Are coconut chips ok to give for Uni w/ mild panceatitis?
 

I wanted to get coconut oil, but it's a bit expensive and I'm afraid she won't like it. She didn't like the salmon oil I gave her before. So I wanted to try the chips. I'm thinking about the ones Ryan sells.

I know it's good for you fat, but with pancreatitis, I'm not sure, what do you guys think?

Coconut oil is high in fat. I have a jar here (organic) and it has 14 grams of fat per tablespoon. 12 grams are from saturated fat. :eek:

I personally wouldn't give it to dog prone to pancreatitis.

I agree. I was curious about supplementing coconut oil but I decided I would try Omega Caps instead. Ladymom I believe is the one that recommended them to me and I really like them!

Omega-Caps - For CATS & SMALL Dogs (60 Softgel Capsules)

I have been using them for almost a week and I already can see a difference. I would be nervous to supplement with out a vets approval.. maybe you could run it by them and see what they say?

what about the chips? are those any less fat? Will the himalayan chews be ok?

I would avoid fats if Uni had pancreatitis. Barney had it twice - once at age 5 landing him in the hospital for about 4 days and one just last March at age 9.5. I was told by the vet nutritionist that once a dog has pancreatitis it can smolder for a long time and that they do not know all the foods that can cause or aggravate pancreatitis. In Barney's case, he is on a 3 per cent fat diet for the rest of his life and is doing excellently after 8 months on it. He does get fish oil now but we went for about 3-4 mos without any fat in the diet other than the very small amount in his chicken breast.

Personally, the pain my dog suffered both times and the expense and stress of it all just made me become very very strict with what he can have. I just do not feed any treats anymore. It just is not worth it.

So I agree with the others - No to coconut chips in a dog with digestive issues.

Also - NO to himalayan chews!

The chips are also very high in saturated fat (look under lipids).

CocoTherapy - Products

Thanks everyone!

I'm just looking for something to help with Uni's skin. Esp here in CA and esp now we have the Santa ana winds, very dry and hot, she is itching so much and breaking off her hair and leaving red spots in places. I am using soothing conditioning spray on the hot spots, but wanted to give her something from the "inside".

Any other suggestions? I don't give her dog treats. Just cow tails (texas toothpicks), she is on a 7percent low fat diet (honest kitchen) I give no skin or fat bits of chicken breast, sometimes fish (basa, salmon, talapia), middle eastern yogurt with probiotics. I was hoping the yogurt would help the skin too.

Tessa had a case of mild pancreatitus and is on a low fat diet as well(but for some strange reason, she is still not thin?)...but she has allergies and the Vet recommended Antopica(sp) and I give it to her now every 3 days, it really helps with itching...you might want to try it...

It's Atopica...it works great...talk to your Vet about it...

You can use coconut oil topically as well. I would try melting it (about 1/8 tsp)and mixing in with the shampoo/conditioner you use on Uni. It is also a wonderful antibacterial and can help the hot spots as well as itchy/dry skin.

Do you mean your dog has pancreatitis? If so, I would ask the vet before you give it, but this is what one site says:
"DIGESTION:
Coconut Oil provides a nutritional source of quick energy; Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance; Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose; Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body; Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis; Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes;" COCONUT OIL FACTS Not a vet site!
and "Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis." Health Benefits of Coconut Oil Not a vet site!

My post above should say -- this is what two sites say:

wanted to delete but would not let me? Can we not delete our posts anymore?

Thanks Debra, i will ask the vet. I'm bringing her in for a check up anyway.

So last night I gave her a bath. and as I was told, between shampoo and conditioner, I poured diluted vinegar on her (1 parts to 10 parts warm water). She seems to whimper more than usual when the vinegar solution was on her, and even tried to get out of the tub. Do you think since vinegar is an acid that it was stinging her on her hot spots? As soon as I rinsed it off she stopped whimpering.

Oh poor girl! YES -- vinegar will sting an open wound. IT doesn't mean it is bad for it, but it will sting. The more diluted it is, the less the sting should be. Actually I think anything, even the water might sting a little on a sore hot spot. I think you should get a thumbs up from the vet and the coconut oil should be just the thing to help those hot spots. You can use it both topically and by mouth. I think topically, you could start right away as that will not affect the pancreas issues. I was just afraid to say yes to taking it internally with a pancreas condition.

I use coconut oil in their food all the time. Just a small amout twice a day works wonders. I' m using about 0.25 cc Coconut oil per dog per meal. I started out with .5 cc but it made their coats too oily. They won't eat their food now without it!

Coconut oil is a medium chained fatty acids (MCFA) and is digested differently by the body. Animal fats are mostly Long Chain Faty Acids (LCFA). This link explains better: Coconut Research Center Home Page

Warning on the coconut chips: Can be hard to digest and can cause a blockage especially if the dog swallows large pieces. Three of mine had no problems, one had a scary episode... the coconut chips came out looking the same way they went in 4-5 days later, except they were all stuck together and not dispersed evenly thoughout her poop.

When used topically, her coat may appear oily for a day or two, but will look normal afterwards, as the oil gets absorbed by the skin and hair. A small amount goes a long way.

I also found that when using a new supplement, my dogs accept it better if I start out using a smaller amount than recommended, and gradually build up to the recommended amount for daily intake. Allows them to get used to the taste and texture.... I also adjust the dose depending on the appearance of their coats, and if they're having any specific skin issues.

I buy mine from: Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - Certified Organic from Tropical Traditions

They have frequent BOGOF sales.

Instead of using yogurt for probiotics, I use a product made specifically for dogs... Nature's Farmacy - Store - Product Details=

It's very economical to use and works better than yogurt.