DISCLAIMER/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. The information contained in this site is for educational and informative purposes ONLY and is NOT advice. Also, this website and the information contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please refer to our Disclaimer Policy for more information.
Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur
CAN DOGS HAVE COCONUT OIL
Is coconut oil good for dogs? Yes, dogs can have coconut oil, but why? There are so many other beneficial oils that your dog can consume or utilize that I often wonder why the fad of coconut oil was ever a fad in the first place. Yes, coconut oil has a slew of purported benefits, not all of which are true. I will give you the facts based on the evidence I could find about coconut oil.
I also check the labels to make sure it says;
- Virgin
- Organic
- Cold-pressed
- No added ingredients
COCONUT OIL FOR DOGS NUTRITION FACTS
- 1 Tbsp contains 120 calories
- Coconut oil contains 85% saturated fat1Coconut Oil Nutrition Facts | CoconutOils.com
- 13.5 grams of fat
- 0 grams of protein
What is saturated fat? Saturated fats, just like trans fats are bad for your health. They are the unhealthy fats that can clog your arteries and raise your cholesterol.2Facts about saturated fats: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
If saturated and trans-fat are bad for your health, are they magically good for your furbabies’ health? Saturated fat can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries.
Not only that but if your dog has digestive issues such as trouble metabolizing fats, proteins, vitamins or minerals then coconut oil might not be suitable for your dog.
Coconut oil is also not good for the pancreas, gallbladder or the kidneys as
“people with high total cholesterol or reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol were more likely to have reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR).”3High Cholesterol = High Kidney Disease Risk | National Kidney Foundation
Glomerular filtration has to do with the kidneys, their function and how well they are cleaning your blood. If it is not excreting waste or filtering properly it can lead to adverse health risks and problems.
We all know that too much fat in a dog’s diet can lead to obesity and potentially pancreatitis as well. So again, I ask you, is coconut oil good for dogs? After reading the above you decide.
BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL FOR DOGS
Coconut oil has been touted as having antibacterial activity, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and also can enhance the immune system.4Widianingrum, D. C., Noviandi, C. T., & Salasia, S. (2019). Antibacterial and immunomodulator activities of virgin coconut oil (VCO) against Staphylococcus aureus. Heliyon, 5(10), e02612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02612
In a study where virgin coconut oil was used on Staphylococcus aureus, it was found to inhibit the growth and was even suggested as being an alternative to antibiotics.5Widianingrum, D. C., Noviandi, C. T., & Salasia, S. (2019). Antibacterial and immunomodulator activities of virgin coconut oil (VCO) against Staphylococcus aureus. Heliyon, 5(10), e02612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02612
SKIN AND COAT
Coconut oil for dogs can be used topically for atopic dermatitis.6Wallace T. C. (2019). Health Effects of Coconut Oil-A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(2), 97–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562 Simply put some on your hand until it melts and rub onto the affected areas of your dog’s skin if it is staph and your vet allows for this.
Coconut oil for dogs is also good for the skin and the coat. It acts as a moisturizer and is commonly used in paw balms and in shampoos.
Topically and sparingly, I do not discount the effects of coconut oil personally but internally I see no benefits to feeding my dog this type of oil.
Here is a very unique type of shampoo that I use on my fur kid that has coconut oil (see I’m not entirely against coconut oil)
This shampoo is different from other shampoos I have tried as you need to shake the bottle first before applying. It is a runny liquid that you put on the dog and then it starts to suds up as you rub it in the dog.
You don’t need a lot of this shampoo as the ingredients are all organic and you just add more water to the dog and you get more soap and suds. It will leave your fur kid smelling fresh and being squeaky clean.
TEETH
Coconut oil for dogs in their toothpaste has proven health benefits such as preventing tooth decay.7Wallace T. C. (2019). Health Effects of Coconut Oil-A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(2), 97–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562
Now, added to dog toothpaste there may be minimal issues observed since it is being used in small amounts in your dog.
This is toothpaste is a staple in my house
I absolutely love, love, love this toothpaste and I think my dog does too, lol. I tried this toothpaste personally on myself when I ordered it because all the ingredients are just stellar in my book.
It has a yummy, sweet potato taste with sweet notes of cinnamon in it and yes, it also has coconut oil. The ingredients are all organic and they all have a specific function such as olive leaf extract, thyme, peppermint, fennel. The ingredients are meant to provide antibacterial, antimicrobial, ease upset stomach, freshen breath and so on.
Check out our other articles for more information on other foods such as;
