She Feeds Her Dog Coconut Oil, Then Notices A Huge Transformation

Everyone who is up to speed on health trends is adding coconut oil to just about everything including their food, skin, and hair. Unrefined, organic coconut oil is lining the shelves of health food stores across the country.

Pet owners have noticed its health benefits for themselves and now incorporate coconut oil into their dog’s life as well. After all, dog lovers will stop at nothing to make sure their dog is happy and fit.

There are many benefits of coconut oil for dogs and different ways to use it in your dog’s daily life. Coconut oil is classified as a “superfood for dogs,” and who isn’t into superfoods lately?

More: [RECIPE] Super Simple Grain Free, Egg Free Coconut and Pear Cookie for Dogs

Trendsetting dog owners use coconut oil as a natural way to improve their dog’s overall health. It’s an alternative treatment for a variety of canine conditions, and there is no evidence suggesting that it is harmful to a pet.

Is Coconut Oil Good For Dogs?

The short answer is yes! Coconut oil is totally good for your dog.

Let’s quickly get to the science. Most studies about the benefits of coconut oil have been conducted on humans, but there is no reason why the same advantages are not applicable to dogs. The huge benefit of coconut oil in dogs is that it the oil is comprised of more than 90 percent saturated fat.

Some people equate the term “saturated fat” to being unhealthy, but that is not the case with coconut oil because its saturated fats are mostly made up of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). According to The American Society of Nutrition, “because coconut oil is made of primarily medium chain fatty acids, it is broken down immediately for use rather than stored.”

More: 35 Healthiest Human Foods You Can Feed Your Dog (And The 12 That Could Kill Your Dog)

Fat science can get a bit confusing, but what’s important is that MCT’s are good fats that contain lauric and caprylic acid that help with everything from weight loss to digestive improvement, immune-system support, skin and coat health, and thyroid health and much more.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Oil?

Sure, dogs can eat coconut oil. In fact, dogs could eat an entire jar of coconut oil and only wind up with a few loose stools. It has a very low toxicity and takes over two years to go rancid, so it’s a safe dietary supplement for your pet.

Adding a hint of coconut oil to your dog’s food each day will reap many benefits. Start with about one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, or one tablespoon for a 30-pound dog. It’s wise to start with a bit less to make sure your dog tolerates it well. Some dogs will exhibit side effects such as flu-like symptoms if given too much too soon.

More: 12 Human Foods That Could Kill Your Dog

Coconut oil does not contain omega-3 oils such as fish, krill, or flaxseed oil. Omega-3’s are essential to your dog’s diet, so rotating coconut oil with other oils high in omega-3′s is the best choice for your dog’s health.

According to Dr. Kathryn Primm, “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.”

Most dogs will love the taste of coconut oil, but if they are fussy eaters, you could substitute coconut milk or water as an alternative. Don’t skimp on the coconut oil that you buy. Your dog should have the same quality coconut you feed yourself. In fact, you could even share! Look for unrefined (virgin) coconut oil in glass jars. Trader Joe’s makes a terrific coconut oil that can easily be split between owner and pooch.

Benefits of Coconut Oil For Dogs

Dogs are benefiting wildly from coconut oils. Dog owners are finding that their furry friends are sharing the same benefits that they are when adding coconut oil to an already healthy diet.

1. Healthy Coat

When coconut oil is added to your dog’s food, they will soon prance around the neighborhood with a sleek and glossy coat.

2. Healthy Skin

Coconut oil helps a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, hot spots, dry skin, yeast and fungal infections, bites, and stings. When applied topically for skin conditions, rub a small amount on the affected area a few times a day.

Dogs will love a “coconut oil spa treatment” from their adoring owner. Coconut oil can safely be used alongside any prescribed medication from your veterinarian, but it’s always a good idea to check with them first.

The consistency of coconut oil varies depending on temperature. It usually starts to soften or liquefy at around 78 °F, so if it is a bit chunky, just rub your hands together and it will rapidly melt, resulting in a luxurious oil to apply to your dog’s irritated skin.

