When it comes to tropical treats, there is no fruit quite like the coconut. Incredibly versatile and great for our dogs, it is no wonder the pet world is going nutty for this fantastic fleshy fruit. 

What makes coconut one of the best treats for our four-legged friends is that it can be given in a variety of ways and even oil derived from the coconut has pawfuls of brilliant benefits for our dogs. So, with coconuts being the pièce de résistance to the pina colada, here are the reasons why your dog should be going coconutty this autumn. 

Benefits of Coconut for Dogs 

From helping to hydrate to soothing skin, coconut is incredibly beneficial for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Whether you choose to incorporate coconut oil into their diet or feed fresh coconut as a tasty treat - giving your dog this fabulous fruit really can help benefit their bodies in magical ways. 

Great for Skin & Coat

Coconut is rich in Vitamin E which is known to help boost skin and fur. Dogs with skin issues such as psoriasis or flaky skin can benefit by adding coconut to their diets to help keep their skin and fur as soft, supple and glossy as ever before. Ever notice your dog’s dry skin in the winter months? Well, cold air and freezing temperatures can dry out the skin - just like us, humans - so giving a little boost of skin supporter power can help keep their skin soft and supple in the winter months.

Incredible for Inflammation

Coconut Oil is rich in MCTs (Medium chain triglycerides) which are digested much easier than the fats in your dog’s usual food. MCTs are transported to the liver which then transforms them into ketones helping to detox and aid digestion in your dog’s body. Being high in the MCT( lauric acid), coconut oil can help both your dog’s detoxification and digestive system. In addition, lauric acid also has amazing anti-inflammatory properties so a great treat for senior dogs who may be suffering from arthritis or any musco-sketal problems. 

Delicious Dental Care

Does your dog suffer from stinky breath? Well, coconut can help more than you know! Dried or strips of fresh coconut can act as natural dental treats helping to clean teeth, massage gums and freshen breath. Its chewy and tough texture helps to push away any build-up of food as your dog chews meaning their teeth stay cleaner and healthier for longer. Coconut acts as Mother Nature’s tropical toothbrush great to support the oral health of dogs who may not like brush times as much as others.

Beat the Bacteria

Finally, coconut is full of antioxidants that can aid in keeping bugs and bacteria at bay. Despite the onset of autumn, the UK is still harbouring the humidity of the summer seasons often causing our pets to sweat in their sensitive spots. As dogs sweat through their paws, they can be prone to fungal infections and skin irritations so both in their diets and topically, coconut oil can help keep their bodies fungal-free for longer.

With a plethora of brilliant benefits for dogs, coconut oil can be a healthy and wholesome way of keeping your dog happy and healthy all year round. Supporting their immune, digestive, dental and skin health, when it comes to tasty treats - it’s impossible for your dog not to go coconutty for this one.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Oil? 

Coconut oil is natural oil produced from the milk and meat of the coconut fruit. Coconut oil is so amazing it can actually be eaten or applied topically to your dog’s skin to alleviate itches and rashes. However, it is most commonly used within dog treats or fed on its own to support our pets' health and well-being. 

According to research, it is best to introduce coconut oil into your dog’s diet in stages so start with ¼ teaspoon for small dogs and then gradually increase to 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon for larger dogs. As it is high in fat, do not give your dog coconut oil more than once a day as doing so can leave to a troublesome tummy. 

Top Tip! Combine coconut oil with peanut butter, and berries or even coat with roasted root veggies like pumpkin, butternut squash or sweet potato to create some healthy fries both you and your dog can enjoy. 

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Milk?

Like any treat we give to our canine companions, moderation is what leads to magic. Over-feeding your dog anything too delicious and delightful can have negative effects on digestion and weight so it is always best to feed in smaller quantities to have the best effects. 

Coconut milk is made when water is added to the coconut meat (white flesh) resulting in a creamy-like texture often used in cocktails and food preparation. Coconut milk is packed full of vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s health and well-being and keep them hydrated on warmer days. 

However, what is important to remember is that coconut milk is unlike coconut water and does not naturally occur in coconuts. Coconut milk is manufactured and often supermarket brands contain added sugars and sweeteners. Opt for brands containing no added sugar, or preservatives as these will be the most suitable for your furry friend.

