Coconut water is delicious and has many nutritious benefits for people. I use it at least once a week when I make smoothies in my Vitamix. But just because it’s good for people, does it mean that dogs can drink it too? Pugs love human food as much as you and I, but it’s important to know what Pugs can eat and drink safely.
Can Pugs Drink Coconut Water?
So can Pugs drink coconut water? While there is no substitute for water, coconut can be a tasty occasional treat for your pooch.
You might have heard about the benefits of coconut oil for dogs! Many people use it to help keep their pet’s coat healthy, and can also be used as a tasty nutritious treat.
Coconut oil is not the only part of coconuts that provide benefits for canines. Many dogs love the taste of coconut water and there are many benefits your four-legged friend will experience from it.
Giving your pooch coconut water can be a great way to help restore their balance of electrolytes, similar to how we drink Gatorade when we’ve been involved in intense activity.
Let’s take a closer look at how this drink can benefit your pooch.
What Is Coconut Water?
To better understand why coconut water is good for your pooch, you first have to understand what it is and the nutrients that are found this drink.
Coconut water is the clear liquid that is found inside the fruit’s center of young green coconuts. It consists of 95% water and contains important vitamins and minerals that can benefit your pooch.
Don’t confuse it with coconut milk, which is actually found in the flesh of the coconut and contains a lot more calories. One cup of coconut water contains 45 calories while one cup of coconut milk contains about 500 calories.
Nutritional Facts
USDA nutritional information for 1 cup of coconut water:
- Protein: 1.8 grams
- Calories: 45.6
- Fat: 0.4 grams
- Sugars: 6.26 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8.9 grams
- Sodium: 252 mg
- Fiber: 2.6 grams
It is low in calories, sugar and contains potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and other nutrients to benefit both you and your pup.
Are There Any Benefits To Giving Pugs Coconut Water?
Coconut water has become extremely popular because of its ability to replenish electrolytes. It also contains less sugar than many other sports drinks.
So how does this benefit your pooch?
When given in moderation, it can help keep your pooch properly hydrated on a daily basis as well as assists dogs that are dealing with GI problems like diarrhea and parvovirus properly hydrated.
Here’s a list of some other benefits for your pooch:
- It contains cytokinins which are known to strengthen the connective tissues and reduce aging.
- Improves the immune system
- Good source of nutrients
- May have benefits against diabetes
- It helps improve your dog’s breath
- Helps with ligament and arthritic problems
While none of these health claims are proven, there is plenty of information and studies online that say this natural diuretic drink has many benefits.
Since it can’t harm your dog, there’s no reason not to see if it can help your pooch benefit from it, especially, if you already feed them other human foods and drinks.
The benefits your dog receives from coconuts will be dependent on the part you’re giving to them. The oil is known to contain antioxidants to protect their immune system.
If you live near a coconut tree, you can even feed your Pug coconut meat to provide them even more benefits.
Yes, your dog can drink coconut water, watch this video to find out more benefits.
Is Coconut Water Safe For Pugs?
Absolutely, there aren’t many risks when it comes to giving your four-legged friend coconut water. The important thing to remember is you don’t want to give them too much.
This should only be used as a treat, not as a replacement for water!
I’ll share some tips below on how to introduce coconut water into your dog’s diet below.
Do Dogs Need A Special Type of Coconut Water?
If you’re the type of pet parent who doesn’t like feeding your dog human grade products, you’ll love that there is coconut water that is made specifically for dogs. You should be able to find it at your local pet store or online.
That being said, there’s nothing wrong with giving your dog the same kind you use for your smoothies. If you’re going to share it with your dog, you should consider buying organic with no additives so it doesn’t affect your dog’s system.
Will My Pug Like The Taste?
Most dogs will enjoy the taste, the best thing to do is introduce it slowly. There’s a good chance your dog will drink it up after all Pugs are known to eat and drink anything you put in front of them.
Monitor your dog for any signs that it has upset their tummy. If your dog shows any signs of digestive issues, stop giving it to them. There are no harmful toxins, so your pooch should be fine, even if they don’t like the taste.
How To Give Pugs Coconut Water
If you don’t live in Florida or live near a coconut farm, you won’t be able to give your pet fresh coconut water. So you’ll want to buy the organic type from your supermarket or the pet-friendly version from a pet store.
Add a small amount to their regular drinking water. Small dogs like a Pug should get no more than half a cup per day, while bigger dogs can get a full cup.
If your pooch is on a raw diet, then you’re already cooking and preparing their meals. You can search online to find dog treats that call for milk or water and substitute it with coconut water.
Final Word On Pugs and Coconut Water
Even though this is NOT a substitute for water, I encourage Pug parents to give their dogs regular doses of coconut water. It’s a great way to keep your pooch hydrated and replenish electrolytes after physical activities or being exposed to hot temperatures for long periods.
That being said there is no substitute to your dog’s overall health than giving them a high-quality diet. If your pup loves eating human food then you may want to consider the freshest dog food made with human ingredients your dog will absolutely love!
References And Further Reading
Europe PMC – Suresh TP, Sharma KN – Electrolyte changes in plasma and urine during tender coconut water infusion in dogs.
Pet Helpful – Dr. Mark – How Your Dog Benefits From Coconut