Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?

Coconut oil has become all the craze in health, for healthy hair, and healthy skin, and just an overall healthier lifestyle. It has been proven to reap many benefits for humans but can your pet benefit from coconut oils wonders too?

Yes, coconut oil is good for humans and dogs alike!

But, what specifically can coconut oil do for your dogs health?  Dr. Colleen Smith of the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute says “Coconut oil can increase energy levels, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions." The best part is that dogs can benefit from coconut oil both orally or in their food, and topically or on their skin. 

What makes Coconut Oil so Good for Dogs? 

Coconut Oil has MCFAs which is a medium-chain fatty acid. These MCFAs contain 48% lauric acid, 8% caprylic acid, and 7% capric acid, all of these acids work against bad breath, weight gain, infection, dry skin, cuts, and digestive issues. Making coconut oil an effective and beneficial addition to your dogs diet. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of Coconut oil. 


Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Improve Immune System and Digestive System

Promoting weight loss and overall nutrition absorbance. Coconut oil is proven to balance out thyroid, which not only help with weight loss but with energy levels as well. The coconut oils MCFAs can be extremely helpful when feeding orally, MCFAs have shown to prevent weight gain entirely. 

Improve Bad Breath and Dental Health

The lauric acid in Coconut oil kills bacteria that causes tooth decay and helps eliminate bad breath. Coconut oil antimicrobial properties make it a natural way to clean your pet’s teeth. The oil can help eliminate bacteria in your dog’s mouth and prevent plaque that can lead to dental disease from forming in the first place.

Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat

Coconut oil can be used as a topical for dry or irritated skin but can also hydrate your dogs skin creating a glossy and sleek coat. If your dog already has dry skin or dandruff, coconut oil is highly effective at hydrating and increasing lipid levels on the surface of the skin. Coconut oil is also a natural way to repel pests like ticks and fleas from your dogs fur. Additionally, coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial topical that can treat wounds and cuts.