Top Tip! Simply pour into ice-cube trays and freeze to give both your dog, especially a puppy, a soothing dental treat with a difference. 

Can Dogs Eat Dried Coconut?

With any dehydrated fruits, the more natural the better. Coconut flakes and strips found in supermarkets and high-street stores often contain high levels of sugar and preservatives to keep the coconut tasting sweet and creamy. 

Roasting coconut in the oven yourself can naturally dry out this fruit without any added nastiness. Grating and roasting also brings out the coconut's natural earthy flavour meaning your dog gets pawfuls of fantastic flavour without compromising its nourishing nutritional value. 

Brands of air-dried coconut treats, from wholefood and specialist stores, are another way to feed your dog healthy pieces of coconut. These can act as superb dental chews helping to keep teeth and gums in tip top shape. 

Can Dogs Drink Coconut Water? 

Unlike its manufactured counterpart, coconut water is more natural and nourishing for your four-legged friend. Coconut water is the clear liquid found in young coconuts (green ones) before they become brown and the liquid begins to soak into the coconut flesh. 

Coconut water is consumed throughout the world and is completely safe in its pure and natural form. Although supermarkets do not sell young coconuts as they are not the ripe form of the brown husky ones we are so firmly friendly with, the small amount of coconut water found in brown coconuts makes the pawfect treat for your furry friend. 

Coconut water contains no added fat, sugars or preservatives so acts as a tasty form of hydration for dogs who might not be fond of their water bowl or drinking water when out on their outdoor adventures. Per 100g, coconut water contains only 19 calories making it pawfect for weight loss or managing obesity in your dog. 

With naturally occurring electrolytes and vitamin C, coconut water can give your pooch a daily boost of energy whilst keeping their bodies healthy and hydrated all day long. 

How to Safely Feed Coconut to your Dog 

Feeding your dog coconut really couldn’t be easier. The work just comes in preparation. As coconut is great for dogs in both cooked and raw forms, you can go from the supermarket shelf to your dog’s bowl once you crack the code of this tasty tropical treat. 

It is vital to never give your dog a whole coconut to attempt to eat. Although dogs’ teeth are sharp and capable of munching down on bone - cracking a coconut can cause fundamental problems to their teeth, gums and jaws if left alone. Also, the husk (hairy part) and shell can pose a choking hazard to dogs if swallowed so best to keep them well out of your dog’s way. 

The best way to prepare is safely open the coconut yourself is to bake the coconut whole in the oven at 200C for 20 minutes until the outer shell begins to crack. Then, spoon out the flesh and grate, cut it into cubes/slices and feed to your furry friend. We know you may ask how many coconuts should I feed my dog. Well, we suggest in any form that you start your pooch on ¼ teaspoon for small dogs per day and 1 teaspoon for medium-sized or larger dogs then steadily increase to 1 teaspoon for smaller and 1 tablespoon for larger. 

Here at Soopa, we have three forms of coconut-based treats for your dog to enjoy:

Coconut Fruit Chews -  Made with 100% naturally dried coconut, our dental chews are a pawfect way to care for your dog’s teeth in a healthy and wholesome way. Chewy and tasty, these treats can help combat plaque and build-up without any visits to a doggy dentist. 

Coconut & Chia Healthy Bites - Low-in-fat and less than 3 calories per bite, these brilliant bites are a superb training treat for all ages and a great treat for senior dogs on weight management plans. 

Coconut & Chia Dental Sticks - This pack of trio treats are a pawfect way of managing your dog’s daily dental care. The combination of coconut and chia helps to clean teeth and also manage a healthy immune system and shiny coat.

Treat your Dog to All Natural Coconut Treats 

Full to the brim of soopa powers, this tropical treat is the best way of treating your dog in both a healthy and wholesome way. Whether it is pure coconut, coconut water or our scrumptious snacks, giving your dog coconut can help boost their immune system, maintain a healthy skin and coat and keep their eyes in excellent condition. 

Made with nothing more than 100% human-grade coconut, our natural treats allow you to add coconut to our dog’s diet without any of the fuss and stress of preparing this fabulous fruit. So, with a plethora of brilliant benefits for your dog’s health and wellbeing, this incredible ingredient will most definitely make your dog coconuts for more.