Can dog eat coconut milk? Benefits for your dog
Can dog eat coconut milk?
One of the most popular options chosen by health experts is to use coconut milk instead of dairy milk. Coconut milk is a great alternative for lactose intolerant people and contains important nutrients such as manganese and copper. Its versatility and good taste make it an excellent substitute for milk, not to mention being available for half the price of other milk alternatives. So it makes sense to think about feeding our dogs coconut milk.
Can dog eat coconut milk?
Coconut is generally not toxic to dogs, however, there are some serious caveats if you decide to feed your dog coconut milk: Feed in moderation. Coconut meat and milk can cause loose stools, diarrhea and upset stomach in canines. As a result, the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, warns dog owners against making coconut meat and milk a common part of their pet diet.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk does have advantages if your dog chooses to consume coconut milk from time to time (e.g.
Helps in fighting seasonal viruses
Suppose your dog has a stable stomach and does not develop loose stools or diarrhea after consuming coconut milk. There are various products for dogs made from coconut. For example, we have written about how effective coconut oil toothpaste is and how good it is for dogs. It is important to be aware that the high fat content of coconuts can lead to obesity and, in some cases, pancreatitis in dogs. Despite all the benefits, we cannot stress enough that you should not give your pet coconut milk unless it is begging for more coconut milk, or it is peppered with treats.
Not all Coco Milks Are Equal!
It can be confusing when you stand in the aisles of the grocery store and someone says "coconut" and the only thing you can rely on is that coconut is something liquid. Here are the three versions of coconut milk that you will find on the shelves.
Coconut water is called milk because it is obtained from young coconuts and has the consistency of water. It is a natural liquid that is in the coconut shell that swirls around the pulp.
When processed, it is stored to increase shelf life. In many tropical countries, the locals drink it directly from the coconut. This makes us understand why some call it coconut milk, but it is also called coconut water. Coconut cream is a thick, rich liquid obtained from the ripe coconut flesh scraped from the grated shell.
The flesh is soaked in hot water until foaming and rising, then skimmed off and packaged as coconut cream. Coconut milk is the same process, except that coconut cream is thicker at the top and removes the remaining flesh stretched by a cheesecloth. The liquid extract is similar in shape and colour to milk, with its classic opaque white tone and smooth texture. For this reason, it is classified by many as coconut milk.
This type is best suited for your dog. As mentioned above, coconut has no toxic effects on dogs. You can choose coconut water, which is conducive to the digestive tract of dogs. Just make sure you choose the most natural option for your dog, and remember moderation is key.
Tips for Feeding Your Dog Coconut Milk
Here are a few reminders of how to do it right if you seriously consider adding coconut milk to your dog food.
Can dogs eat coconut milk Introduce it gradually
There is a school of thought that says that if you make other foods unavailable, your dog will taste coconut milk. Give your furry baby the freedom to look at the coconut milk and judge how well it copes.
Your stomach will have to adapt to this. If he has an affinity for coconut milk, don't overzealously feed him. Stop giving it a few ounces of space, even if it takes several days.
Be Creative
Making coconut milk ice cubes as a treat for a hot day is a nice alternative as a reward for the dog. If you insist on adding a touch of coconut milk to your dogs, and your dog doesn't like it, you can get creative and add it to homemade dog treats.
Unsweetened, Organic Coconut Milk Is Best
There is an abundance of coconut milk on the food shelves, so it is worth checking the ingredients before sharing them with your dogs. Beware of coconut flavored drinks, as these are usually artificially flavored and not the real deal. Processed coconut milk contains additives and sugars that are not needed in your dog's diet. Take a natural approach when selecting the products you share with them.
Monitor Bodily Reactions
If your dog likes coconut milk, make sure you check its stool after it has ingested it. Be sure to notice signs of lethargy caused by abdominal pain or bloating.
Dogs may have an episode of vomiting if coconut milk doesn't match their system. If this is the crop you are reducing the proportion of coconut milk you are feeding, consider stopping.
Sensitive Doggies
Puppies under one year of age may only get coconut milk under the supervision of a veterinarian. Some dog breeds, such as Yorkie Terriers, are prone to abdominal pain. This has led some veterinarians to warn owners that certain dogs have naturally sensitive stomachs and coconut milk is not recommended. If you have an older dog, you should be careful to feed it with coconut milk.
Don't Hesitate to Have Your Dog Checked
Do not wait until dehydration sets in. If your dog has done this while eating coconut milk, do not hesitate to go to the vet to have your dog examined.
Wrapping up
Adding coconut milk to your dog food is not mandatory, but it is still a nice option.
For our dogs, who suffer from food fatigue, a respite from the taste, texture and taste of their favorite food can be a healthy and rewarding change for them.
Be sure to be attentive and pay attention to what you are feeding. It's not messy or smelly, and if they go, they'll be chocoholic. So it is best to give in to what suits them.