Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

What is Coconut Oil?

While the extraordinary health benefits of coconut oil for humans is well-known, not many people may be aware that the beneficial properties of coconut oil can also be an excellent addition to any dog’s diet. Coconut oil is almost exclusively (over 90%) saturated fat of which are primarily healthy medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Nearly all of coconut oil’s health benefits derives from the MCTs. Lauric acid, which makes up nearly half of the MCTs in coconut oil, is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that can help support the immune system. Similarly, the capric and caprylic acid in coconut oil help balance insulin levels and also provide antifungal protection. In addition to protecting the body against infections, coconut oil require no lipase or bile (from the gall bladder) to digest allowing it to be an excellent source of energy that is readily metabolized by the body.

Why is Coconut Oil Health for Pets

According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, coconut oil is a supplemental superfood that can gently increase metabolism, improves digestion, protect your dog from illnesses, reduces allergic reactions, accelerate the healing of wounds, and improves your dog’s skin and coat health. Fed regularly, coconut oil have a wide range of additional benefits that may help improve your dog’s quality of life such as:

Healthy Skin and Coat Benefits

• Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candidiasis and thrush
• Improves skin health and conditions dog hair to develop sleek and glossy fur coats
• Provides deodorizing benefits upon application, minimizing doggy odor
• Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin
• Reduces allergic reactions
• Rejuvenates the skin and protects against skin cancer, acne, age spots, and other blemishes
• Applied topically, provides relief of hot spots, dry skin and hair, insect bites, and stings
• Applied topically, disinfects cuts and promotes the healing speed of wounds

Digestion Benefits

• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
• Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
• Aids healing of digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and colitis
• Aids in the elimination of hairballs and coughing

Immune System & Overall Health Benefits

• Prevents and treats viral infections, including measles, herpes, and the flu
• Aids in weight management of sedentary and overweight dogs
• Helps balance the body’s metabolism and hormones
• Promotes normal thyroid function and insulin regulation
• Improves cholesterol levels and helps fight heart disease
• Reduces the risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions
• Aids in relief of arthritis and ligament pains
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
• Helps prevent or control diabetes

How Much Coconut Oil for Dogs

As always, it is important to start slow when introducing new ingredients or supplements to your dog’s diet. You should start with a tiny amount to allow your dog’s body to adjust to the addition to his/her diet. If you start with too much too soon, your dog could react poorly. The side effects is usually diarrhea or greasy stools.

Introduction Dosage Rate

• ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies
• 1 teaspoon for large dogs, or less if your dog is known to have a food sensitivity

After a period of adjustment and tolerance, the daily recommended dosage of coconut oil for dogs is:

Recommended Dosage Rate

• 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight
• Or about 1 tablespoon per 30 lbs of body weight