-inspired dog treat recipes to bake. Some fun ones to try are turmeric and coconut dog treats and springtime pup-cakes.

WRITTEN BY

Katelyn Chef

Freelance Writer

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Milk? Is Coconut Milk Safe For Dogs?

Can dogs drink coconut milk? Maybe youve wondered this if your dog tried to sneak a sip while you were reaching for some coconut milk in the kitchen. If humans can drink coconut milk, can dogs safely drink it too?

There is no short yes or no answer as to whether dogs can drink coconut milk safely. While it isnt necessarily poisonous or toxic to dogs, the addition of extra ingredients in commercial brands of coconut milk, along with the amount of oil present, mean that it isnt really a great option for your dog.

As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food or drink with your favorite canine, including coconut milk. Heres what you need to know about coconut milk and dogs.

When Is Coconut Milk Okay For Dogs To Drink?

In small, regulated doses, coconut milk can be okay for a dog to drink. The ASPCA advises that when ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet.

In some cases, it can even have a beneficial effect on the condition of your dogs coat, along with often improving a canines breath.

For a refreshingly cool treat, you can also try freezing coconut milk in an ice cube tray and serving those to your dog during hotter weather months.

When Is Coconut Milk Bad For Dogs?

There are a couple of drawbacks to serving coconut milk to your dog. First of all, the ASPCA points out that due to the amount of oil in coconut milk, theres a chance that it could result a case of diarrhea or an upset stomach.

Actual coconut water has high levels of potassium in it, which makes that equally unsuitable for dogs to drink.

Secondly, if you look at the list of ingredients detailed on the labels of commercial brands of coconut milk, youll often notice that they might include extra additives and unhealthy ingredients. They could prove to have a negative effect on your dogs health.

So if youve been considering adding coconut milk to your dogs diet, its best to proceed with caution and only serve very small portions. As ever, always consult with your veterinarian before adding a human food or drink to your dogs diet.

Has your dog ever tried a taste of coconut milk? Did they feel okay afterward? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!

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.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut?

A lot of the health claims about coconut are based on the effect of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat found in coconuts. MCTs can provide an efficient source of energy for the brain as your dog ages. However, the amount of MCTs can vary between different coconut products, so we cant recommend giving coconut as a reliable way to get the benefit of these nutrients. Some dog foods contain MCTs in carefully calculated amounts to support wellbeing for older dogs.

Coconut oil is also used topically in various dog shampoos and moisturisers to benefit the skin and coat. Its thought to help maintain a soft and shiny coat and healthy skin.

How should I feed my dog coconut?

First off, always check with your vet before feeding your dog coconut. Theyll be able to recommend whether its a good idea for your dog based on their medical history, and theyll suggest the amounts you can safely offer.

When feeding coconut to dogs, always make sure you remove the shell as this could cause blockage or damage to your dogs digestive system if swallowed.

Never feed sweetened coconut commonly used in baking as this is very high in sugar. However, for the keen bakers out there, you can try your hand at baking your own dog treats using a small amount of coconut oil if approved by your vet there are plenty of great recipes out there!

Remember to always follow the rule of 10% when offering your dog coconut and ensure that treats never make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

Now you know the answer to can dogs have coconut" take a look at how other nuts may effect your dogs diet.Looking for more feeding advice? Find out if your dog can eat cheese, if your dog can eat banana's,or explore the variety of fruits dogs can eat, next!

Kefir for Dogs: A Canine Nutritionists Guide to Gut Health and More

With my work in canine nutrition over the years, I have to say I have become skeptical of a lot of natural and home remedies for dogs. I dont like adding anything to my dogs diets that doesnt have good research behind it. However, kefir is one of the few natural probiotics that actually add to my own dogs food because of the many proven benefits.

In this article, we delve into the various advantages of kefir, especially looking at kefirs role in canine gut health, allergies and even wound healing. We will explore the different types of kefir available and offer guidance on how to incorporate this nutritious food into your dogs diet safely. So, lets uncover the benefits of kefir for dogs, backed by professional insights and the latest studies in the field of canine nutrition.

So, Is Kefir Good For Dogs?

Yes, kefir is good for dogs. Its a probiotic-rich food that aids in digestion, supports gut health, is anti-inflammatory, and can boost the immune system. Its also helpful for improving skin and coat health, and may assist in preventing certain allergies and diarrhea. However, its important to know what kind of kefir to give your puppy and how much to give your dog safely.

