Coconut yogurt is a yummy treat on its own but is also versatile as you can use it in various recipes. You can add a spoonful of coconut yogurt to your soups, pancakes, and even desserts. Coconut yogurt also makes all of your fruit smoothies creamier and tastier!
When it comes to sharing coconut yogurt with your dogs, here is the answer: yes, your dogs can eat coconut yogurt as long as it’s all-natural. This means that the coconut yogurt should be free from any additives, such as artificial colors and flavors. All-natural coconut yogurt offers the following to your fur babies:
Great Source of Probiotics
Coconut yogurt is primarily made of kefir, which is an excellent source of probiotics. Kefir supports canine digestive health in many ways and helps treat symptoms of digestive issues, such as constipation and bloating. Coconut yogurt also promotes gut motility among dogs by maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in their digestive tracts.
Rich in Nutrients
Because it contains coconut milk, coconut yogurt is rich in micronutrients and macronutrients, making it a nutritionally wholesome treat for your dogs. The main macronutrients found in coconut milk are carbohydrates and fatty acids — two compounds that provide energy to dogs. The healthy fats found in coconut milk also promote better coat health and digestive health.
Coconut yogurt also offers several micronutrients, namely vitamins. Some of the most common vitamins found in coconut yogurt are vitamins C and E and a variety of B-complex vitamins. Your dogs can also get different minerals, such as iron, selenium, and sodium from coconut yogurt.
Low in Sugar
A high-sugar diet is a no-no for dogs because it increases their risk of developing different health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Fortunately, feeding your dogs with coconut yogurt will protect them from all of these health issues as it’s low in sugar.
The low sugar content of coconut yogurt can also help maintain your dogs’ healthy weights, especially if their breed is prone to obesity.
Good Source of Calcium
Your dogs need calcium just as humansas how humans need calcium. By feeding your dogs coconut yogurt, they can meet this nutritional requirement and ensure that their bones and teeth stay strong and healthy. Calcium also helps pregnant dogs maintain the growing fetuses in their bodies and produce enough milk for their litter.
Are There Any Risks of Feeding Dogs Coconut Yogurt?
Feeding your dogs with coconut yogurt made for humans can result in several health risks. Coconut yogurt for humans is usually made with artificial sweeteners and additives, which can trigger stomach upset among canines.
Coconut yogurt for humans can cause the following symptoms in dogs:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms indicating that your dogs are having problems digesting coconut yogurt. The severity and duration of diarrhea your dogs will experience will vary depending on how sensitive their guts are and the amount of coconut yogurt they consumed.
Reduced Appetite
When your dogs’ stomachs are irritated due to the ingredients found in coconut yogurt, they’ll lose appetite and won’t have any interest in eating. A reduced appetite is a cause for concern as it can eventually lead to nutrient deficiencies and make your dogs sickly.
Lethargy
When your dogs aren’t eating, they’ll eventually have reduced activity levels and become lethargic. When dogs become lethargic for days that nothing gets their attention, you need to seek professional help right away.
How Much Coconut Yogurt Should You Give Your Dogs?
Moderation is key when feeding coconut yogurt to your dogs. Ideally, you should only give your dogs about one tablespoon of coconut yogurt every day. You can adjust the amount depending on how your dogs react after eating coconut yogurt.
How Can You Serve Coconut Yogurt to Dogs?
You can serve coconut yogurt to your fur babies in different ways, namely:
- Pour the coconut yogurt into ice cube trays and let it freeze overnight. This frozen treat is a great snack for your dogs during hot summer days.
- You can also add a tablespoon of coconut yogurt on top of your dogs’ regular kibbles. This will make their meals tastier and more exciting!
- If you have dog biscuits at home, dip one side with coconut yogurt before giving them to your dogs. This is a simple yet effective way of adding flavor to your dogs’ treats.
Is Homemade Coconut Yogurt Better Than Store-Bought Coconut Yogurt?
Yes, it is! In fact, it’s better to make coconut yogurt from scratch to ensure that it’s free from any harmful ingredients that might hurt your dogs. The process of creating homemade coconut yogurt is actually easy: you just need full-fat coconut milk and probiotic capsules.
Can Dogs Have Coconut Water?
Yes, they can! Coconut water is a refreshing and flavorful drink that you can actually give your dogs once in a while. Aside from hydrating your fur babies, coconut milk also helps eliminate free radicals from their bodies and provides many nutrients, such as potassium and vitamin C.
Your Vet is Your Ally
Coconut yogurt offers several health benefits, but because it also comes with risks, it’s best to consult your vet before giving any to your fur babies. They can provide tips about how much coconut yogurt your dogs should have and how you can properly incorporate it into their diets.