3. Treating Small Wounds And Cuts

Topically applying coconut oil to small wounds and cuts is a win-win for dogs. It has natural antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, making it a good choice for treating superficial wounds. Ingesting coconut oil is entirely safe, so no need to worry if your dog starts licking it. In fact, licking can improve their doggy breath!

Even so, put your dog in a doggy sweater and supervise them until the coconut oil fully absorbs into their skin. This usually takes about five minutes.

Plain coconut oil is excellent for treating small wounds and cuts, but if you are feeling adventurous, Dogs Naturally Magazine shared a recipe for an alternative topical antibiotic for your dog:

1. Put four tablespoons of coconut oil in a glass jar or bottle.
2. Let it sit in the sun in a warm spot until it reaches room temperature.
3. Add 12 drops of oregano oil (be sure you don’t apply oregano oil directly to your dog).
4. Mix the coconut oil and oregano oil together with a spoon.
5. Use the cream as a topical antibiotic (it’s OK if your dog licks it, too).
6. Place a lid on the jar, and it will last several months.

4. Doggy Odor

In addition to helping bad breath in dogs, coconut oil helps prevent a stinky dog. It’s basically a mouthwash and deodorant in one! Adding small amounts of coconut oil to a dog’s diet is said to fight the offensive odors that sometimes escape from your dog. The recommended dose for oral care is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog, or one tablespoon for a 30-pound dog.

5. Treating An Aging Brain

Nobody likes to see his or her dogs’ cognitive ability decline. Some dogs become confused, pace around the house, and start to have accidents in their home. Another benefit of coconut oil for dogs is treating the aging brain of your dog. Coconut oil is said to stave off dementia in humans, so there is no reason why it can’t do the same for our dogs.

6. Weight Loss

Coconut oil is a safe way to help your dog lose weight. If they are a bit on the pudgy side, adding coconut oil to their diet will help them slim down in no time. Of course, regular exercise needs to be part of this equation.

Related: 5 Warning Signs Your Dog Might Be Obese

7. Boosting The Immune System

Coconut oil contains two unique ingredients that make it an excellent alternative to boost immunity. Lauric acid and caprylic acid contribute to fighting off yeast overgrowth and bacterial infections. They are also antivirals, so adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet is good for their overall health.

8. Treating Diabetes

Coconut oil regulates and balances insulin. Many dog owners report that adding coconut oil to their dog’s diet controlled their dog’s diabetes. Coconut oil also increases energy and helps reduce weight, which is beneficial for a diabetic dog.

9. Helping Digestion

Coconut oil helps dogs absorb nutrients easier, leading to a faster metabolism. It is also known to help with colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

How Much Coconut Oil, And What Kind?

When feeding your dog coconut oil, the general rule of thumb is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog, or one tablespoon for a 30-pound dog. Always start by adding less coconut oil than the recommended dose and build up over the course of a week or two.

When using it as a topical ointment, there is no limit to the amount of coconut oil you can use. Usually, a teaspoon is plenty to apply to your dog’s skin a few times per day. Even if your dog licks off some of the coconut oil, it will not harm your dog.

The best kind of coconut oil is unrefined, virgin, organic coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil has a light coconut taste and smell. It is typically made from fresh coconuts, and processing is very limited. It is important to study the amount of processing that goes into the coconut oil you purchase. The ideal coconut oil will have minimal processing, leading to the best benefits for your dog’s health.

More: 20 Healthy Fruits and Vegetables That Your Dog Will Love

Refined coconut oils are cheaper and are produced from dried copra, not fresh coconuts. Refined coconut oil undergoes various levels of processing, including being deodorized and bleached. Refined coconut oils are not a good choice for your pet or yourself.

Check with your veterinarian about adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet. As with anything else, use coconut oil in moderation for your dog. Since the safety of coconut oil is undisputed, there is no reason why your dog can’t join the packs of dogs wagging their way to better health.

If you are headed out to buy coconut oil immediately, make sure to SHARE this article with everyone who has a dog!

More: 8 Awesome Easy-To-Make Homemade Dog Food Recipes Your Dog Will Love