Reasons Why ?
Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fats, with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component (more than 40%) of MCTs is lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids).
Most of the coconut oil benefits come from the MCTs. For example, the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.
In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.
Fed regularly to pets, coconut oil may have multiple benefits:
Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Karen Becker, says “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs. I recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for basic MCT support.”
We give our pets coconut oil in their food every day and use it externally on their coats. Here’s what I do:
I order our coconut oil from Tropical Traditions. For our family, we usually use their Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, but we’ve used Gold Label, Green Label and Expeller Pressed with the pets. Pets seem to actually prefer their pure coconut oil which is also their most economical option. Any unrefined coconut oil will work for pets though. Try it… they’ll love it!
Why not give coconut oil a try and introduce it to your dog? It offers many benefits for your dog and is a more sustainable and less toxic source of oils than fish.
Most of the coconut oil benefits come from the MCTs. For example, the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.
In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.
Fed regularly to pets, coconut oil may have multiple benefits:
Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Karen Becker, says “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs. I recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for basic MCT support.”
We give our pets coconut oil in their food every day and use it externally on their coats. Here’s what I do:
I order our coconut oil from Tropical Traditions. For our family, we usually use their Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, but we’ve used Gold Label, Green Label and Expeller Pressed with the pets. Pets seem to actually prefer their pure coconut oil which is also their most economical option. Any unrefined coconut oil will work for pets though. Try it… they’ll love it!
Why not give coconut oil a try and introduce it to your dog? It offers many benefits for your dog and is a more sustainable and less toxic source of oils than fish.
Ways To Use Coconut Oil for Pets:
1. Prevent hairballs
Hairballs are unsightly things, often a symptom of a larger digestive issue. When the digestive tract is inefficient, it’s usually because of diet. Adding a bit of coconut oil to the cat’s diet helps! Work up to a teaspoon per day per ten pounds — too much at once is too detoxifying and can upset stomach-bacteria balance. Cats on dry foods have difficulty moving fur through their systems: This remedy seems to be popular because coconut oil is lubricating and healthy in general. Wet foods and a small amount of added fiber helps immensely. It also helps to brush your cat regularly, wiping them down afterward with a cat-safe wipe. Coconut oil may not be the best choice for a act who is obese, however. 2. Condition fur/hair
The topical use of coconut oil is popular because of the oil’s natural disinfecting and healing properties. The medium chain triglycerides are effective antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral compounds. And of course, it popular as a deep conditioner among people. The benefits extend to Fido and Fluffy as well.3. Soothes dry noses
A dry nose isn’t always a sign your pet is sick. That said, coconut oil can be soothing to dry skin!4. Paw protection
Dry, cracked paw pads are easily moisturized with coconut oil. It’s also an easy way to administer the oil for your pet to lick off themselves!5. Ear mite remedy
Some people use coconut oil in place of other popular oils for natural treatment of ear mites in kittens and other pets.6. Natural pet toothpaste / Aids oral health and breath
Since pets tend to swallow what you put on their teeth, some dog owners prefer to use coconut oil for teeth cleaning. They just use it in place of pet toothpaste on a toothbrush. (Coconut oil is also popular for people to use for oil pulling, a deep cleaning of the gums based on ayurvedic practices.)
7. Treat ingredient
There are so many recipes for doggie treats made using coconut oil as an ingredient! Try this one. Other popular ingredients in dog treats include peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and bacon! There are also storebought coconut oil treats your pets might just love, like these and these8. Flea repellent
The lauric acid in coconut oil can work as a natural flea repellent for dogs. Use unrefined, virgin coconut oil and apply lightly over your dog’s fur. You can also mix 1 part coconut oil with 2 parts water and boil them before transporting to a spritzer bottle to lightly spray your pup.
9. Dog shampoo ingredient
Homemade dog shampoos are a fun way to clean your pet. Coconut oil is moisturizing to fur, so it’s a popular ingredient! It doesn’t take much though. Other common ingredients are distilled white vinegar, baby shampoo, and essential oil. (Always research ingredients and do allergy patch tests first!).You can check out storebought coconut oil dog shampoos.
