Coconut Oil
 

A couple of questions for those of you who give your yorkies coconut oil. I purchased Organic Virgin Gold Label Unrefined Coconut Oil. I read where it is supposed to be cold pressed, but this reads "expeller" pressed naturally? Also, it is in a solid form in a jar. Do you mix it with their food. Do you heat it up to soften it, or???? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'm not sure about the difference in cold pressed and expeller expressed. The nutiva I use is cold pressed and it is in solid form. I just put 1/4 teaspoon on top of the morning kibble.

Coconut oil becomes solid at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. You can measure it either way... I use hot water in the food so the oil melts in. If you want it in liquid form, just set the jar in a bowl of warm water. I use it to determine the temperature in my kitchen, lol.

Expeller pressed can give more sediment, not a problem (it's still all coconut) and can be used, it may have a stonger flavor.

I use the coconut for wrapping the coat. Just noticed this thread. What advantage is feeding the coconut oil?
Thanks!

I suppose that depends who you ask. I use coconut oil for myself and I use it in home cooked dog food recipes that have strategic fat requirements. I see no benefit nor need to add additional fat to a commercial diet. Having dealt with a few (expensive) bouts of pancreatitis which is prevalent in the breed as you know, I think adding fat to the average commercial pet food diet is asking for trouble.

Thanks, I was afraid I was missing out on something... ;)

The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil | Dogs Naturally Magazine

This is what it does for humans:

From: Coconut Research Center Home Page

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
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.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans.

You are!:D

I agree that coconut oil is amazing. But it is fat and be careful on the amounts given and what it is added to.

I give coconut oil to Teeka and Max (1/4tsp) daily on their food. Teeka has been itching and it has helped. I really think the benefits out weights the negative, as long as you give it in moderation.

One difference between Coconut Oil and other fats that we use is that CO is a Medium Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA), whereas the others are Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFA). This difference alone causes the body to process CO differently than it would a corn, fish, or vegetable oil (just naming 3 of many). This is why CO does not trigger pancreatitis, like other fats/oils can. (My Peek had 2 bouts of Pancreatitis 8 years ago, none since then. He's been on CO for around 2 years now.)

Here are some interesting links: The Coconut Oil Miracle Where is the Evidence

And link to PubMed research articles: http://coconutresearchcenter.org/Coc...h%20Center.pdf

I am in love with coconut oil! I first got it because of reading threads about it here. Mandie has dry hair and skin. Then, I heard that you can use it to brush their teeth. So, I always brush her teeth with it. Recently, I've used it as an "after brush" along with C.E.T. but that is just recently. She thinks of the coconut oil as a treat and it is very beneficial to her.

Along those lines, I've added using it to my own regimine. I have dry elbows and heels. Love me some coconut oil! :)

I use it too for my skin and hair, and I put 2-3 drops on my toothpaste to brush my teeth. It will even stop the pain from a toothache!

You want to feed cold pressed - it retains more of the nutrients

Ill take the word of the board certified vet nutritionist as to what will trigger pancreatitis and what won't. Since pancreatitis treatment for a severe case can run upwards of $1,000 a day, I would rather avoid the expense along with my dog's suffering. My understanding is that the hormone CCK leads to pancreatic enzyme secretion, and that it is most responsive to dietary fat. Whether coconut oil down regulates CCK and thus pancreatic secretion is not something I know and I won't gamble with my own dog. Many people feed fish oils to their dogs with a history of pancreatitis too for the anti-inflammatory effects but in our case that tight rope isn't worth walking. I love my dog too much to see him suffer, but that's just me. I love coconut oil, it's one of the few fats I myself will eat, but it's not a great choice to add to a home cooked diet and therefore I only use it occasionally for my non pancreatic dogs.