Is Coconut Oil Good For Dogs?
Can dogs have coconut oil? The short answer is Yes. Coconut oil 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 Coconut Oil Is Healthy For Pets
The big benefits of coconut oil come from the 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.
MCT's are coconut oil's secret weapon. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are good fats, 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.
MCTs include lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid. 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.
Check out these creative ways to get coconut oil into your dogs diet!
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. Some evidence suggests that 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.
Potential benefits that may have been attributed to coconut oil include:
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
- 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
- A 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, starting with a tiny amount. Your dog needs to take time for their body to adjusts to the addition to their diet. If you start with a larger amount of coconut oil, your dog could react poorly. Side effects can include diarrhea or greasy stools.
We have covered a lot so far, for more info about fats check out,WEBMD for some good information.
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!
For a free printable infographic of the dosage amounts, click here.
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 For Dogs 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.
Coconut Oil Dog Products
While you can give your dog straight coconut oil, what we REALLY love, are treats that have nutritional benefits for our four-legged family members. Here are some fantastic healthy products that your dog will love, with the benefits of nutritious coconut oil.
Within two weeks, his coat was more silky, his skin wasn't red and irritated and he stopped itching so much. The best part is he loves it! He will not eat his kibble without the oil. Definitely give this natural remedy a try!
My dog would spit out pills wrapped in pb, cheese, or meat but will gobble down anything in coconut oil. His fur is silky soft and he burps less often now too.
It's important to note that there have not been extensive studies on the benefits of coconut oil, and not all veterinarians agree with these purported benefits. When using coconut oil, or any other nutritional supplement, remember the prhase "your mileage may vary" and look for benefits in your individual pet.
If you've learned anything from this guide, be sure to share it with your friends! If you still have questions about coconut oil for your dog, visit our Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Oil For Dogs blog.