Personally, I give my dogs a few homemade spoonfuls mixed in their dog food everyday. I have definitely noticed far fewer tummy troubles, shinier fur, and just general better health overall.

So, lets look at what this superfood is, what the benefits are according to scientific studies, which kind is right for your dog, how to make it, and how to incorporate it in your dogs diet.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented beverage that originates from the Caucasus Mountains, with a history that spans centuries. Traditionally made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, it is produced by adding kefir grains to the milk. These grains are not grains in the normal sense but are a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) that ferment the milk, transforming it into kefir.

The fermentation process not only gives a unique, slightly tangy flavor to kefir but also generates a host of beneficial probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These include vitamins B12 and D, calcium, magnesium, and various bioactive compounds. The final product is a slightly thickened, foamy drink that is similar to yogurt but with a thinner consistency. So lets look at the health benefits of this product, how to make kefir at home, and how to give your dog kefir.

Kefir For Canine Gut Health

About 70% of a dogs immune system is their gut. The gut lining is vital for keeping out pathogens and particles that your dog may be allergic to. Dr. Elizabeth Mondo and her colleagues explain the need for a healthy gut biome to keep dogs healthy.

When all the bacteria in a dogs tummy is balanced, it is called eubiosis. Its like having the right mix of people, each doing their own important job, keeping the city running smoothly.

But sometimes, this balance gets messed up thats dysbiosis. This is when:

1. There is Less Variety of bacteria;
2. The healthy Bacteria die off; and
3. The Bad Bacteria Move In.

When this happens, it can lead to all sorts of problems like stomach issues, allergies, skin problems, obesity, and even mood changes. In fact, Dr. Amanda Blake even links bad gut health to atopic dermatitis and diabetes.

This is where our favorite fermented drink comes in. Its like sending in a team of super helpers into the city. Kefir is full healthy bacteria that help bring back the balance. Its like they help the good guys and kick out the bad guys in the intestines.

Scientists recently discovered something great about it. They gave dogs this fermented product for two weeks and found it really helped their stomach health. Heres what they found:

1. Good Bacteria Goes Up

Kefir adds more probiotics to your dogs stomach, which is great for their health.

2. Bad Bacteria Goes Down

There was also less of the bad bacteria. This means it is making the dogs gut a better place.

3. Overall Healthier Stomach

The study saw a healthy shift in the types of bacteria in the dogs stomachs. Even the bacteria that can cause trouble were less common.

4. Kefir is Safe for Dogs

The best part? Kefir didnt cause any problems for the dogs. Its both safe and good for them.

Why Kefir Works

This is is a big deal because it actually works in a dogs stomach. Heres why thats important:

Not All Probiotics Are the Same

Most probiotics for dogs arent tested or proven to work, and some lack live bacteria. This is one of the few products you can actually give your dog that really helps their gut.

Surviving the Stomach Trip

It also has strong bacteria that can survive in a dogs tough stomach environment. What many people overlook is that a dogs stomach simply is too acidic for most probiotics to survive.

Kefir vs. Yogurt For Dogs: Which is Better?

Contrary to popular belief, yogurt is not an effective probiotic for dogs for two reasons. Firstly, yogurt typically contains only about 50 million CFUs (colony forming units), which just isnt enough bacteria to colonize a dogs gut. Canine probiotics need 1-10 billion CFUs to be effective.

Plus, common yogurt bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus and L. Bulgaricus do not survive in a dogs bile.

On the other hand, Kefir is a good probiotic choice because it has a lot of CFUs and the good bacteria it has can actually survive a dogs acidic gut.

Manages Dog Allergies

A strong gut helps dogs fight allergies like atopic dermatitis and food sensitivities. A strong gut lining, helped by good bacteria in foods like kefir, blocks harmful substances. The good bacteria make short-chain fatty acids that protect and strengthen the stomach lining.

Food allergies in dogs happen when their immune system wrongly identifies certain food components as threats.

This is because of a specific antibody known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). When IgE connects with mast cells, it causes the release of substances that harm the dogs tissues. This is an allergic reaction and studies show that low doses of kefir actually lowers the amount of these cells.

Supports Kidney Health in Dogs

Kefir may also help dogs kidney health.

Dogs often have serious health issues like chronic kidney disease and renal dysfunction. These problems can get worse because of things like high blood pressure. The peptides in kefir, which come from fermented milk, have shown promising results in fighting these problems.

