You’ve no doubt heard about the many benefits coconut oil offers to support human health. But, did you know that your furry friend can consume coconut oil, too? It’s just as good for Fido as it is for us humans—and coconut oil for dogs even offers some pet-specific health benefits you should not ignore. Here’s what you need to know about adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet.
All About Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is made from the meaty portion of coconuts—that white center that’s packed with nutrients! There are several types of coconut oil that differ thanks to their processing, but these are the two you’ll see most often:
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Unrefined Coconut Oil: If you see this on a label or in an ingredient list, it means that the coconut oil is minimally processed. Unrefined coconut oil for dogs is extremely nutrient-dense and is made from fresh, raw coconut meat so your pet is able to benefit from all its healthy compounds.
- Refined Coconut Oil: this is still a great option and is often more affordable. Refined coconut oil isn’t quite as nutrient-dense as unrefined coconut oil because it is processed once to dry the coconut meat and then processed again to expel the oil. But that doesn’t mean you should skip it for your dog. Refined coconut oil is still a great alternative to other fat sources and offers some impressive benefits for your pet.
Coconut oil is made up of at least 90% saturated fats. That means it’s jam-packed with healthy fat that will support your dog and his body. Most of that fat is MCT, or Medium Chain Triglycerides, and they are an incredible source of energy. Your dog’s body can metabolic MCTs quickly, so they provide fuel for your pup, and fast!
Coconut Oil For Dogs: The Many Benefits
So, what’s the big deal about healthy fats and coconut oil for dogs? The answer isn’t quite so simple because there are so many benefits coconut oil can offer your pet. Here are 5 of the most impressive reasons to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet:
1: Coconut Oil Is An Excellent Source Of Energy
As mentioned, the MCT fatty acids in coconut oil are the ultimate when it comes to energy production. They’re so supportive for your pet when his body needs fuel! Adding coconut oil to your dog’s bowl or supplementing with a coconut oil-rich additive is a great way t help your sluggish pup feel revitalized. Whether you want to help your pet keep his energy levels up all day or you want to provide a little extra help for your sleepy senior sweetie, coconut oil can help!
2: It Nourishes Skin and Supports a Healthy Coat
If your dog has itchy, dry, or irritated skin, bump up the healthy fats in his diet by adding in some coconut oil. It’s been shown to benefit Fido and his skin health because it helps nourish skin from within.
Coconut oil is a rich source of Omega-3 Fatty acids that help maintain skin health and can even improve dry, flaky, or red skin. It’s the ingredient you’ll want to reach for if your dog has skin issues and you want to help.
But, it also benefits his coat health, as well. Those same Omega-3 Fatty Acids help build strong fur, which is important to his overall health. Your dog’s fur protects him from toxins and other substances that could cause him harm. Coconut oil helps ensure his coat is thick and strong so it can help protect him.
Apply coconut oil directly to dry or irritated skin or incorporate it into his dog bowl. Either way, your pup, and his skin and coat will benefit!
3: Coconut Oil Supports Mobile Joints & Connective Tissues
If you have a senior dog or a pup with mobility issues, then you know how important a healthy balanced diet is to your pet’s overall health. Coconut oil is an ingredient you can add to your dog’s diet to help with occasional joint discomfort or mobility issues.
Coconut oil and its MCTs contain Lauric Acid, which is a compound that’s celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties. That coupled with the Omega-3 Fatty Acids and coconut oil is a joint-supportive ingredient that helps promote healthy connective tissues.
4: It Supports Dog Dental Health
Did you know coconut oil is good for your dog’s oral health, as well? This is a lesser-known benefit, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Coconut oil contains natural anti-microbial properties that help protect your dog’s mouth from developing dental health issues. Add it to his toothpaste or his dog dish and it will help keep his breath fresh and his teeth free from dental issues.
5: Coconut Oil For Dogs Offers Flea & Tick Defense
Did you know that coconut oil can repel pests? Studies show that the fatty acids in coconut oil are actually more effective at repelling pests than chemical deterrents like Deet. They work to keep blood-sucking insects at bay, which is especially helpful for your furry friend because this includes fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and more.
Adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet or applying it topically is a great way to protect Fido from these creatures that can cause harm! And, when you’re looking for flea and tick support for your dog, consider selecting a product that contains coconut oil, too. It’s an effective ingredient, especially when paired with other repellent compounds.
Pet Honesty Products That Contain Coconut Oil For Dogs
One of the best ways to use coconut oil for dogs is to provide flea and tick defense. As discussed, coconut oil has been studied for its bug-repellent properties, which is why Pet Honesty formulated Flea & Tick Defense Chews with coconut oil. Feed these chews to your dog to help repel pesky fleas, harmful ticks, and other bugs that can bite your dog.
Sources:
https://www.rover.com/blog/use-coconut-oil-improve-dogs-health-plus-recipes/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/coconut-oil-for-dogs-4582549
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-coconut-oil-good-for-dogs/
