What’s the Coconut Oil Research Saying?

For generations, coconut and palm oil were the primary sources of dietary fats across most of West Africa. However, these oils have recently been stigmatized as harmful because of their high content of saturated fat. The idea that eating them will increase one’s risk of heart disease by increasing one’s blood cholesterol level has been widely disseminated. As a result of this negative perception, their use in West Africa has declined and they have been mostly replaced by vegetable oils imported from elsewhere. However, new data suggests that these oils do have some positive outcomes, especially in terms of nutrition, health, and national development. We need further research into their implications for public health, nutrition, and economic growth. So, in an effort to argue for a return to the use of coconut and palm oils in local diets, this research attempts to review the roles which these oils play in these respects in poor nations.

Dr. Weston Price found in the 1930s that the people of the South Pacific Islands, although eating a diet heavy in coconut, were physically fit and had a low prevalence of heart disease. In 1981, scientists discovered that Polynesians whose diets consisted primarily of coconuts maintained great cardiovascular health. Medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid are abundant in coconut oil. In addition to its presence in breast milk, which helps children’ immune systems develop more quickly, coconut oil is one of the few natural sources of lauric acid. Recent studies have shown that coconut oil’s many health benefits extend to the cardiovascular system, the immunological system, the skin, the hair, the digestive system, the control of weight, and even athletic performance.

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Coconut Oil for Canine Health: Pros and Cons

We know that coconut oil is good for us, but what about a dog? Adding a tiny amount of coconut oil to your dog’s food, giving it as a supplement, or using it as a topical moisturizer are all terrific ways to provide your dog access to the health benefits of this nutrient-rich oil. Coconut oil, which is high in both beneficial saturated fats and fatty acids, may have the following advantages for dogs:

Advantages include:

1. A more lustrous coat for your dog and relief from allergy and eczema symptoms
2. Reduces foul breath, aids digestion, boosts brainpower, etc.
3. Benefits the immunological system, which in turn increases energy levels
4. Removes fleas and ticks from your home.
5. Has anti-fungal qualities
6. Heals injuries to joints and ligaments.
7. It’s okay if they lick it off; it helps dry skin, infections, hot spots, dry paw pads, and cracked noses.

Coconut Oil for Dogs: How to Administer it

Application of the Dog Coat. Coconut oil is a natural oil that can be utilized for both internal and external health problems. Coconut oil has benefits for both your dog’s hair and skin, which you may see after brushing him with it. Coconut oil can help improve the appearance and feel of a dry coat and scaly skin on your dog, relieving itching and improving the dog’s comfort. Since coconut oil is antimicrobial, it will prevent bacteria from developing on your dog’s skin as a result of scratching and drying. Coconut oil is great for your dog’s teeth, coat, and digestion when given internally, and it also helps the dog’s metabolism. But brushing your dog’s fur with coconut oil will make for beautiful locks by adding a gloss to his coat and promoting great elasticity in his skin. You can also apply some coconut oil on your dog’s dry paw pads and brush them at the same time. It’s okay if your dog licks it off. It’s not only harmless, but it’ll also have an effect both on the inside and outside of the body.

Second, you should invest in coconut oil that is unrefined. Choose the best coconut oil you can find, as your dog will be eating it. Get your hands on some organic oil if you can. When shopping for coconut oil, look for virgin varieties rather than RBD versions, as the latter’s processing eliminates vital elements. High-quality coconut oil is widely available in supermarkets, drugstores, and health food shops.

Third, administer the oil per spoonful or incorporate it into your dog’s regular diet. One teaspoon of coconut oil (4 grams) can be given to a dog for every 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) it weighs, but this amount should be increased gradually. You should give your dog a quarter of this quantity for a few days before increasing the amount. Coconut oil can be given to your dog either by spoonful or mixed into his regular meal. Too much coconut oil in one sitting might cause stomach upset and diarrhea in canines. Start by giving your dog 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of oil every day for a few days if he or she weights 20 pounds (9 kg), for instance. Aim for a dose of 2 teaspoons, and work up to that amount gradually (8 g).

Fourth, keep your dog’s omega-3 oil intake in check. It’s important to think about your dog’s diet as a whole and make sure it doesn’t contain too many of the healthy necessary fatty acids (omega-3) that coconut oil provides. Alternate days of giving your dog the supplement containing omega-3 oil and the coconut oil. Problems with digestion, blood coagulation, and insulin sensitivity might result from taking in too much omega-3. To illustrate, if you normally feed your dog an omega-3 oil three times a week, you should switch to coconut oil for the other four feedings.

Seek advice from your vet before committing to a long-term regimen of coconut oil. Some vets aren’t convinced that coconut oil is good for a dog’s skin. Inquire with your dog’s vet about including coconut oil in your dog’s normal diet. Coconut oil has 120 calories per tablespoon, therefore your vet may advise you to limit its use if your dog is overweight.

Coconut oil topically applied to dogs.

