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Absolutely! You can and should include coconut oil in your dog’s diet on a daily basis.
It has been widely promoted and used as a natural supplement for the well being of dogs since it has recognized health benefits. It has a high level of Medium Chain Fatty Acids especially lauric acid which is believed to have positive effects on the skin, coat, digestion systems, and immune systems among other things.
Now let’s go deeper on the topic – Coconut oil for your dogs.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
American Kennel Club has published studies on how coconut oil has gained attention in the pet care market due to its numerous health advantages for dogs. Here’s a detailed look into how it can positively affect various aspects of a dog’s health:
Skin Health
Coconut oil is useful in increasing and replenishing skins of the dogs hence it is good for their skins Coconut oil can also be used to heal injured skins of the dogs. It might help the dog’s coat look more shiny and help it feel softer. The skin is left incredibly smooth, and allergies such as dry skin, dermatitis and other skin conditions associated with dogs are well treated with coconut oil.
In addition, it can be used to reduce inflammations and heal wounds, treat skin infections and mild bacterial infections, thereby decreasing the frequency and severity of skin allergy.
Digestive Health
Coconut oil is good for dogs’ digestion since it has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs can assist nutrition assimilation by promoting digestion of the gut. They can also afford a swift provision of energy that suits dogs with disorders in the digestion of nutrients.
As to digestive health, coconut oil is known to improve symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis. It has the ability to put off the pathogenic bacteria and yeast within the gut area hence promoting good health in the stomach and intestine.
Immune System
There is also a presence of saturated fatty acids such as lauric acid in coconut oil. This one is popular for increasing immunity, in this case, the body is protected against diseases. Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties that it is effective on viruses, bacteria, fungi and so on. This is especially important especially for those dogs whose immune system is a bit weak, or else, dogs that easily get infected.
Metabolic Function
MCTs in coconut oil are digested differently than other fats. It results in increased energy expenditure. This can help overweight dogs shed weight or stay at a healthy weight. Furthermore, the body swiftly absorbs MCT energy, giving a fast supply of energy that can boost physical performance and vitality.
Joint and Bone Health
Coconut oil is known to have anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness in your dog. It also helps to increase movement and quality of life in your pets. Adding to this, it’s antioxidant helps to maintain your dog’s bone health.
Risks and Considerations
While coconut oil has various health benefits for dogs, certain concerns should be considered. These include:
Weight Gain and Obesity
Just one tablespoon of coconut oil is around 120 calories! This can easily lead to obesity in dogs. Apart from that, gaining weight can also lead to other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and even joint pain.
Allergic reactions
While this may be rare, it is possible for a few dogs to get an allergic reaction. This can include having skin irritation or a rash, discomfort in the stomach, and even difficulty in breathing.
Interactions with medications
Dogs that are on any type of medication can have a negative impact on their liver or digestive system. So ensure you contact a veterinarian before you give coconut oil to your dog to ensure that there are no bad side effects while he/she is on medication.
How much coconut oil should I give my dog?
The general uses of coconut oil used in dogs are highly influenced by the size as well as the weight of the specific dog involved.
- The administrations for virgin coconut oil depends on the size of the dog it should be given from ¼ to ½ teaspoon per ten pounds of the body weight of the dog per day; and
- 1 teaspoon for larger dogs (more than 10 pounds).
Initially take this amount for some weeks and then gradually you can build up as much as one teaspoon for every ten pounds of your body weight per day. If you are new to the use of coconut oil to your dog, it is recommended that the first dose of the oil be given within the first two weeks wherein it is only consumed once a day.
Methods of Use
Coconut oil also easy to incorporate coconut oil into the diet of your dog in the following ways:
- Mixed with Food: The final technique is a relatively simple one, and implies the use of coconut oil in its purest form, namely applying it directly on the food that is to be given to the puppy so that he/she drinks it all in taking the full portions needed. This was useful most especially when it came to the dry foods because this appliance has the function of moistening as well as seasoning.
- Direct Feeding: Some individuals may have a natural preference for the flavor of coconut oil and it has even been observed that such people will still chew on the product as a form of oral refresher. This approach also makes it easier to assess doses Over the short and long-term treatment plan the patient may be offered different clinical products at not-much intervals throughout the advancement of the disease.
- Topical Application: This is mostly administered externally as a gel on the skin of the dog or on his fur is appropriate particularly in the case of skin issues or in cases that are related to the improvement of the quality of the skin and fur of the pets. Massage it in between your hand to soften for easy application to the skin and coat of the dog.
Alternative Supplements
Nevertheless, suitable alternatives to think about are the other products that, perhaps, could be used by the dogs, which do not feel good when consuming coconut oil or the owners, which are ready for trying something new:
- Fish Oil
To read more about fish oil supplementation for dogs, refer to “Can I give fish oil pills to my dog” on Vetgen Pharmaceuticals.
- Flaxseed Oil
- Hemp oil
- Vitamin E
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) pills
