Coconut Oil

[mindy10]

Does anyone put coconut oil in their dogs food. If so how much for a 6 pound dog and also what benefits have you seen from it. I hear so much good stuff about coconut oil for dogs. They get alot of benefits from it. Thanks

[Jkpal]

I had the same question! Is coconut oil, in fact, good for their coats? Is there a certain kind of oil one should buy? Or is this just a 'feel good' additive and, like so many vitamins we humans ingest, no noticeable results? Thanks!

[mimimomo]

Here's a fun thread about coconut oil awhile back: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...conut-oil.html

Our costco now has Nutiva coconut oil in a huge jar, it's awesome.

Here's a link w/detailed info on coconut oil & it's benefits for dogs: Coconut Oil For Healthy Dogs | Dogs Naturally Magazine

The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Dogs

By Dogs Naturally Magazine in Nutrition And Diet


Although supplements can be a confusing topic for many pet owners, most dog owners have heard of the benefits of feeding fish oils. There are however, a variety of oils that you can also use to your dog’s benefit, each with different actions and benefits.
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:

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

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

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
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.”
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.

[mindy10]

Would'nt it be nice if it did help all that!! Sammie has a few of those things. I will have to try it.

[Maximo]

Nutiva and CocoTherapy are great brands. I let my boys lick it off my fingers and I rub it on their gums. We also use it topically for any skin irritations. Love it!

If you use it as a supplement, start slow and work your way up to prevent diarrhea.

[navillusc]

Coconut oil is very good. Get organic virgin oil. Never partially hydrogenated. It is food. There is no dosage. My Yorkies eat it out of my hand and quit when they have had enough.

[mindy10]

I did get the ogantic but thanks. What kind of difference do you see in your dogs

[Potter]

Be careful with using coconut oil or any kinds of oil...I know some people still use it with dogs even with certain conditions like pancreatitis but from my personal experience..my dog had a bout of pancreatitis and while I am no sure what causes it...vet said it might have been coconut oil. Watch your dog after having it to make sure he/she is okay with it.

[life4life]

My dogs love coconut oil, coconut water and coconut meat. Our vet highly recommends it. I add it to their food in the morning. About 1/4 tablespoon per dog. Jasmin is 8 lbs and ninja is 4 lbs.

[life4life]

I meant 1 teaspoon per doggie.

[intilis]

I give my guy 1/2 tsp every morning. They love it! I have seen an improvement in coat shine.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by Potter

Be careful with using coconut oil or any kinds of oil...I know some people still use it with dogs even with certain conditions like pancreatitis but from my personal experience..my dog had a bout of pancreatitis and while I am no sure what causes it...vet said it might have been coconut oil. Watch your dog after having it to make sure he/she is okay with it.

I'm sorry but your vet is wrong:

DogAware.com Articles: Pancreatitis in Dogs
Medium-chain triglycerides

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a form of fat that does not require pancreatic enzymes for digestion, so it is well tolerated by dogs with chronic pancreatitis, EPI, and other forms of fat malabsorption. MCTs can be used to increase calories, and to help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins for dogs who cannot tolerate other forms of fat in their diets. MCTs may help to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and prevent pancreatitis that is caused by hyperlipidemia, though it does not lower cholesterol levels. MCTs are found in coconut oil, and small amounts are found in dairy fat. Purina Veterinary Diets EN Canine Formula, one of the prescription diets recommended for dogs recovering from pancreatitis, uses coconut oil to supply 22 to 34 percent of its fat. MCT oil is also available, but MCT oil is not very palatable, so you may find coconut oil easier to use.
Coconut oil is 63 percent medium-chain fatty acids (8 percent caprylic, 7 percent capric, and 48 percent lauric), and 36 percent longer-chain fatty acids (16 percent myristic, 9 percent palmitic, 2 percent stearic, 7 percent oleic, 2 percent linoleic), while MCT oil is made up solely of the shortest of the medium-chain fatty acids, caprylic and capric acids. If your dog has problems with coconut oil, MCT oil may still be an option.
When feeding coconut oil, it’s best to use virgin (unrefined) oil sold in glass jars. You can give as much as 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight daily, but start with much less and increase only gradually as you see your dog can tolerate it. (See “Crazy About Coconut Oil,” October 2005, for more information.)

[Jkpal]

Wow, the responses are so thorough and informative and truly helpful; gotta say, Yorkie Talk is absolutely my 'go to' over everything else (read Google, et al). You all know your stuff, and more importantly, it's obvious you care very, very much about yorkies and their concerned guardians. How wonderful and rare and I appreciate you so much!

[Yoshismom1969]

I have a 3 1/2 month old female and I give her the kind that I get from the health food store, it is the kind that looks a bit like vaseline until you warm it in the microwave to get the oil. I usually do not warm it and just give her a 1/4 teaspoon clump on top of her food. Makes her breath smell great. I am still struggling with dandruff though but have yet to apply it directly on skin so that is next ;-)

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by Potter

Be careful with using coconut oil or any kinds of oil...I know some people still use it with dogs even with certain conditions like pancreatitis but from my personal experience..my dog had a bout of pancreatitis and while I am no sure what causes it...vet said it might have been coconut oil. Watch your dog after having it to make sure he/she is okay with it.

Sometimes people blame what they don't understand. Maybe share this information with your vet so s/he can research it for possible future use with other's pets, too.