Coconut Oil In Dog Food

How Much Coconut Oil Do Dogs Need

The amount of coconut oil you should give to dogs will depend on the breed.

If the dog is small in size, consider using a quarter teaspoon, whereas a tablespoon may be good enough if your dog is larger in size.

After two weeks, you can increase the amount based on the dogs weight.

For every ten pounds, add a teaspoon. This will usually apply to larger breeds.

It Can Repel Fleas And Ticks

One little known use of coconut oil is to repel insects like fleas and ticks. It smells pleasant and is completely non-toxic. Just rub it into your dogs coat before going for a walk in the woods to help repel ticks.

Research shows that it can even help naturally eliminate mites that cause mange.

Unlike many over-the-counter products, coconut oil is safe, even if fed in larger amounts. Its also much less likely to oxidize and become rancid than other fats .

Coconut Oil Can Improve Brain Function In Dogs

In a study published in 2010, a team of researchers found that coconut oils medium-chain triglycerides have long-lasting improved cognition effects on aging dogs. They boosted the dogs brain function by providing it with energy in the form of ketones. As your fur child gets older, this alternative source of energy promotes healthy, active minds to keep their brain functions young and even prevent dementia.

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What Is The Best Coconut Oil For Dogs

The best coconut oil for dogs is the Petsmont Organic Coconut Oil for Dogs. The product is made with one simple ingredient and checks all boxes for quality, safety, and efficacy.

When choosing coconut oil for your dog, keep the following factors in mind:

• Quality. Always use unrefined or virgin coconut oil for dogs. Avoid processed oils as they often contain ingredients dangerous to dogs. Plus, refined oils tend to be filled with artificial preservatives and additives.
• Flavor. If you are going to add coconut oil to your dogs food, choose one that has a palatable flavor. Fortunately, coconut oil is naturally neutral and generally tolerable to most dogs.
• Added Ingredients. Some coconut oil formulas feature added ingredients. The goal is to make the supplement even more health-boosting. For example, coconut oil can be used in a mixture with fish oil.
• Brand. Only use coconut oil from reputable brands that are known to make the highest quality pet products. When uncertain, consult your vet on which one to choose. It also helps to go through the reviews from previous customers.

• Allergic reactions

While not really a side effect, coconut oil can cause weight gain or even obesity in dogs if fed excessively in large amounts or too often . If you have an overweight dog, talk to the vet before using coconut oil.

The Right Type Of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is produced in Thailand, Fiji, the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Hawaii, Mexico, the Solomon Islands, Belize, Samoa, and other countries around the world. Most health food stores carry at least one or two brands, and many retailers sell coconut oil online or by mail.

There are two main types of coconut oil.

Refined coconut oil is made from copra, or dried coconut meat, then treated to remove impurities. Most RBD coconut oil is inexpensive, bland, and odorless. It doesnt contain all of the nutrients found in unrefined coconut oil, its fragrance and flavor are different, and in most cases the coconuts used to produce it are of low quality and chemicals like chorine and hexane are used in the refining process. Some brands of refined coconut oil are labeled for use as a skin and hair care product.

Unrefined or virgin coconut oil, which is made from fresh coconuts, has culinary and health experts excited. Pressed by hand using traditional methods or manufactured in state-of-the-art factories, virgin coconut oil retains most of the nutrients found in fresh coconut.

The result of these traditional and modern manufacturing methods is an assortment of coconut oils in a range of flavors, prices, and quality.

The only exceptions to the 76-degree rule are hydrogenated and fractionated coconut oils.

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Use It As A Healing Agent To Treat Infections

Skin wounds, itchiness, and other issues can be very uncomfortable for your dog, to say the least. Applying coconut oil may speed up healing and decrease their discomfort thanks to its natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Try it with cases of dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites and stings , hot spots, dandruff, and mild allergic reactions.

Soothing Winter Homemade Dog Paw Salve

Coconut Oil For Dogs Separating The Myths From The Facts. Coconut oil for dogs can be used as a topical ointment for their bodies, or as a dietary supplement. Coconut oil comes from the meat and milk of coconuts and is generally safe for your dog. However, some pups may experience an allergic reaction to coconut oil.

Here is why you should use essential oil for yeast in dogs: 1. Immunity Boosting Essential oils can help boost the immune system of your dog. When your dog has a weak immune system, he can be more susceptible to yeast attacks. By using essential oils, you can empower your dogs immune system to naturally defend itself against yeast. 2.

The nutrients in vitamin E, whether in oil or cream form, can help repair cracks, heal blisters and soften dry skin. You can add the oil to a bath or apply to the paws in the same way you would coconut oil and as for the cream, massage into your dogs pads and youll be giving your own hands a nice treatment in the process! 4. Beeswax

Coconut Oil Use organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil to treat skin infections, allergies, eczema, and even bug bites. Agreed there are particular controversies on using coconut oil, but massaging organic coconut oil into the coat and skin does help dogs to get relief from itchy skin.

