Yes, in moderation
dogs can have small amounts of coconut oil, but it is pure fat and calories, and the health claims are mostly unproven. Too much can cause diarrhea, weight gain or pancreatitis.
| Can dogs eat it? | In moderation |
| Calories | About 10 kcal per 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil |
| Main benefit | Not toxic |
| Main risk | Very high in calories (about 40 kcal per teaspoon) |
| Puppies? | In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs |
Free · instant · based on veterinary formulas
Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil has about 10 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if coconut oil were the only treat.
| Dog weight | Daily treat budget | Max coconut oil per day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 35 kcal | 3 × 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 59 kcal | 5.5 × 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 98 kcal | 9.5 × 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 60 lb (27.2 kg) | 133 kcal | 13 × 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 80 lb (36.3 kg) | 166 kcal | 16 × 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil |
Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.
Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.
Yes, dogs can have small amounts of coconut oil, but it is pure fat and calories, and the health claims are mostly unproven. Too much can cause diarrhea, weight gain or pancreatitis.
A thin layer is generally safe, but your dog will lick it off. See your vet for itchy or flaky skin, which often has an underlying cause.
Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.
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This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
In moderation
Yes, dogs can have small amounts of coconut oil, but it is pure fat and calories, and the health claims are mostly unproven.