coconut oil

[lil fu fu girl]

I too give mine some coconut oil, however I am careful about the amount given, after all it is still a fat containing a high contribution from saturated fat. It is not very nutrient dense besides the small amounts of vitamin E and K , and a small amount of choline which is also necessary for cell membranes functionality. It does however, contain a large amount of omega 6's though, which is good because it can be converted into active molecules called prostaglandins: in Omega6 this is Arachidonic Acid, which is a huge component in maintaining the health of cell membranes...like skin. However, a source of Omega 3 should also be present within the diet, as research has concluded that there can be issues when Omega 6 plays solo without omega 3.

Coconut oil is also an amazing medium chain fatty acid which is digested entirely different than LCFA. Long-chain fatty acids are digested through enzymatic metabolism while going through the gut. However, MCFAs are absorbed directly through the hepatic portal vein and go directly to the liver instead of circulating through the blood as lipoproteins. Once in the liver MCFAs are miraculous as they can be burned for energy use like carbohydrates. Which is why many elderly who have digestive issues and weight loss complications have coconut oil additions within their diet. It provides a source of fat but also a source of easily and quickly digestible energy.

...anyway, I do use it alternatively with a salmon oil mix, as it contributes Omega3s and vitamin E which contributes into the whole mix. But that is a different topic...

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

I too give mine some coconut oil, however I am careful about the amount given, after all it is still a fat containing a high contribution from saturated fat.

This is my concern about giving it as a daily supplement. I've read many posts on a maltese forum about pancreatitis or elevated values on blood tests that were believed to be connected to coconut oil.

[gypsyqueen]

with 3 cups of dog food its not a lot but the vegas air is so drying on there coat I think this help

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by gypsyqueen

with 3 cups of dog food its not a lot but the vegas air is so drying on there coat I think this help

1 teaspoon equals about 4.2 grams( translating volume vs weight); so 3/4 of a teaspoon would be about 3.15 grams... approx.
So the kcalorie content for 3/4 of a teaspoon of coconut oil would be about 30.16. In a 300-400 kcalorie diet that is a range of 9 - 13 % fat intake in supplements alone. I personally consider 17- 19% a good range. So you would also have to add in the fat kcalories from their current kibble or product that they are eating, with that of the coconut oil kcalories and that should give you a good sense of where you stand.

Hope this helps....

[107barney]

17-19% fat is high for a yorkie in my opinion. Our vet nutritionist formulated Teddy (healthy no digestive issues) at 11% fat. Two cases of pancreatitis in my Barney from about 20% fat dog food and $6,000 for the two episodes combined shapes my view.

[hugz4all4]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Don't worry, I'm right there with you. I have been doing things like calling closets "garages" lately.

Back on topic...I use Nutiva all-natural coconut oil from the Vitamin Shoppe on booboos. Teddy had some mysterious bug bites on his chest last summer and the coconut oil cleared them up right away.

this is what ive been using also..

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by 107barney

17-19% fat is high for a yorkie in my opinion. Our vet nutritionist formulated Teddy (healthy no digestive issues) at 11% fat. Two cases of pancreatitis in my Barney from about 20% fat dog food and $6,000 for the two episodes combined shapes my view.

I am sorry that you have had such an experience. I can understand your viewpoint.
My opinion on fat is congruent with my opinion on complete proteins. The quality level of these nutrients, especially energy nutrients, is directly related to how they are metabolized within the body; and in particular what waste by-products are created from such metabolism. My fat sources for my pets are mainly comprised of MCFAs, which follows a different pathway of digestion and metabolism then LCFAs. LCFAs must be hydrolized within the intestinal lumen by pancreatic enzymes and bile salts, before absorption into the lymph system and then on to the blood stream, where they are then transported throughout the body, consistent with a high blood fat content which is one of the causes of pancreatitis.

MCFAs do not need this action from the pancreas, as they are absorbed directly into the hepatic portal vein and transported directly to the liver, where they are usually burned as an energy source and have very limited storage capacity.

When we use LCFAs as the main component for the fat content in our pups food, we are doing them a disservice. While some amounts may indeed be needed, the quantity of LCFAs that we are feeding our pups, in my humble opinion, is not healthy. Having these within the blood is never a good thing, especially as the system ages and has more difficulty with metabolizing these lipids. Many research papers are currently studying the thermogenesis effects that MCFAs have on LCFAs as a treatment for obesity. Which would be beneficial for many today, both humans and pups.

Anyway.. long story short... all lipids are not created equal, and in the same sense, do not damage the body equally.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by lil fu fu girl

I am sorry that you have had such an experience. I can understand your viewpoint.
My opinion on fat is congruent with my opinion on complete proteins. The quality level of these nutrients, especially energy nutrients, is directly related to how they are metabolized within the body; and in particular what waste by-products are created from such metabolism. My fat sources for my pets are mainly comprised of MCFAs, which follows a different pathway of digestion and metabolism then LCFAs. LCFAs must be hydrolized within the intestinal lumen by pancreatic enzymes and bile salts, before absorption into the lymph system and then on to the blood stream, where they are then transported throughout the body, consistent with a high blood fat content which is one of the causes of pancreatitis.