The study showed that kefir peptides (strings of amino acids or proteins) can lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm the kidneys. By combating these elements, these peptides help protect against renal dysfunction.

They also improve kidney health by reducing protein levels in urine and enhancing filtration capacity.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of KPs could be instrumental in maintaining healthy kidney function in dogs.

Kefirs Role in Wound Healing in Dogs

Kefir now shows promise in another area: wound healing. New research has found that it can help treat wounds. Although we dont recommend this as the best way to treat dog wounds, its interesting to note that it has great antibacterial properties.

Choosing the Right Kefir for Your Dog and How Much to Give

Goat milk kefir stands out as an excellent choice for your dogs health. Heres why:

• Goats milk, compared to cows milk, is easier for dogs to digest. Its less likely to cause allergies as it has the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in the milk. In general, dogs cant digest lactose, so they should never get cow milk products. Goat milk is packed with good stuff like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. We also look at whether or not water or coconut kefir is a good option below.
• It contains a special probiotic strain that does well in a dogs gut calledE. hirae.
• It is also rich in another probiotic called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This strain in kefir fights bad bacteria, acts as an antioxidant, and helps with digestion.

A Warning About Pet Kefir Products

A recent study showed that kefir products for pets might not always be what they claim. They often overstate the amount of good bacteria and may have different bacteria than listed. Heres what you should know:

• Many pet kefir products exaggerate their bacteria content and dont list the correct types.
• Theres a lack of regulation these products, leading to these inaccuracies.

Human-Grade Kefir: A Safer Option

Because of these issues, you might want to consider human-grade kefir:

• Human products are under stricter rules, so its more likely to have the good bacteria it claims.
• These products are made for human consumption, so they generally meet higher standards.

Another option for your puppys diet is to make it yourself. Heres how.

Homemade Goats Milk Kefir for Dogs

If you want to ensure your dog gets the best quality stuff thats the real deal, heres a recipe you can use at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh goats milk
• 1 tablespoon kefir grains (available at health food stores or online)

Equipment

• Glass jar (1-quart size works well)
• Non-metal stirring utensil (like a wooden spoon)
• Breathable cover for the jar (coffee filter, cheesecloth, or paper towel)
• Rubber band or string to secure the cover
• Strainer (plastic or stainless steel)

Instructions

1. Clean the glass jar thoroughly and let it dry.
2. Place the kefir grains into the jar.
3. Pour the goats milk over the grains. Stir gently with the non-metal utensil.
4. Place the breathable cover over the jars opening and secure it with a rubber band or string. This allows the mixture to ferment while keeping out contaminants.
5. Place the jar in a warm area (around 68-75F) away from direct sunlight. Let it ferment for about 24 hours. The exact time can vary depending on the temperature and how thick you want the kefir. Warmer temperatures typically speed up the fermentation process.
6. After 24 hours, check the mixtures consistency. It should have thickened to a consistency similar to buttermilk. If its not thick enough, let it ferment a few more hours and check again.
7. Once fermented, strain it through a strainer into a separate container. This will separate the kefir grains from the liquid kefir.
8. Transfer the kefir to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
9. The separated grains can be used immediately for a new batch or stored in a small amount of milk in the fridge for future use.

How Much Kefir to Give Your Dog

Start with a small amount of kefir, like a teaspoon, to see how your dog reacts. For tiny breeds, start with half a teaspoon. Keep an eye on their poop to make sure it does not upset their stomach. Gradually increase to a few tablespoons per day, depending on your dogs size and tolerance. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your dogs diet.

Is Water Kefir an Option?

Typically, the preparation of water kefir involves using about 1/4 cup of sugar per quart of water. While Fermentation uses up most of this sugar, theres often some left. So water kefir isnt my first pick for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or sugar sensitivities.

Preferring Goats Milk Kefir

Given the sugar content in water kefir, you might prefer using goats milk to make kefir for your dog. Goats milk kefir offers similar probiotic benefits without the added sugar, making it a healthier choice for dogs. Its easier to digest, less likely to cause allergies, and rich in nutrients beneficial for your dogs overall health.

However, you can try small amounts of water kefir if goats milk kefir is too rich for your dog.

