Is coconut oil good for dogs? The answer is yes! In fact, coconut oil has many health benefits for your furry friend. Here’s an overview on how and why you should try to incorporate this superfood into your dog’s diet.
How Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?
“In some cases, coconut oil can help support your dog’s immune system, coat, skin, heart, nervous system and brain,” says Dr. Jane Morse, a veterinarian and holistic pet care specialist in the Washington, D.C. area. Coconut oil is mostly made up of saturated fats, but they’re actually the good kinds of fats. These triglycerides improve absorption in your dog’s digestive tract and support his metabolism, which allows him to have more energy to run and play with you or the local pet sitter.
In addition, these fats work to balance your dog’s thyroid and help to prevent or control diabetes. And that’s not all! Triglycerides also support your pet’s immune system and digestive system, as well. The superfood also contains lauric acid, which is beneficial because it produces antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects in humans and pets alike.
How Much Coconut Oil Should You Give Your Dog?
When determining how much coconut oil to give your dog, you must take his size into consideration. To err on the side of caution, you should “start with a low dose,” says Dr. Morse. She advises that you “use organic, pure coconut oil, packaged in glass.”
According to Dr. Morse, you should begin by providing your dog with a daily portion that measures one-eighth of a teaspoon, one-fourth of a teaspoon or one teaspoon, depending on whether your dog is small-, medium- or large-sized. You should then see how your dog tolerates small doses before increasing his portion sizes at a rate of one teaspoon for every 10 pounds. Once you reach a dose of one tablespoon per day, you should stop increasing your pet’s portion size.
It’s important to be aware of these dosing standards, as feeding your dog too much coconut oil can be harmful. Some negative side effects that you should look out for include diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, lack of appetite and energy, abdominal pain, and bloating. Greasy stools are another sign that the provided dosage may be too high.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should stop giving him coconut oil immediately. Coconut oil is “not necessary for a dog’s diet,” says Dr. Susan Lauten, the owner of Pet Nutrition Counseling, and so you should not be concerned if your pet can’t tolerate it. Although this superfood can be beneficial, your furry friend can live without it!
How Can You Get Your Dog to Take Her Coconut Oil?
Some dogs love the taste and texture of coconut oil so much that they’ll lick it off a spoon like it’s candy. But if this isn’t the case for your dog, have no fear! The strong taste and similar oily texture of peanut butter masks coconut oil so well that your dog won’t even know that it’s been doctored.
Similarly, you can mix coconut oil into wet dog food, pureed canned pumpkin, mashed cooked sweet potatoes, mashed organic blueberries or even a teaspoon of plain yogurt. By slowing increasing the ratio of coconut oil in these mixtures, you can help your dog become accustomed to the superfood’s taste and texture.
Curious about what to do if your dog gets into the candy jar? Read My Dog Ate Chocolate but Seems OK: What Do I Do?
Cara Stevens is a freelance writer who lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children and a playful Maltese mix puppy. She has authored several books for children and writes frequently about parenting, hair care, DIY crafts, food and healthy living.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