One, stock up on premium coconut oil. Instead of buying highly refined coconut oil, opt for unrefined, extra-virgin, organic coconut oil. Refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil should be avoided. It’s important to remember that coconut oil can turn liquid in a heated environment but returns to its solid state when it cools. You can find good coconut oil in supermarkets, drugstores, and health food stores.

Get your hands in the oil and get it nice and toasty. If the coconut oil is liquid, put roughly half a teaspoon (2 g) in the palm of one hand. Coat your hands in oil by rubbing them together. A solid coconut oil can be used by scooping a tiny amount onto a spoon and rubbing the palms of your hands together for one minute. As it warms, the coconut oil will melt and become fluid.

Third, apply the oil directly to your dog’s fur. Massage your dog’s back, lower legs, and tummy with lubricated hands. If you have any areas of dry, itchy, red, or flea-bitten skin, you should apply it there as well. While your dog is experiencing skin problems, apply the oil once or twice daily. Oil your hands again as necessary.

Applying coconut oil to your dog’s coat is step four. It is not enough to only treat your dog’s skin if it has fleas; the fur must also be treated. Spread some additional coconut oil on your hands and run your fingers through your dog’s fur. It’s important to remember to apply coconut oil to your dog’s underbelly fur by massaging it in once or twice daily if fleas are a problem. Coconut oil has a long shelf life, lasting for days, even weeks, between uses. Keep using the coconut oil until you no longer see any fleas.

Wrap your canine in a sweater. If your dog licks the coconut oil right off its fur or skin, have no fear; it’s perfectly safe for consumption. However, if you are worried that the coconut oil is not penetrating your dog’s skin or fur, you may want to consider dressing your dog in a sweater. It will be unable to lick off the oil because of the sweater.

Recommended Daily Amount of Coconut Oil for Canines

Now that we know how well canines digest coconut oil, we can discuss appropriate dosing.

The NIH conducted an experiment in which dogs were given varying quantities of coconut oil and then had their vitals monitored.

Over the course of 90 days, the dogs were given chow containing 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% coconut oil. Clinical observations, weight measurements, food intake, physical examinations, hematology, serum chemistry, ocular exams, and urinalysis were all taken to look for toxicity.

All of the canines survived the duration of the research with 100% viability, and no adverse food-related consequences were noted.

But there were noticeable variations between the various coconut oil concentrations. Many dogs wouldn’t eat if their meal had 15 percent coconut oil because of the unpleasant taste. However, researchers found no evidence of safety issues at any tested dose.

Dosage Schedule for Adults and Puppies

Talk to your dog’s vet to find out whether he or she recommends any special care because of your dog’s breed or age. But these are the typical daily servings of coconut oil given to dogs.

Keep in mind that your dog will likely require more than necessary if they are particularly active and possibly less if they are naturally less active.

Having dog food formulated with the correct amount of coconut oil removes any room for error when feeding your pet.

In what ways, if any, can coconut oil aid digestion?

All sorts of human health issues can be helped by consuming coconut oil. Coconut oil has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and intestinal health, for example. And what do you know? Therapeutic coconut oil is beneficial for the digestive systems of animals as well as humans.

Keep reading to see how coconut oil aids with digestion for your furry friend, too!

1) It aids with digestion and nutrient absorption

Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like lauric acid can be found in coconut oil. These healthful fats are well-tolerated by the digestive system and boost vitamin and mineral absorption.

Coconut oil is an excellent source of saturated fat and has been shown to improve nutrient absorption more effectively than other oils. This indicates that including coconut oil in your pet’s diet will result in increased nutrient absorption.

Fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are essential for your pet’s well-being. Calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, E, K, and D, and other minerals. Fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and essential proteins and b-amino acids.

To prevent diarrhea, introduce coconut oil gradually when feeding it to pets.

2) It prevents the growth of parasites, molds, and harmful bacteria.

Coconut oil is beneficial because it contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial that works by destroying the cell membranes of parasites, fungus, and harmful bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract. When coconut oil is a regular part of your pet’s diet, gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating are far less likely to occur.

3) It aids in the recovery from digestive problems

Your pet may be in considerable pain if they suffer from a digestive disorder. The anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil aid in the recovery from digestive system injuries and in the prevention of chronic inflammation.

When used topically, coconut oil can help heal your pet’s intestinal mucosal lining after an injury, sealing off any potential infection-causing leaks.

Coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acids and antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities support a healthy digestive system.

It aids in keeping canine breath fresh.

Oral infections and gum disease are common culprits in dogs with chronically foul breath, but gastrointestinal issues can also play a role. Coconut oil’s anti-microbial qualities are effective against harmful germs in the mouth, digestive tract, and elsewhere.

Because of its versatility, coconut oil can also be used to clean your dog’s teeth. Using a tiny quantity of coconut oil on a piece of wet gauze, gently brush your dog’s teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar. The oil’s pleasant aroma will entice your dog, and the gauze will make grooming a breeze.

