ByHealthy coconut dog treats are baked oat cookies made with a little unsweetened shredded coconut, oat flour, one egg, and unsweetened applesauce, pressed flat with a fork. They take about 15 minutes to prep and 14 to 16 minutes to bake. The #1 safety rule is to use only unsweetened coconut and keep the fat low, since coconut is rich in fat.
If your dog loves this one, you will find 29 more in my healthy homemade dog treats.
Most coconut dog treats online are no-bake balls packed with coconut oil and peanut butter. They’re tasty, but they’re rich. I wanted a lighter, baked cookie that still tastes like coconut. These little fork-pressed cookies are the answer. They look just like old-fashioned peanut butter cookies, minus the peanut butter.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 14 to 16 minutes
- Total time: about 45 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: about 24 small cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: up to 1 week in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Mix oat flour, unsweetened shredded coconut, an egg, applesauce, and just 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Roll small balls, press them with a fork, and bake. Use unsweetened coconut only, and keep these as an occasional treat.
Is Coconut Safe for Dogs?
Yes, in small amounts. Coconut is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in fat.
PetMD’s vet-reviewed coconut guide says coconuts are not toxic and that coconut meat can be a treat in moderation. It also says coconuts are a source of saturated fat, which can give a dog an upset stomach. The ASPCA agrees that small amounts are not likely to cause serious harm. It adds that coconut flesh and milk contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools, and diarrhea.
That’s why this recipe uses only ½ cup of shredded coconut for the whole batch.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?
A little is fine for most dogs, but it’s not a health cure. The AKC’s coconut oil guide says coconut oil is at least 90% saturated fat.
The AKC article quotes vets who warn that feeding coconut oil can lead to weight gain and stomach trouble. One vet explains that long-term feeding can lead to obesity and even trigger pancreatitis. So I use just 1 tablespoon in the whole batch to help the dough hold together.
Healthy Oat and Coconut Dog Cookies Recipe
This dough is soft and a little sticky. Wet your fork so it doesn’t stick when you press.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (blend about 2 cups plain rolled oats)
- ½ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut, plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
- â…“ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water, as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stir the oat flour and ½ cup coconut together in a large bowl.
- Whisk the egg, applesauce, and melted coconut oil in a small bowl.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix.
- Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is crumbly.
- Roll 1-tablespoon scoops into balls.
- Set the balls on the tray, 1 inch apart.
- Dip a fork in water.
- Press each ball flat with the fork.
- Turn the fork and press again to make a crisscross.
- Sprinkle a pinch of coconut on top.
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the edges are golden.
- Cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
- Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Unsweetened coconut only. Sweetened flaked coconut adds sugar your dog doesn’t need. Read the bag.
- No coconut milk. PetMD says coconut milk is naturally high in fat and that high-fat foods can cause pancreatitis.
- Never the husk or shell. PetMD warns coconut husks can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.
- Unsweetened applesauce. Skip “no sugar added” products made with sweeteners. VCA Animal Hospitals says even small amounts of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure.
- Coconut drinks: PetMD notes some coconut drinks can contain xylitol. Keep them out of dog treats.
Pro Tip: Pulse the shredded coconut in a blender for a few seconds before mixing. Smaller shreds blend into the dough, so the cookies don’t crumble at the edges.
How Many Coconut Cookies Can My Dog Have?
One cookie a day is plenty for a medium dog. Small dogs should get half a cookie.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the general rule is that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from complete and balanced food. The other 10% can come from treats and snacks.
For an easy chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day. And if you’re wondering about sweet flavors in general, read can I give my dog sweet treats.
Vet Tip: Rich foods can be risky for some dogs. If your dog has had pancreatitis, has a sensitive stomach, or is on a low-fat diet, ask your vet before you share coconut treats. PetMD also says coconut oil is best avoided for dogs prone to GI issues or pancreatic disease.
Are Coconut Treats Okay for Overweight Dogs?
Go easy. Coconut adds fat and calories fast, so these aren’t my first pick for a dog on a diet.
If your dog needs to slim down, swap in a lower-fat treat and keep portions tiny. My guide on how many calories a dog should eat to lose weight can help you plan. A dog health tracker makes it easier to see if activity is going up as treats go down.
Substitutions and Variations
You can tweak these cookies for allergies or pantry swaps.
Allergy Swaps
- Egg-free: Use 3 extra tablespoons of applesauce instead of the egg. The cookies will be a bit softer.
- Apple-free: Use â…“ cup mashed ripe banana or plain pumpkin puree instead of applesauce.
Grain-Free Option
Use 1 cup chickpea flour plus 2 tablespoons coconut flour instead of oat flour. Coconut flour soaks up a lot of liquid, so add water slowly.
Oil-Free Version
Leave out the coconut oil and add 1 more tablespoon of applesauce. The cookies will be a little drier but still hold together.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Roll 1-teaspoon balls and bake 10 to 12 minutes.
- Medium dogs: 1-tablespoon balls, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Roll 2-tablespoon balls and bake 18 to 20 minutes.
More Oat and Coconut Ideas
Want a no-bake version? Try my easy coconut dog treats. For more oat cookies, see my homemade oatmeal dog cookies, banana oat dog treats, or dog treats with applesauce.
The AKC’s oatmeal guide quotes a vet who calls oats a great alternative carb for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat. Want ready meals for busy weeks? Check out this variety dog meal plan.
How Do I Store Coconut Dog Cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze extras for up to 3 months.
Coconut can go stale and oily over time, so keep them cool. Throw out any that smell sour or rancid. No time to bake? Keep a stash of ready-made fresh dog treats on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat shredded coconut?
A: Yes, if it’s unsweetened and given in small amounts. PetMD suggests treating coconut meat as a treat, not an everyday food.
Q: Can I use sweetened coconut flakes?
A: No. They add sugar. Use unsweetened coconut only.
Q: Can I use more coconut oil?
A: I wouldn’t. The AKC’s coconut oil guide notes it can cause greasy stool or diarrhea, and long-term feeding can lead to weight gain.
Q: Why are my cookies crumbly?
A: The dough was too dry. Add 1 tablespoon of water and mix again before rolling.
Q: Can puppies eat these?
A: Ask your vet first. If they say yes, offer a small piece and watch for loose stools.
Q: Are these good for dogs with itchy skin?
A: Don’t count on it. The AKC says it is unclear how well coconut oil’s germ-fighting properties translate to canine skin disease. See your vet for itchy skin.
Final Thoughts
These healthy coconut dog treats are light, baked, and full of coconut flavor without a pile of extra fat. Use unsweetened coconut, keep the oil to one spoonful, and serve them now and then. Then enjoy watching your dog crunch away. Away at snack time? A dog camera lets you peek in and say hi.
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