Can Dogs Have Coconut Water? (The Basic Answer)

So, many of you may be wondering, can dogs have coconut water? Yes, coconut water is safe for dogs but you should always introduce it slowly in case it upsets your dog’s stomach. Coconut water has some benefits that go beyond plain water such as vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.

If you’re an active pet parent that likes to keep moving with their dog then you know how much being thirsty can bring down an otherwise fun day.

Think about what it’s like for you to be thirsty on an active hot day, now consider putting on a fur coat and then adding in a limited ability to sweat. Welcome to your dog’s life.

When it comes to hydration, there’s more needed than water. Hydration means putting back in what we lose like electrolytes. While coconut water certainly contains more than just water, it’s not a “miracle” drink, especially when you consider the often high price.

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Related Reading: Tips to Fatten Up Your Dog

Can coconut water be dangerous for dogs?

Not usually. Like everything, it’s possible to ingest too much of it, but this is not likely. Coconut water contains a moderate amount of potassium, and drinking excessive amounts can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that occurs when there is too much potassium present in the blood, causing kidney failure.

However, there is much less potassium in 100 mL of coconut water than there is in even a small banana, so your pup would have to drink several liters of coconut water in one sitting in order for hyperkalemia to even become a risk.

Another risk that could arise is that your pup could have an allergic reaction to coconut water and get an upset stomach.

This is not common, but to make sure your dog’s belly tolerates the liquid, we recommend giving them only a small amount the first time they drink coconut water. If his stomach responds well, you can up the amount.

The final risk does not stem from the coconut water itself but from how you use it. Make sure you’re not giving your pet coconut water as a substitute for actual water. Just because coconut water is healthy and contains electrolytes does not mean that it’s a complete substitute for pure water.

Imagine if you only drank Gatorade for several days. You would most likely become dehydrated and begin to crave plain water.

Your pup is the same way, but they can’t simply stand up and grab a glass of water whenever they feel thirsty, so it’s important that you provide it to them in their bowl, using coconut water as a supplement rather than a replacement.

What is coconut water?

Before we tell you whether or not you should feed it to your dog, it’s important for you to know exactly what coconut water is. Put simply, coconut water is the clear liquid found inside a coconut.

As suggested by its name, this drink is primarily water—about 95 percent, but the other 5 percent has many important nutritional qualities. Though it is composed mostly of carbohydrates, it contains small amounts of important vitamins and minerals.

Coconut water is different from coconut milk, which is a cream-colored liquid created by grinding the pulp of coconut.

The distinction is important to note because while coconut water is a mild, low-fat drink, coconut milk is high in saturated fat and oil, making it decadent and generally unhealthy.

Coconut Water for Dogs

You’ll be pleased to know that yes, your fur baby can safely drink coconut water. Not only that, but it actually has a handful of important health benefits.

Coconut water is an important immune system booster, so many dog owners like to give it to their pets after their pets undergo a surgical operation, but your dog doesn’t need to go through surgery in order to reap the rewards of coconut water.

Some experts believe coconut water can actually help to fight off viruses faster. It also contains lots of electrolytes, which are great for replenishing and hydrating your pup, especially before or after a long walk, run, or hike.

Coconut milk, on the other hand, is not good for your dog, which is why it’s important that you know the difference. Coconut milk is high in calories, which, if given to your dog frequently or in large amounts, can lead to weight gain.

It also contains lots of oils, which, while not toxic, are not healthy for dogs (or humans, for that matter).

Consuming excessive oil will likely give your pet an upset stomach and may even result in bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea, which is messy for you and very uncomfortable for your fur baby.

Some dogs’ stomachs can tolerate oil in small amounts, but other dogs have a strong reaction to even a small portion of coconut milk, so it’s best not to risk it. Stick to coconut water, and reap the benefits.

Dogs and Human Food

Any dog owner knows that one of the most challenging aspects of raising a pup is knowing what they can and can’t safely eat, and how much. Some foods and drinks, such as chocolate and alcohol, are widely known to be toxic to dogs.

Others are not toxic, but are not healthy either and can be dangerous in large amounts. Other foods are perfectly safe, and others yet have known health benefits for pups.

In general, as a pet owner, you should try to stay within the third and fourth categories, maybe giving your pet a small treat from the second category on rare occasions, but in order to know what human foods to feed your pet and how often, you must do some research.

That’s where we hope to help. One particular question you might have is, “Can dogs have coconut water?” Keep reading to find out.

Different types of coconut water

There aren’t too many restrictions when it comes to buying coconut water for your dog. Some pet stores and supermarkets sell “dog” branded coconut water.

These choices are guaranteed to be safe, but your dog can also drink ordinary, human-grade coconut water. Just make sure that you look at the ingredients list on the packaging to see whether or not it contains additives such as sugar.

The kind you want to buy for your dog should have no additives. Otherwise, it could be unhealthy for your pup, and your fur baby might even have an adverse reaction to some of the sugar or preservatives in the water.

Final Thoughts

Not only do most dogs love the taste, but regular doses of coconut water can also provide many health benefits.

Just make sure you’re purchasing pure coconut water without additives, and make sure you’re not giving your dog coconut milk instead, and he should be fine.

Now you’re ready to make coconut water a regular part of your fur baby’s diet.