Coconut oil’s antibacterial characteristics make it effective against streptococcus and lactobacillus, two common oral bacteria responsible for inflammation and decay in the gums. If you want to save your dog from needing frequent trips to the vet for dental issues, then you should use coconut oil to clean his teeth on a regular basis.

Will Coconut Oil Remove Dog Tooth Decay?

The percentage of dog owners who regularly brush their canine’s teeth tends to change daily, but it remains much below 10%. This is cause for concern because many of our animal friends suffer from dental problems and tartar buildup. There are several applications where coconut oil can be used to solve complex issues.

The first is the standard recommendation you’d expect from a dental hygiene article: Brush their teeth! Even without adding any other ingredients, coconut oil can be used as a dog’s toothpaste to help maintain the health of their teeth and keep them looking bright and white. Use a baby’s toothbrush or your finger dipped in coconut oil to gently brush your dog’s teeth in a circular motion if you’ve never done it before. Brushing a dog’s teeth is the most effective method, but if your pet is uncomfortable with the experience or requires more reassurance, there are two additional options you can try. To learn more, read this guide by WebMD and swap out the toothpaste for coconut oil.

To avoid any accidents, take your dogs outdoors before trying the next suggestion, as it may take a little bit of effort and may be messy. To do so, one had to heat coconut oil and soak a bone or rawhide in it. Once this is done, wait for it to dry before releasing your furry companion. This will cause them to unintentionally clean their teeth as they chew by rubbing the coconut oil on their teeth. The coconut oil can be melted in a microwave in 15 seconds, at which point the bone can be dipped into it and let to dry on a rack or plate. When dry, it’s ready for service. If tartar has built up on Fido’s teeth, this procedure will not help you get rid of it.

The final option is to incorporate coconut oil into your dog’s regular diet; while this won’t provide the greatest quality cleaning, the natural elements in coconut oil will assist your dog fight off some of the problems linked with poor oral health. Coconut oil for dogs teeth can be rubbed about the dog’s mouth as they eat to aid in a variety of dental problems.

It’s important to remember that our pets don’t know to spit out the toothpaste after brushing, and that some substances can be hazardous to them. Dogs need special dog toothpaste, and humans should never use their own toothpaste on their pets. For the sake of your dog’s health, it’s best to go with all-natural remedies like coconut oil, because you won’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals or additives making it into his food.

Substitutes for Coconut Oil in Dog Care

Fish Oil, No. 1

Cod liver oil, herring oil, and salmon oil are just a few examples of the many varieties of fish oils available. However, the highest omega-3s and the longest shelf life can be found in a fish oil blend made from salmon, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and other seafood.

Secondly, Oil Extracted from Sunflowers

This premium oil is low in saturated fat compared to animal fat and is rich in omega-6 fatty acids (omega-3’s relative). Saturated fats do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in dogs like they do in humans, but they may aggravate an already delicate stomach.

Oil extracted from flaxseed

Flaxseed, which contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can serve as an alternative supplement for dogs with fish allergies. However, dogs aren’t as efficient as humans at converting flax’s omega 3s to those found in fish (EPA and DHA), so the benefits aren’t quite the same.

Olive Oil

This oil is extremely beneficial to dogs since it is full of antioxidants like polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll, and carotenoids. Olive oil’s ability to facilitate the breakdown of fat within fat cells makes it an ideal supplement for canine weight loss programs.

Finally, the Verdict on Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil has a high concentration of beneficial saturated fats and fatty acids. The health of your heart, immune system, skin, hair, waistline, and even your workouts could all benefit from this. Coconut oil is a healthy and delicious supplement to your dog’s food, but only when used sparingly. Coconut oil is a natural oil that can be utilized for both internal and external health problems. Coconut oil has benefits for both your dog’s hair and skin, which you may see after brushing him with it.

In addition to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut oil will prevent bacteria from festering on your dog’s skin as a result of scratching and drying. Coconut oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered necessary fatty acids. Problems with digestion, blood coagulation, and insulin sensitivity might result from taking in too much omega-3. Your vet may advise you to just offer the oil as a temporary measure if your dog is overweight. Dogs were evaluated by the NIH after they were given coconut oil in varying doses and their vitals were monitored.

The lipids in coconut oil are good for you and your digestive system. These fats aid in the digestion process, allowing for better nutritional absorption. When coconut oil is a regular part of your pet’s diet, gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating are far less likely to occur. Coconut oil’s anti-microbial characteristics make it an effective treatment for oral bacteria like streptococcus and lactobacillus, which cause irritation and decay in the gums. Even without adding any other ingredients, coconut oil can be used as a dog’s toothpaste to help maintain the health of their teeth and keep them looking bright and white.

When they eat the coconut oil, it will naturally rub on their teeth, cleaning them. Dogs need special dog toothpaste, and humans should never use their own toothpaste on their pets. Coconut oil is a wonderful alternative to animal fat since it contains less saturated fat and is a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids (omega-3’s cousin). The benefits of olive oil for dogs on a diet are especially noteworthy. Flaxseed oil is a good alternative for dogs that are allergic to or reactive to fish oil.