There is a common misconception that dogs cannot consume coconut flour. This old wives’ tale has created a lot of questions about whether or not this flour is safe for canines. We found out the truth and here it is: The answer to ‘Can dogs eat coconut flour?’ is Yes. They can but only in very small amounts.

Coconut flour has no gluten and is a low-carbohydrate, gluten-free product. It is made from dried coconut meat and it doesn’t have any gluten content. This makes coconut flour suitable for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivity as well. It can also be sprinkled on top of regular food to give dogs some extra nutrition and make their meals healthier and tastier.

There are many advantages as well as disadvantages of adding coconut flour to your dog’s diet – all of which we will cover in detail in this article. But first, let us know what coconut flour is.

What Is Coconut Flour?

Coconut flour is a type of flour that comes from coconut. It’s made from ground coconut intended for baking, cooking, or eating as a snack. It doesn’t contain any sugar or eggs, making it a flour suitable for certain types of diets such as low carb diets. Some people make their own coconut flour by grinding dried unsweetened coconuts with a food processor to the point where it looks like normal white wheat flour.

It’s very important to note that coconut flour is not the same as coconut oil, which is made from the flesh of the coconut. Plants and seeds in general do not contain gluten, which is a type of protein found in wheat that allows doughs or baked items to rise. Coconut flour has no gluten so it can’t be used in bread or baked goods for people on gluten-free diets.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Flour?

The short answer is yes. Here’s why.

Coconut flour is low in carbohydrates (3.4 grams per 1/4 cup) and high in protein (10% of diet). It is also a natural source of fiber, which can help to reduce the risk of colon cancer, as well as aid in weight loss. It can also be used in conditions such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.

One of the reasons why some people think that dogs shouldn’t eat coconut flour is because it has high levels of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are fats that are used as an immediate source of energy. The body derives most of its energy from fats and proteins and uses carbohydrates for the production of glucose in the body. However, calories from MCTs bypass the process where carbohydrates should be used to generate energy. In other words, MCTs are absorbed and used immediately by the body as a source of fuel, instead of being stored as adipose tissue (body fat).

The benefits of using coconut flour combined with rich nutrient ingredients like meat and vegetables are quite substantial. If you’re going to use other supplements, such as fish oil or bone broth, for example, incorporating these supplements into the diet will help ensure that the phosphorous in these products can be absorbed by your pet’s body better.

How Can You Give Coconut Flour To Dogs?

Coconut flour can be sprinkled on top of your dog’s dry food so that it’ll give them some extra nutrition and make their meals healthier. If you plan to add coconut flour to your dog’s food be aware that it does have a lot of fiber, and it may make their stool softer. This is why it is often recommended as a supplement rather than used in the place of other ingredients. Dogs should still get plenty of meat and their fill of greens while also getting this cookie as an occasional treat or two.

As with other foods that are new to your pet’s diet, it’s important to not go overboard on the amount of coconut flour that they receive because they may develop intolerances or allergies. Coconut flour also has a high-fat content and can cause pancreatitis in dogs who consume too much of it.

Also, in order to know for sure if a certain ingredient is safe for your dog, you should consult with your vet first.

Conclusion

Can dogs eat coconut flour? The answer is yes, but only a little bit. It’s also possible that your dog’s digestive enzymes won’t be able to break down too much of this flour and this can lead to an upset stomach, gas, bloating and diarrhea which are never fun for any dog. Other ingredients found in coconut flour, such as protein and fiber, are excellent for dog health though. This flour is also low-gluten, meaning it’s free of wheat and has little to no impact on blood sugar levels.

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

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