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Is Coconut Oil Good For Dogs: Can dogs have coconut oil? The short answer is Yes. Coconut oil is good for dogs and can help aid your pets' digestion, improve their coats, help prevent infection and more. But please note, it is important to follow the proper guidelines. As with most things, too much of even a good thing can end up having negative effects. Why Is Coconut Oil Healthy For Pets: The big benefits of coconut oil comes from the type of fats it is made of. Coconut oil is almost exclusively (more than 90%) saturated fat and is one of the few foods that can be classified as a "superfood". I know what you're thinking, "Isn't fat bad for you?" In this case no. There are two groups of fats: saturated fats and unsaturated and within each group are several more types of fats. It can get a little confusing. MCT's are coconut oils secret weapon. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) is good fat, the kind that provides an array of benefits which include digestion improvement, immune system support, metabolic function that assists with weight loss, skin and coat health and thyroid health. MCT is made up of Lauric Acid, Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid and Palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids). Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid also have similar properties as lauric acid and are best known for their anti-fungal effects In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic. Ok enough of the science, now on to the fun stuff. Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs As we've stated, coconut oil has several benefits for your dog. Let's go over a few of them. Coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects your dog from illness, and speeds healing. As a bonus, coconut oil can improve dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions. Healthy Skin and Coat Clears up eczema Aids flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin Minimizes doggy odor Reduces allergic reactions Creates sleek and glossy coats Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections When applied topically coconut oil promotes wound healing Also can help with hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings Improves Digestion Increases nutrient absorption Helps with colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome Reduces or eliminates bad breath Helps with coughing "Superfood" Benefits Assists with weight loss Powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agents Balances insulin and promotes normal thyroid function Helps prevent or control diabetes Aids arthritis and ligament problems Helps prevent infection and disease Aids in increasing energy How Much Coconut Oil for Dogs How much coconut oil should you give your dog? When starting your dog on coconut oil, it is absolutely vital that you start slow. Begin slow, start with a tiny amount. Your dog needs to take time for their body to adjust to the addition to their diet. If you start with larger amounts of coconut oil, your dog could react poorly. Side effects can include diarrhea or greasy stools. Start with Small Amounts ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies. 1 teaspoon for large dogs, or even just a dab if your dog's constitution is sensitive. After you've let their body adjust, a general guideline for the optimal dose of coconut oil for dogs is. About 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily Or about 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds Again, DO NOT start with these amounts in the beginning! NOTE – I have personally been feeding my 2 German Shepherds coconut oil for about 3 years. Both my dogs are 85/90 pounds and going by this recommendation, I would be feeding 3 tablespoons per day. It is my opinion that this is a bit on the high side if you plan on feeding it every day. I feed my dogs one tablespoon per day and feel like they are getting all the benefits. (This in not part of this article but my personal opinion – Loraine Sullivan, German Shepherd Owners, Admin.) Coconut Oil On Dog's Skin In addition to giving your dog orally, coconut oil can be applied directly to your dog’s coat and skin. As we stated earlier, because coconut oil contains lauric acid, it is a fabulous immune builder, both orally and topically. A coconut oil treatment will leave your dog's skin incredibly soft, but it will also make it healthier. A coconut oil skin treatment about once a week can make a big difference in the health of your dog's skin and nails. For good results, apply to the skin and let the oil absorb for about five minutes. After the five minutes, you can apply and a very light rinse. If you feel you haven't removed the excess oil, finish up with a light application of shampoo and another quick rinse. Coconut Oil side effects Your dog may experience some side effects from coconut oil. Generally this happens if you give too much coconut oil to your dog too quickly. We recommend that you start slowly and see how your pet reacts. The most common side effects for your dog can include diarrhea or greasy stools. Source: https://www.sitstay.com/blogs/good-dog-blog/37662913-coconut-oil-for-dogs-the-ultimate guide What other people are saying about the benefits of coconut oil for dog’s Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Karen Becker, says “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs. I recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for basic MCT support.” Source: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/ A great video on how to use coconut oil as a skin treatment on a dog. Coconut Oil: This Kitchen Staple May Be Perfect for Your Pet’s Skin – http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/12/16/coconut-oil-treatment.aspx What type of coconut oil should you use for your dog? There are two main types of coconut oil. Refined coconut oil (often labeled RBD – “refined, bleached, and deodorized”), is made from copra, or dried coconut meat, then treated to remove impurities. Most RBD coconut oil is inexpensive, bland, and odorless. It doesn’t contain all of the nutrients found in unrefined oil, its fragrance and flavor are different, and in most cases the coconuts used to produce it are of low quality and chemicals like chorine and hexane are used in the refining process. Some brands of refined coconut oil are labeled for use as a skin and hair care product. Unrefined or “virgin” coconut oil, which is made from fresh coconuts, has culinary and health experts excited. Pressed by hand using traditional methods or manufactured in state-of-the-art factories, virgin coconut oil retains most of the nutrients found in fresh coconut. Source: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_11/features/alternative-treatments updated_20861-1.html Additional information: What to buy: You want to buy “unrefined, virgin, cold pressed, organic” coconut oil for the best health benefits for your dog. It is also advisable to buy coconut oil in a glass container since it will be stored for a length of time and will be changing back and forth from liquid to solid. It does not need to be refrigerated once open, it can be stored in a cabinet at room temperature. Difference in processing methods: “Cold-pressed” means that the coconut oil is made in a heat-controlled environment and processed at temperatures that never exceed 120 degrees. Expeller-pressed (which you will see on some unrefined coconut labels) is a good quality, but it is processed at a higher temperature, typically around 210 degrees. Because cold-pressed coconut oil is processed at lower temperatures, it contains a higher phenolic and nutrient content than expeller-pressed oil. (Source – Coconut Oil for beginners) Where to buy: Just about every place sells unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil. Your best type will usually be found in health food stores such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. You can also order on-line at most herb stores or Amazon. How to feed: Coconut oil can be added directly to the food or fed right off the spoon. Coconut oil becomes a liquid above 75 degrees F. (25 C.), and below that it will be solid. It can be stored and fed in either form, and it can be liquefied easily by applying low level heat.
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