Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water?

It’s piping hot outside and you’re sweating inside out. Just when you think you can’t take it anymore, you see a coconut water vendor. At that moment, he doesn’t look like a vendor but god’s own sent man to save you from the heat. You take a sip of it and every single cell of your body feels resurrected. You look down and there’s your pup staring at you. The look in its eyes clearly tells you what it’s thinking right now – “Look at this selfish human. I’ve been there for him through thick and thin. And here I am getting baked inside my double-coated fur and he is enjoying the coconut water without even thinking about me.”

Looks like something like this may have happened to you, now that you’re wondering if coconut water is safe for your dog. Even if not, looking at the numerous benefits of coconut water, we understand why such a caring pet owner like you wants to share all the benefits with their dog. 

Can dogs drink coconut water? Here’s some good news for you. The answer is ‘Yes!’ Dogs can drink coconut water. 

But before going ahead and adding another straw to the coconut for your dog, there are some important things you should know. 

Benefits of Coconut Water for Dogs

But again, does this mean you should replace your water bowls with coconut water bowls? The answer is no. Nothing should replace the good old source of hydration – water. ⁽¹⁾

How to Serve Coconut Water to Your Dog

The first step in making any changes to your dog’s diet or adding any new food item to it should be consulting your vet. The vet knows the dog’s medical history and will consult accordingly. 

Once you get a yes from the vet, you can start offering a small quantity of it to your dog. You can start with a tablespoon of coconut water and mix it into your dog’s water bowl. ⁽²⁾

Just like us, dogs may also prefer it cold at times, especially on a hot summer day. You can even freeze the coconut water in an ice cube tray and offer it as a refreshing treat.  ⁽¹⁾

You can also carry some on your hikes and treks with your dog. It’ll act as a good reward for your dog to have successfully walked so much with you. 

Always remember that coconut water is just a treat for your dog and should be treated like one. Offer it only occasionally and in small quantities. Yes, it does have multiple benefits but if consumed in higher quantities, it can be harmful for your dog as well. 

Should I Hydrate My Dog’s Food with Coconut Water?

Yes, you can. To add a little tropical twist to your dog’s food bowl, you can sprinkle some (some is an important word here as the quantity needs to be small) coconut water on top of it. However, do not make it a regular practice and reserve such treats only for special days. 

Is Coconut Milk Good for Dogs?

We would not particularly say good for your dog, but coconut milk is safe for your dog to consume. Coconut milk is a dairy-free milk substitute made from water and grated coconut meat. It is much higher in fat content than coconut water. ⁽¹⁾

There is not going to be any harm in adding a small quantity of coconut milk to your dog’s diet but excess quantities can cause obesity because of the high fat content. 

What To Do If Your Dog Drinks Too Much Coconut Milk

The biggest concern with products like coconut water and coconut milk, especially packaged ones, is that they mostly come with added sugars. These sugars add unnecessary calories to your do’s body and lead to weight gain. Some even have stabilizers like carrageenan and xanthan gum, that can cause stomach irritation for both, you and your dog. 

Too much coconut milk can even cause pancreatitis in your dog. To check if your dog has accidentally consumed too much coconut water or coconut milk in your absence (probably while you were attending a meeting that could’ve just been a mail), look out for the below signs – ⁽²⁾

Basically, if you see any signs of discomfort, you should take your dog straight away to the vet. 

Coconut water also has high levels of potassium. Too much of it also can harm your dog, especially if they are already on some kind of medication. Your dog can also feel overhydration in the case of excess consumption. At times, it may even lead to water intoxication which can be a life-threatening condition. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Owning a pet can be tough at times. You need to constantly be aware of what and how much goes into their mouths. Some things you can control and others you may not be able to. Sometimes unwanted foods can cause severe reactions in your dog and even require surgery for treatment. The bills can put a severe dent in your savings at such times. 

Not with pet health insurance though! With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of medical costs. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!