Coconut meal, also known as copra meal or coconut flour, is a new ingredient turning up in pet diets very recently. It is being incorporated as an alternative to other starches like grains, tubers and legumes. Its popularity stems from the growing interest in coconut oil in the human food market, so there is a lot of “curb” appeal to this ingredient. But before we jump on the novelty train, maybe a deeper look into this ingredient — its origin, composition and utility — would be valuable.
It may seem obvious, but coconuts grow on coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) which are a member of the palm (Arecaceae) family. They grow in tropical climates where water and sunshine are plentiful. Top coconut-producing countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Brazil and Sri Lanka.