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Side Effects Of Coconut Oil

While giving your dog coconut oil is safe, giving them too much coconut oil can cause digestive problems. It is always best to ask your veterinarian about the recommended dose of coconut oil for your dog or if you should give it to your dog in the first place. The most common reactions to coconut oil involve diarrhea and weight gain. If your dog has an allergy to coconut oil, they may experience other reactions like rash, itchiness, or even an upset stomach.

Is Coconut Oil Bad For Dogs

While its not entirely bad for dogs, coconut oil can have potential side effects and adverse reactions.

This can occur if your dog has too much coconut oil. The good news is that these reactions and effects will mostly be mild.

The worst that can happen is that your dog can get diarrhea.

If you are unsure about how much coconut oil to give your dog, keep reading. Well mention how much we believe is a necessary amount.

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Coconut Oil Toothpaste Recipe For Dogs

Coconut oil toothpaste is a great homemade option for keeping your puppys teeth clean and free of bad breath. The recipe is simple just mix coconut oil, baking soda, and water together to form a paste. You can also add a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil for an extra fresh scent.

Gently brush your dogs teeth with coconut oil toothpaste once a day, making sure to get all the surfaces of their teeth. You should start to see a difference in their bad breath within a few days. Coconut oil is also good for oral health in humans, so its a great option for pet owners as well!

It May Help Improve Gut Health

Note: Since this original post, theres new research suggesting coconut oil may not support your dogs gut health. Were now recommending MCT oil instead without lauric acid. Please read this on coconut oil and gut health.

If your dog has allergies, yeast may be a big concern, especially in the gut.

But you can use coconut oil MCT oil for dogs with allergies!

In a research study comparing several different oils, coconut oil showed the greatest impact on stopping the growth of yeast in the gut.

It also helps the gut in other ways:

• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps heal digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis

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Giving Coconut Oil To Dogs

No one has tested coconut oils effect on dogs in clinical trials, but the anecdotal evidence is impressive. Reports published on Internet forums describe how overweight dogs become lean and energetic soon after they begin eating coconut oil, or their shabby-looking coats become sleek and glossy, and dogs with arthritis or ligament problems grow stronger and more lively. Even some serious diseases have responded. In one case, a Doberman Pinscher with severe Wobblers made a dramatic recovery in less than a week while taking coconut oil.

Other reports involve itchy skin, cuts, wounds, and ear problems. Dogs with flea allergies, contact dermatitis, or other allergic reactions typically stop scratching soon after coconut oil is added to their food, and dogs treated topically for bites, stings, ear mites, ear infections, cuts, or wounds recover quickly. One dog was stung by a bee, causing her mouth to swell. An hour after her owner applied coconut oil to the sting and gave her a tablespoon to swallow, the swelling disappeared and the dog was herself again.

Kicking The Coconut Oil Habit

If you still want to give your dogs the benefits of coconut oil, without the downside, you can give your dog MCT oil. Its most often extracted from coconut oil.

MCT oil can also come from palm oil youll want to avoid that since its not kind to the planet. And if you heed the advice of researchers, youll want to avoid MCT oil that contains lauric acid.

If you give your dog MCT, start with a small amount .. about 1/8 tsp for small dogs. MCT can cause diarrhea if you give too much, so start slow and save your rugs.

As for coconut oil, I wont give it to my own dogs.

But what about the research that says coconut oil improves your dogs health and skin conditions?

A 2016 review looked at coconut oil research to date and came to this conclusion:

Due to a lack of large, wellcontrolled human studies published in peerreviewed journals demonstrating clear health benefits of coconut oil, frequent use of coconut oil should not be advised. So, if you spot coconut oil high up the ingredient list, think twice before eating the product on a regular basis.

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Coconut Oil For Dogs: Is Coconut Oil Safe For Dogs

• Best Overall Coconut Oil for Dogs: Petsmont Organic Coconut Oil for DogsThis coconut oil for dogs possesses all the best qualities you would expect in a good pet supplement.
• Best Coconut Oil for Small Dogs: Raw Paws Organic Coconut Oil for DogsThe small size of this coconut oil for dogs makes it perfect for the dog owner that needs just enough for a tiny pet.
• Most Affordable Coconut Oil for Dogs: Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for DogsThis coconut oil for dogs is very affordable yet still as high quality and efficient as the rest on this list.
• Best Edible Coconut Oil for Dogs: CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut OilWith high lauric acid content and extremely dog-friendly flavor, this coconut oil for dogs supports overall wellness.
• Best Coconut Oil for Dogs With Skin Issues: SFH Super Omega 3 Fish Oil + Coconut OilThe omega-3 fats in this coconut oil for dogs make it ideal for reducing inflammation on a dogs skin.

