There are many different things that tend to be trendy when it comes to our health but one that many people think of is coconut oil. At one time, it was primarily used for cooking purposes but today, it seems to be good for almost any problem you may be dealing with. As it turns out, this may not only be true for humans but it may be true for pets as well.
As a responsible pet owner, we want to ensure that our animals are as happy and healthy as they can possibly be. What you may not realise is that adding coconut oil into your dog’s daily regimen may be the best thing you have ever done for them. It is such a small thing to do but the impact can be tremendous.
Coconut oil has many benefits for dogs and there are many ways to use it on a daily basis. Dog owners sometimes use coconut oil as a way to improve their dog’s health. It also can be beneficial for many canine conditions and there is nothing showing that it is bad for dogs.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?
To answer the question directly, yes! Coconut oil is good for dogs.
Now let’s take a look at the science. There have been some studies done in regards to the benefits of coconut oil on humans. There’s no reason for us to think that dogs are not able to experience the same advantages. Using coconut oil and dogs has the benefit of providing them with a high level of saturated fat.
Saturated fat?? More than likely, you are wondering how anyone could recommend giving saturated fat as a healthy alternative. The fact is, coconut oil has saturated fats but they are made up of medium chain triglycerides. The American Society of nutrition had the following to say on coconut oil: “because coconut oil is made of primarily medium chain fatty acids, it is broken down immediately for use rather than stored.”
Understanding the specifics of fat can be confusing but what is important to understand is that coconut oil contains fats that can help with everything from weight loss to improving digestive function. It is also good for the skin and coat, the thyroid and offers immune support.
Are Dogs Allowed to Eat Coconut Oil?
Again, the simple answer is yes, dogs are perfectly capable of eating coconut oil. Some dogs could even sit down and eat an entire jar and at the worst, they would have some loose stools. Coconut oil is not toxic and it can sit on the shelf for two years before going rancid.
Adding a little coconut oil to your dog’s food on a daily basis will offer many benefits. Most people begin with 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight. It’s better if you start small and work your way up to see what they can tolerate. Some dogs may have flulike symptoms if you give them too much too quickly.
There are not omega-3 oils in coconut oil like you would find in fish. Omega-3s are also important for your dog’s diet, so it’s good to rotate coconut oil with other oils that are high in omega threes.
“The addition of coconut oil is relatively safe but should be accounted for in your dog’s calorie allotment, and you should make your vet aware that you give it.”
That isn’t even to mention the fact that dogs love the taste of coconut oil. Some may be fussy eaters and you could substitute coconut water or coconut milk. It is also important not to buy the cheapest coconut oil you can find. Look for high quality, organic coconut oil in a glass jar. You can find what you need at Trader Joe’s.
What Are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs?
Dogs will experience many benefits to eating coconut oil. Those benefits include the following.
1. Healthy coat – adding coconut oil to your dog’s food will make their coat glossy and sleek.
2. Skin – if your dog is suffering from a skin condition, including dry skin, hotspots, bites or infections, you can apply coconut oil directly to the problem. Dogs will enjoy the extra attention and you can feel comfortable using this safe product.
Coconut oil will be chunky or solid when it is colder and will start to liquefy around 78°F. If you need it to melt, just rub some between your hands quickly and it will melt right away.
3. Wound care – if your dog is having a problem with cuts, scrapes or other wounds, you can apply coconut oil to the issue. It is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Even if your dog starts licking the area, it is a safe choice.
It is best if you keep the dog from licking the area until the coconut oil has absorbed. Use the following recipe:
Put four tablespoons of coconut oil in a glass jar or
bottle.
Let it sit in the sun in a warm spot until it reaches room
temperature.
Add 12 drops of oregano oil (be sure you don’t apply oregano oil
directly to your dog).
Mix the coconut oil and oregano oil together with a spoon.
Use the cream as a topical antibiotic (it’s OK if your dog licks
it, too).
Place a lid on the jar, and it will last several months.
4. Odors – Coconut oil can help a dog with bad breath but it can also help to keep them from stinking between baths.
5. Brains – when your dog gets older, they may begin to lose some of their cognitive abilities. You can use coconut oil to treat an aging brain and keep your dog strong mentally. There is some thought that coconut oil may also help humans who have dementia.
6. Weight loss – if you want your dog to lose weight, add some coconut oil to their diet.
7. The immune system – using coconut oil can help to boost the dogs immunity. This is due to some of the natural ingredients that are included within it. It helps to keep yeast or bacterial infections at bay, so it helps to boost the immunity even further.
8. Diabetes – if your dog suffers from diabetes, adding some coconut oil to the daily diet can help them to fight it. It helps to increase their energy and reduce their weight, which can help a diabetic dog.
9. Digestion – when your dog takes coconut oil, it helps to speed their metabolism and allows them to absorb nutrients easier.
What Kind of Coconut Oil?
When you buy your dog coconut oil, try to buy enough so you can feed them 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of weight. You should also look for a high-quality coconut oil that is virgin, organic and unrefined.
An unrefined coconut oil will have less of the coconut smell and taste. It is also processed from fresh coconuts, so you’re getting a higher quality oil for your money.
When coconut oils are refined, they may be less expensive but they tend to be made from dried coconuts rather than fresh.
Above all, be sure you speak to your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet.
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