MCFAs do not need this action from the pancreas, as they are absorbed directly into the hepatic portal vein and transported directly to the liver, where they are usually burned as an energy source and have very limited storage capacity.

When we use LCFAs as the main component for the fat content in our pups food, we are doing them a disservice. While some amounts may indeed be needed, the quantity of LCFAs that we are feeding our pups, in my humble opinion, is not healthy. Having these within the blood is never a good thing, especially as the system ages and has more difficulty with metabolizing these lipids. Many research papers are currently studying the thermogenesis effects that MCFAs have on LCFAs as a treatment for obesity. Which would be beneficial for many today, both humans and pups.

Anyway.. long story short... all lipids are not created equal, and in the same sense, do not damage the body equally.

I would be interested in reading the research papers that you point to, if they are peer reviewed veterinary sources with conclusions drawn based on science. I have an interest in MCFAs and recently was using EV coconut oil as a primary fat source while on a certain diet for myself. I definitely lost fat using that as my dietary fat along with EPAs/DHAs and flaxseeds. I also felt a lot better! So I do buy into the concept of not all fats being created equal and I like what I've read so far about MCFAs, I just have not seen much as related specifically to dogs that I think is reliable (correct me if there is something updated I'm missing). I am interested to see where the research is and where it is going with EV coconut oil - in general and specifically for IBD dogs and for other digestive issues. I just worry about people adding things to commercial dog food without fully understanding the whole nutritional picture which is not the same in dogs as it is in people. I also think the addition of omega 3s or coconut oil or other things is not adding a whole lot to a highly processed overall diet most pets eat. For my own dogs, I'm pretty strict and I'd never add additional fat to Barney's diet after his history. He is on 3% fat derived from chicken breast. Many would think 3% fat would make him look dull or be too low, but for him, it works very well and his skin is supple and his coat shiny. Daisy on the other hand has more fat, derived from EPAs/DHAs only (vegetarian based diet) and she is dull and coarse with dry skin so coconut oil added in a small quantity (aobut 1/4 tsp a couple of times a week) to her food has made some improvements but mostly has helped her IBD symptoms when she flairs. I am very interested in that connection as well.

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I would be interested in reading the research papers that you point to, if they are peer reviewed veterinary sources with conclusions drawn based on science. I have an interest in MCFAs and recently was using EV coconut oil as a primary fat source while on a certain diet for myself. I definitely lost fat using that as my dietary fat along with EPAs/DHAs and flaxseeds. I also felt a lot better! So I do buy into the concept of not all fats being created equal and I like what I've read so far about MCFAs, I just have not seen much as related specifically to dogs that I think is reliable (correct me if there is something updated I'm missing). I am interested to see where the research is and where it is going with EV coconut oil - in general and specifically for IBD dogs and for other digestive issues. I just worry about people adding things to commercial dog food without fully understanding the whole nutritional picture which is not the same in dogs as it is in people. I also think the addition of omega 3s or coconut oil or other things is not adding a whole lot to a highly processed overall diet most pets eat. For my own dogs, I'm pretty strict and I'd never add additional fat to Barney's diet after his history. He is on 3% fat derived from chicken breast. Many would think 3% fat would make him look dull or be too low, but for him, it works very well and his skin is supple and his coat shiny. Daisy on the other hand has more fat, derived from EPAs/DHAs only (vegetarian based diet) and she is dull and coarse with dry skin so coconut oil added in a small quantity (aobut 1/4 tsp a couple of times a week) to her food has made some improvements but mostly has helped her IBD symptoms when she flairs. I am very interested in that connection as well.

Unfortunately this is very true. Many people do not fully understand the nutritional-anatomical balance in humans, let alone canines. I have found with my IBD pup that oatmeal, with its fiber content and its unique ability to feed intestinal flora, has been of great assistance in maintaining the health of her GI tract. I mostly feed her my home-created meals, as I also am not totally thrilled with processed foods and the lack of quality ingredients that they bring to the table.
Coconut oil is excellent for IBD symptoms as you stated, as the enzymes within the saliva and gastric juices of the stomach are enough to break it down, causing less strain and issues for the pancreas and GI tract. Plus CO also aids in the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable nutrient for geriatric cases, for both pups as well as humans.
I am including several links that will direct you to my research sites. You might not be able to read the full pdf format that I have sited, as many of them are paid member sites, but most will allow you to read an abstract version without paying or signing up. Many of them are scientific research papers,( how do I say this), with the studies performed on pigs and dogs... unfortunately. However, their organs systems/and functionality are similar to ours. I hope that you will find some of them useful.
JPEN
JN
LIPIDS
PIGS AND DOGS/CAMBRIDGE

Sorry forgot to add in link to last one...here it is.

[Cerise]

Originally Posted by kjc

I use it with my 4, also brush their teeth with it and use it on their coats and booboos. I add about 0.5-1.0 mL per meal, depending on their coat condition. I also clean ears with it.

Great tips!