If you have a dog, you’re no stranger to their many surprising tastes. Be it apples, a bag of chips, or watermelon, they’ll have several things on their list. A few of the natural foods that they don’t mind having as well include fresh coconut water. In fact, coconut water is considered one of the most refreshing and healthy drinks for dogs since it contains various vitamins and minerals.

So, the answer to ‘Can dogs drink coconut water?’ is yes, they can. Along with multiple health benefits, coconut water also has an extra sweet flavor that dogs simply love. If your dog has a sweet tooth, you can feed them a bowl of coconut water as a deliciously sweet alternative to their usual drink.

Now, let’s focus on understanding exactly what coconut water is and how it can benefit your dog.

What Is Coconut Water?

Coconut water is a natural, wholesome, and hydrating drink made from the freshly pressed juice of young coconuts. It is a nutritious beverage containing water, organic compounds, minerals, vitamins, electrolytes, and other trace elements. Coconut water contains approximately 80% of water and 14–20% of calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the form of fatty acids.  It has many health benefits for humans and animals as well.

Here are some of the health benefits derived from this sporty drink.

• The high fiber content in coconut water helps in easy digestion.
• It is also rich in other nutrients like chloride and potassium, which help in hydration and rejuvenate the body.
• Research suggests that coconut water can improve blood pressure.
• This water also aids in lowering blood sugar levels.
• Coconut water has strong electrolyte content due to which it has been commercialized as a popular energy drink.
• It may also prevent kidney stones by reducing stone and crystal formation in the kidneys.

You might also be interested in ‘Can Dogs Eat Coconut?’

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water?

Absolutely! Coconut water is a good nutritional choice for dogs. It is a natural drink, which gives plenty of health benefits. The natural electrolytes found in this drink are an immune booster for your pup. Many dog owners also prefer serving coconut water right after their dog’s surgery because of its hydrating and replenishing properties. But your little friend doesn’t necessarily have to undergo an operation just to get a taste of this luscious drink. You can occasionally reward a few cubes of iced coconut water while training your pup, especially during hot summer days.

Some health experts believe that coconut water protects your canine companion from infection, fights off viruses, and improves their coat and skin condition. Moreover, it helps with dog arthritis and stabilizes your pup’s insulin and thyroid levels too.

Signs That Your Dog Loves Coconut Water

Coconut water is ideal for refreshing ourselves as well as our pooches. This beverage has a mildly sweet taste that dogs would love to guzzle as much as we do. You can keep a close eye on your pup to find out whether they love this tropical juice. If your pooch greedily drinks freshly served coconut water from their bowl, it is a sign that they are happily enjoying the treat.

Another way of confirming that your dog probably likes drinking coconut water is to speculate their body language. Some will often bark, wag their tail or even drool. If they keep pacing around you, linger at your foot at the sight of a coconut, raise their little paws and their mouth often, your dog is definitely asking for more pints of this watery drink.

Since all dogs are different, each has their own personal taste. It’s possible that your dog might turn their head away when you offer a bowl of coconut water. If this is the case, we suggest not forcing coconut water into your dog’s diet. There are plenty of other drinks that can be given as a substitute.

When Is Coconut Water Dangerous?

The coconut water diet can be concerning for your dog if you provide it in an excessive amount. Since this water contains high potassium, drinking too much can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition where the blood’s potassium level is higher than usual. Severe hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrest and eventually death. Therefore, a moderate amount of coconut water in a sitting is a way to avoid such health risks.

Your pup might also be allergic to coconut water. Make sure you observe your four-legged friend’s reaction by first giving them coconut water in small amounts. Upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea are preliminary signs that your pup is allergic to this watery coconut drink.

What About Other Coconut Parts?

Every edible part of a coconut is alright for your dog to eat. It all comes down to how much amount you serve in each sitting. The coconut pulp and milk are both safe for your dog as long as you provide them in moderation.

As such, if your dog drinks coconut milk excessively, they can potentially gain weight. A better alternative is to give your pup regular milk, as it has more protein and fewer calories.

You might also be interested in ‘Can Dogs Drink Milk?

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Shells?

When it comes to hard-shelled coconut, you need to be careful. It is best if you remove the water from the shell before giving it to your dog. If you do not, your pup can choke on the shells or develop an intestinal blockage. Dogs should not ingest anything that is very hard for them to chew and swallow.

Can My Dog Drink Coconut Water Instead of Water?

No. You cannot provide coconut water as a substitute for the actual water for your dog. Although coconut juice can be an alternative as a sweet treat, never replace it with pure drinking water. A dog’s body is similar to the human body. As you know, humans cannot live on coconut juice only. The same is true for your dog; they cannot only rely on coconut water.

Moreover, the daily intake of coconut water can rapidly increase the potassium level in dogs, causing life-threatening health problems. As mentioned earlier, your pet is at risk of developing hyperkalemia, which can lead to death.

Conclusion

Coconut water, in addition to being a natural sports drink, is a great way to improve your pup’s health. It can restore energy and enhance your canine companion’s immune system, which is why it is a great drink to add to their diet. Just make sure you are giving your dog the correct amount of this sweet treat. If you are unsure, ask for a vet’s advice as to how much coconut water your pooch can safely consume in one sitting.

Explore more coconut-related dog articles on coconut for dogs.

Have you ever tried giving coconut water to your dog? What was their reaction like? We would love to know. Please share with us your experience by leaving a comment below!