Side Effects Of Coconut Oil When Used To Treat Dog Bad Breath

While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, there are a few potential risks to be aware of. If your dog ingests too much coconut oil, it may experience vomiting or diarrhea. Start with a small amount and increase gradually to avoid any stomach upset.

Coconut oil can also make some dogs more prone to weight gain. If your dog is already overweight, coconut oil may not be the best option for them. Speak with your veterinarian about whether coconut oil is right for your pet.

Finally, coconut oil can solidify at room temperature. This can make it difficult to dispense and may cause clogs in the bottle. If this happens, simply place the bottle in a bowl of warm water until the coconut oil liquefies.

coconut oil is a great natural remedy for bad dog breath. Its safe, effective, and easy to use. Just add a teaspoon to your pets food or water each day, or brush their teeth with coconut oil toothpaste once a day. You should start to see a difference in their bad breath within a few days!

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Medium Chain Fatty Acids

There are a lot of different fats you can feed your dog. And those fats carry a variety of health benefits.

Coconut oil is a great way to add to your dogs diet and take advantage of those benefits. Heres why.

First of all, coconut oil is made up of a mixture of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Together these 3 fats contain an impressive list of fatty acids. Many of these are Medium Chain Fatty Acids , including 48% lauric acid, 8% caprylic acid and 7% capric acid, plus myristic and palmitic acids.

Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid and about 6% oleic acid .

Its the MCFAs in coconut oil, especially the lauric acid, that give it such a powerful punch when it comes to your dogs health.

But thats not all it can do

How Much Coconut Oil For Dogs Science

This guide will discuss the correct amount of coconut oil that your dog should have.

Science shows coconut oil in a dogs diet is great for energy, mental clarity and brain health, but how much coconut oil is the best amount for dogs?

As dog owners, its important to know which fats are considered good for your dog and how much to use. This helps us maximize their longevity. Thats why its not just important to make sure your pup is eating coconut oil, but to know how much coconut oil is optimal as well.

All fats are not created equal some are great for dogs, while others contribute to heart disease and increased overall disease risk. Lucky, coconut oil falls in the first category and is completely safe for dogs. When eaten in the right amounts daily, the benefits of coconut oil can promote your dogs long-term health.

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Can You Put Coconut Oil In Dog Food What You Need To Know

According to some of the research thats been coming out about it, you can put coconut oil in your dogs food! Coconut oil can have many benefits for dogs even in small amounts, it is an excellent source of fatty acids and healthy saturated fats. Keep reading to find out what the benefits of adding a little coconut oil to your dogs food are.

Healthy Skin And Coat

Coconut oil is a great item to have on hand for any of your dogs skin conditions that may arise. If your dog has a patch of dry or itchy skin, coconut oil can be used on its own and is even a common ingredient in many paw salves and hot spot treatments.

A study has shown that using virgin coconut oil on dry skin hydrates your dogs skin and can lessen dandruff when used as a moisturizer. Adding coconut oil to your dogs diet will give you similar results to adding fish oil to their food in that it will help keep your dogs coat shiny and soft.

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Topical Application Of Coconut Oil For Dogs

Coconut oil can add moisture to your dogs skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dogs coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your fingers through the fur, and massage a little down onto the skin. Since coconut oil can be given orally, you dont have to worry if dogs lick themselves after its been applied to their coats.

The Health Benefits Of Mcts

There are a lot of benefits to feeding your dog MCT. MCTs can:

• Form ketones that improve cognitive function in older dogs
• Reduce the number and severity of seizures
• Help with weight loss
• Antimicrobial and antibacterial

Plus, one thing that makes MCTs uniquely beneficial is the way theyre digested

Most fats your dog eats are LCTs . Because the chains of carbon atoms are longer, they take longer to break down in the digestive tract. And this requires more effort.

LCTs need the pancreas to release an enzyme called lipase for their digestion. Once theyre broken down, they need special proteins to escort them through the the cells lining the digestive tract . Once theyre through the intestinal wall cells, they move to the lymphatic system, where theyre transported to the thoracic duct by the heart and they finally land in your dogs blood.

Once in the blood, most LCTs are stored as fat, although some may travel to the liver to be converted for energy.

MCTs are digested differently than LCTs.

Once MCTs are broken down by lipase, they can freely cross into the circulation through the enterocytes. They travel directly into the blood and go straight to the liver. The liver then quickly converts them to ketones.

The liver can use ketones to fuel its own cells, help it detox or digest other foods. And the rest of the ketones go back into the blood where theyre used for fuel in the brain and the body.

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