Coconut Kefir for Dogs: Points to Consider

Coconut kefir is another variation that some people recommend. You can make it by fermenting the water or milk of coconuts with the grains in place of milk. Its dairy-free and often chosen by those looking for a plant-based alternativ-e-archive to traditional milk kefirs. However, I dont like using coconut milk for dogs for several reason:

Concerns with Lauric Acid

• Coconut kefir raises concerns due to its high content of lauric acid, a type of saturated fat. Approximately 50% of the fat in coconut is lauric acid.
• Contrary to popular belief, lauric acid can be inflammatory to the stomach lining, which could be detrimental to a dogs digestive health.
• While medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are generally considered beneficial for dogs, lauric acid does not provide the same benefits. Its a common misconception that lauric acid acts like other MCTs.

A detailed study that discusses the effects of lauric acid and its implications can be found in this article published in the MDPI. This study provides in-depth insights into why lauric acid might not be as good for dogs as many believe.

Can You Freeze Kefir for Dogs?

Yes, you can freeze kefir for your dogs. Freezing it is a practical way to extend its shelf life and can be especially useful for creating frozen treats, like those youd add to a dog lick mat for mental stimulation and healthy treats for puppies.

However, its important to note that while freezing kefir does not kill the probiotics, it may put them in a dormant state. Once it is thawed, these probiotics typically become active again. This means that the probiotic benefits are generally retained, even after freezing and thawing.

For best results:

• Freeze Freshly Made Kefir: Since you prefer giving it fresh to maximize probiotic benefits, freeze the kefir soon after you make it.
• Use in Moderation: When using frozen kefir as a treat, especially for young puppies, its important to do so in moderation. While kefir is healthy, any dietary changes or additions should be introduced gradually.
• Thawing: If you plan to use frozen kefir as a food supplement rather than a frozen treat, let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This gradual thawing helps preserve the integrity of the probiotics.

Note: Because Kefir is high in calcium, I never give too much to my growing dogs. This is because too much calcium can cause constipation, and disrupt proper bone development in young dogs.

Final Thoughts: Integrating Kefir into Your Dogs Diet

In summary, its easy to see that this food, full of good bacteria, can be really great for your dogs health. Kefir can help with their stomach, skin, and overall health. Its definitely something good to think about adding to what your dog eats.

References:

• Kim, D.H., Jeong, D., Kang, I.B., Lim, H.W., Cho, Y. and Seo, K.H., 2019. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota of dogs by kefir as a functional dairy product. Journal of dairy science, 102(5), pp.3903-3911.
• Mondo, E., Marliani, G., Accorsi, P.A., Cocchi, M. and Di Leone, A., 2019. Role of gut microbiota in dog and cats health and diseases. Open Veterinary Journal, 9(3), pp.253-258.
• Blake, A.B. and Suchodolski, J.S., 2016. Importance of gut microbiota for the health and disease of dogs and cats. Animal Frontiers, 6(3), pp.37-42.
• Weese, J.S. and Arroyo, L., 2003. Bacteriological evaluation of dog and cat diets that claim to contain probiotics. The Canadian veterinary journal, 44(3), p.212.
• Murad, H.M., Malik, Z.J. and Umayra, A.N., 2018. Evaluation the skin regeneration by using Kefir production in local dogs. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 10(10), pp.2653-2658.
• Melo, C.D.C.S., da Silva Freire, A., Galdeano, M.A., da Costa, C.F., de Oliveira Gonalves, A.P.D., Dias, F.S. and Menezes, D.R., 2021. Probiotic potential of Enterococcus hirae in goat milk and its survival in canine gastrointestinal conditions simulated in vitro. Research in Veterinary Science, 138, pp.188-195.
• Metras, B.N., Holle, M.J., Parker, V.J., Miller, M.J. and Swanson, K.S., 2020. Assessment of commercial companion animal kefir products for label accuracy of microbial composition and quantity. Journal of animal science, 98(9), p.skaa301.
• Nilvo, G., 2020. The Effects of Fermented and Cultured Supplements on Dog's Gut Microbiome. New Mexico Journal of Science, 54(2).
• Chen, Y.H., Chen, H.L., Fan, H.C., Tung, Y.T., Kuo, C.W., Tu, M.Y. and Chen, C.M., 2020. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic effects of kefir peptides on salt-induced renal vascular damage and dysfunction in aged stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. Antioxidants, 9(9), p.790.
• Rogero, M.M. and Calder, P.C., 2018. Obesity, inflammation, toll-like receptor 4 and fatty acids. Nutrients, 10(4), p.432.

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.

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.