Why Coconut oil?
Coconut oil has so many health benefits! In fact, you may have heard how good it is for humans but it is equally good and beneficial for dogs too. You may be surprised at some of the surprising side effects from this healthy oil for your dog!
Coconut oil is a great source for Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA's), which are easily broken down and digested and go straight to the liver for energy production. Most of the MCFA's in coconut oil are the highly beneficial Lauric Acid. Lauric acid is found in abundance in breastmilk and converts to a substance called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin has been shown to be useful in increasing immunity and fighting viruses and disease. Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties.
So What are some of the benefits for giving Coconut oil to your dog?
Internally, it can reduce the risk of potential cancers because of it's immune boosting, inflammation reducing and virus combating properties. It improves digestion, boosts thyroid gland function, helps boost metabolism, is excellent for a healthy skin and coat, helps prevent internal parasites including giardia and other protozoa. Still need more convincing? Coconut oil added to the diet will help or eliminate bad breath and doggy odor in your pooch, is an effective treatment and prevention for yeast and fungal infections, can help ease arthritis and greatly improves brain function in older dogs.
Topically, it is a great treatment for skin abrasions, hot spots, insect bites, bee stings and other surface wounds.
Always buy organic virgin coconut oil. Never buy the stuff at Walmart or other off brands unless it's the higher quality brands that say "Organic Virgin Coconut Oil" on the label. We've purchased it through Trader Joe's, Costco and also Tropical Traditions. Tropical Traditions has a lot of great organic, grain free and gluten free products. If I am making Grain Free dog treats, I use the Coconut Flour from Tropical Traditions as the flour source for the treats.
Start off by giving about a teaspoon a day. Some dogs are more senstive to it and it can cause a loose stool.
They will need to build up to a higher dose slowly. We maintain our adult Goldens on 1 full tablespoon a day, mixed in their food.
Dogs love the taste of it and will even lick it off the spoon.
Additional reading and resources:
http://dogingtonpost.com/benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs/#.UkOWxoZOOSp
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/ten-reasons-to-add-coconut-oil-to-your-dogs-diet
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/
http://wholenewmom.com/reaching-out/is-costcos-coconut-oil-junk-or-the-real-deal/
Coconut oil is a great source for Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA's), which are easily broken down and digested and go straight to the liver for energy production. Most of the MCFA's in coconut oil are the highly beneficial Lauric Acid. Lauric acid is found in abundance in breastmilk and converts to a substance called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin has been shown to be useful in increasing immunity and fighting viruses and disease. Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties.
So What are some of the benefits for giving Coconut oil to your dog?
Internally, it can reduce the risk of potential cancers because of it's immune boosting, inflammation reducing and virus combating properties. It improves digestion, boosts thyroid gland function, helps boost metabolism, is excellent for a healthy skin and coat, helps prevent internal parasites including giardia and other protozoa. Still need more convincing? Coconut oil added to the diet will help or eliminate bad breath and doggy odor in your pooch, is an effective treatment and prevention for yeast and fungal infections, can help ease arthritis and greatly improves brain function in older dogs.
Topically, it is a great treatment for skin abrasions, hot spots, insect bites, bee stings and other surface wounds.
Always buy organic virgin coconut oil. Never buy the stuff at Walmart or other off brands unless it's the higher quality brands that say "Organic Virgin Coconut Oil" on the label. We've purchased it through Trader Joe's, Costco and also Tropical Traditions. Tropical Traditions has a lot of great organic, grain free and gluten free products. If I am making Grain Free dog treats, I use the Coconut Flour from Tropical Traditions as the flour source for the treats.
Start off by giving about a teaspoon a day. Some dogs are more senstive to it and it can cause a loose stool.
They will need to build up to a higher dose slowly. We maintain our adult Goldens on 1 full tablespoon a day, mixed in their food.
Dogs love the taste of it and will even lick it off the spoon.
Additional reading and resources:
http://dogingtonpost.com/benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs/#.UkOWxoZOOSp
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/ten-reasons-to-add-coconut-oil-to-your-dogs-diet
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/
http://wholenewmom.com/reaching-out/is-costcos-coconut-oil-junk-or-the-real-deal/