10. Soothes hotspots on skin
Applying coconut oil topically as well as supplementing the diet are helpful for hot spots. Topical coconut oil can soothe all kinds of skin ailments, like dryness and itchiness, and even help disinfect minor injuries.11. Supports healthy digestion
Coconut oil is known to keep humans “regular” as well as to provide a quick source of energy. Plus, it clears the body of toxins and bacteria like yeast and is anti-inflammatory. The benefits extend to your animal as well. Be sure to start small though, and build up to a maximum of one teaspoon per 10 pounds or one tablespoon per 30 pounds. As helpful as it is, there’s such a thing as too much because of coconut oil’s strong detox properties.12. Quick energy booster
Coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acids are uniquely digested with rapid breakdown by the liver with no extra enzymes needed. This means the fat is converted quickly to energy instead of winding up stored as fat on the body.13. Supports Healthy weight
Coconut oil is a fat that is touted to boost the metabolism and provide energy.14. Thyroid support
Polyunsaturated fats block the thyroid from secreting thyroid hormone and slow you down. Coconut oil’s fats boost thyroid activity. It creates a boost in energy levels, higher metabolism, and higher fat burn.15. Bone and joint health
Human sufferers of arthritis report that internal and topical use of coconut oil helps lubricate and heal the area.
Benefits of Coconut Oil For Pets:
1.Skin Conditions
Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis,and itchy skin
Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
2.Digestion
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
3.Immune System, Metabolic Function, Bone Health
Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents that prevent infection and disease
Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
Helps prevent or control diabetes
Helps reduce weight, increases energy
Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis,and itchy skin
Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
2.Digestion
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
3.Immune System, Metabolic Function, Bone Health
Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
Helps prevent or control diabetes
Helps reduce weight, increases energy
Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
More energy:
When you give coconut oil to your cat or dog, he will have more natural energy. When he has coconut oil regularly, his coat and skin will be healthier. It promotes healthier digestion, bone health, and a healthy immune system. Coconut oil is good for every system of your pet’s body.
Coconut Oil for Parrots:
The benefits of coconut oil for pets are not limited to cats and dogs. If you own a pet bird, coconut oil is good for him, too. Feathers will become shiny, glossy, and more attractive. His feathers will even become stronger when he consumes coconut oil regularly.
How To Give Coconut Oil To Your Pets:
Added to Food
The simplest way to provide coconut oil to your pet is to mix it into his food. You should start with a small amount, and gradually increase it to a larger amount. When you first start giving him coconut oil, limit it to 1/4 teaspoon or less. When you increase the amount, do not give him more than one teaspoon of coconut oil for every ten pounds of his body weight. Pets can experience diarrhea from consuming too much coconut oil when their bodies are not used to it. If you have a bird, you can lightly coat his bird seed with the oil.
Refrigerated Portions
You might also like to dab out “dots” of coconut oil onto wax paper and refrigerate for individual servings. The same can be done with an ice cube tray. Just melt the oil (at a low melting point of 76 degrees) and pour into the mold at the proper dosage for your pet! (When you first start giving them coconut oil, limit it to 1/4 teaspoon or less and over a month work up to 1 tsp per 10 pounds or 1 tbs per 30 pounds.)
In Doggie biscuits
Coconut oil is a great ingredient in popular homemade dog biscuit recipes.
Straight from the spoon
Some pets love the taste of coconut oil. If your pet seems to enjoy the taste, you can feed it to him with a spoon.
Bird’s beak
As coconut oil will help a bird’s beak stay strong and healthy, you can apply a small amount of oil directly to the bird’s beak.
Applied topically
An added benefit of using coconut oil to promote skin health is the oil is completely natural. If your pet licks the oil off his skin, he will not experience any harmful effects. However, if he licks the oil off before it has a chance to work, you can discourage this habit. Wrap the area of his body where you have applied the oil with a clean towel or cloth. This will keep the oil on his skin so it can be effective.
Coconut meat chips or tablets
Some company’s make coconut chips for pets out of coconut meat, and say they impart the same benefits as the oil. For example, CocoTherapy makes this popular pet snack:
