Does coconut affect dogs

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Is it Really Good for Them?

Coconut oil has become a popular supplement for people. In humans, some evidence suggests that consuming coconut oil in limited amounts may offer possible benefits, including boosting the immune system, aiding in weight loss, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent, and improving cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimers disease. Today, many experts debate how helpful eating coconut oil may actually be for people.

But pet owners are asking can coconut oil be beneficial to dogs? The answer is maybe. But that doesnt mean you should immediately feed your pet coconut oil or apply it to their skin. Heres what you need to know about coconut oil and dogs.

Science Behind Coconut Oil

Coconut oil comes from the meat of coconuts harvested from the coconut palm tree. Coconut oil consists of at least 90% saturated fats, most of which are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Besides coconut oil, MCTs are often found in palmer kernel oil, butter, yogurt, milk, and cheese.

What are MCTs? MCTs are fatty acids that can be considered good fat. When consumed in moderation, MCTS can provide several benefits, including reducing skin inflammation. MCTs also metabolize quickly and provide an immediate source of energy. MCTs in coconut oil may help battle fungi and infection, support brain health, and lower cholesterol.

Can Dogs Have Coconut Oil? Pros and Cons

Can dogs eat coconut oil? Its possible consuming some coconut oil may offer internal benefits for dogs. The main MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid. Lauric acid has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil also has amounts of capric and caprylic acids, which are known for their antifungal effects. The oil also has both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated (fatty acids that support brain health and help lower cholesterol). Some research indicates that coconut oil may be helpful in aiding canine digestion, improving brain activity and mental function, and assisting with weight loss.

But is coconut oil good for dogs? These benefits dont mean you should go out and feed your dog coconut oil without veterinary approval. There hasnt been extensive research proving that coconut oil will definitively aid in many aspects of canine health. Vets may also debate how widely applicable (or relevant) these studies results are. Furthermore, feeding your dog coconut may work against some of the same conditions coconut oil is said to cure. For example, instead of helping with digestion, the fats in coconut oil can cause upset stomachs or diarrhea in dogs.

Additionally, coconut oil doesnt meet your dogs daily fat requirements. The acids in MCTs dont have enough omega-6 and omega-3 acids, and what it does contain isnt processed very efficiently. As for claims that MCTs protect against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while the lauric acid in MCTs does kill germs in lab tests, there is no clear evidence that it can be used in sufficient quantities to offer dogs much protection.

When Applied Topically

You may be asking, Can I put coconut oil on my dog? In fact, applying coconut oil to your dogs skin may be helpful. Coconut oil can help soothe irritated areas like hot spots or restore moisture to itchy, dry skin. If your pet has dry, cracked paws, try a DIY paw balm with coconut oil as one of the ingredients.

To add some shine to your dogs coat, try using shampoos formulated for dogs that include coconut oil as an ingredient. A moisturizing dog shampoo containing coconut oil is ideal for hydrating dry fur, while a dog conditioner with coconut oil will help soften the hair.

Can I Use Coconut Oil as a Topical Antifungal Treatment?

If you think your dog may have a fungal issue, talk to your vet immediately and follow their recommended course of treatment. While coconut oil does have antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is unclear how well this translates to canine skin disease, Dr. Linda Simon says. The vets treatment will depend on the species of fungus causing infection, how serious or widespread the infection is, and the age and health of the dog, notes Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. She explains that most mild to moderate fungal infections can be treated topically with a combination of shampoos and creams.

If your dog has a musty smell or greasy skin (resulting from an overgrowth of yeast), your vet may recommend using a medicated wash. For severe or widespread fungal infections, especially in dogs with immune system dysfunction, your vet may prescribe oral medications. These medications can cause liver issues, so serial blood work should be performed to monitor the pets health, Dr. Whittenburg adds.

Your vet may recommend coconut oil as part of a skin supplement regime to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce itchiness or dry skin, according to Dr. Simon. Dr. Whittenburg adds, In most cases, theres no harm in utilizing topical coconut oil on a dog. However, it is messy, can clog pores, and may cause the dog to lick the affected area more, leading to increased pain, inflammation, and infection.

How Can I Safely Give Coconut Oil to My Dog?

Before applying coconut oil topically or giving your dog some to eat, discuss these options with your vet. If they approve of you giving coconut oil to your pet, choose unrefined coconut oil, also called virgin coconut oil. Better yet, look for cold-pressed oil, which uses a method to preserve nutrients.

If youre feeding it to your dog, be aware that oils have different smells and tastes. Some have a bold coconut taste, while others are bland. Some are buttery and smooth, while others are nutty. You may have to experiment a bit to find one your dog likes. Alternatively, your vet may recommend trying coconut oil skin and coat supplements designed specifically for dogs.

If you do put a small amount of coconut oil on your dog and they lick it off, that likely wont cause much harm. But feeding it to them can definitely lead to both weight gain and gastrointestinal disturbances, Dr. Whittenburg says. Dr. Simon agrees, explaining that long-term feeding of coconut oil can lead to obesity in dogs and even trigger pancreatitis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas). In the short term, your dog may experience greasy stool or diarrhea.

To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If they still feel greasy or oily to the touch, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse.

Because of the potential risks associated with the topical or internal use of coconut oil, Dr. Whittenburg doesnt recommend that dog owners select products specifically for their coconut oil content. In the case of hardened noses or paw pads, for example, using soothing products made with coconut oil can help soften.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Meat? [How Much is Too Much?]

Dogs can eat coconut meat. However, coconut meat should be given in moderation and gradually incorporated into the diet. The dog should not be fed the shell of a fresh coconut (with a whole coconut in it) as this could cause a blockage.

A well balanced diet is an essential aspect of a dogs health, but what might this consist of? Dog owners should find dry kibble containing balanced nutrients, but may also supplement some of their dogs caloric intake for something else, like wet food, treats, rice, meat, or produce.

There are pros and cons to anything you feed your dog, including coconut meat. All factors should be considered when making dietary decisions for your pup.

What is Coconut Meat?

Before feeding something to your dog, you should have a deeper understanding of what it is outside of just identifying it (e.g., Coconut meat is coconut, but what is it and what does it do?).

Coconut meat is white and is considered the seed of a palm, which grows in tropical areas. Aside from being a seed, botanists also consider it a fruit or a nut, based on loose definitions.

Coconut meat is high in fat and other micronutrients, but does not contain much coconut oil. One cup of shredded fresh coconut meat equates to approximately 283 calories, 3 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbs, 27 grams of fat, 5 grams of sugar, 7 grams of fiber, and various vitamins and minerals (e.g., manganese, copper, and others).

This food is considered to be high in calories per serving, but is also nutrient-dense (i.e., a high amount of vitamins and minerals).

Different Forms of Coconut Meat

There are many forms of coconut meat, including dried cubes or flakes, prepared fresh coconut (cubed or shredded), or the whole coconut (to be prepared at home).

These can all be found in the grocery store and are marketed as human food. Fresh items can be found in the produce section, whereas dried items are usually found in the baking section.

Keep in mind there are sweetened and unsweetened options available, but dogs dont need added sugar, so unsweetened is the way to go.

Dried coconut meat is easier to store, but it is important to know the difference between dried and fresh coconut.

Dried coconut meat is fresh coconut that has been dried or dehydrated, which causes it to be very concentrated, has low moisture content, and has the highest total fat (including saturated fat) content.

For example, a cup of dried coconut may have 33 grams of fat and approximately 350 total calories.

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Meat?

Dog owners need to distinguish what dogs can and cannot eat, including what forms they can eat it in.

For example, some foods may be best cooked versus raw because of their components and how they are digested. Other foods may be toxic, poisonous, or dangerous for dogs to consume.

Simply put, dogs can consume coconut meat. This is because coconut meat is not considered poisonous or toxic to dogs and can be digested without significant consequences.

Like coconut oil, coconut meat has nutritional benefits that dogs can significantly benefit from. However, as with any food, coconut meat should be given in moderation and safely worked into the diet.

For those that use fresh whole coconut (with the shell), it is important to remember that the shell should not be given to the dog. The water and flesh are okay, but the shell could cause blockages or intestinal injury.

Properly Feeding Your Dog Coconut Meat

Although coconut meat is nutrient dense and can improve a dogs overall health, including lowering the potential of skin issues, it should be given in moderation.

As far as what type or form of coconut to give, fresh coconut is considered best because it is in its purest form, without additives.

However, other forms of coconut could be comparable and easier to access. In any case, nutritional information should be considered when incorporating coconut meat into the dogs diet to avoid additional calories that could lead to unwanted weight gain.

Some pet companies have even introduced coconut treats that provide coconut without additives or mixed with other healthy food items such as fruits, veggies, and grains.

A coconut treat mixed with other healthy items will likely have smaller amounts of coconut than if it were pure meat. This might be a better option for those that want the benefits of coconut but are afraid of over-feeding their dog.

Providing a treat with other components could also help provide a more balanced diet, including appropriate levels of calories, fat, vitamins, and other nutrients.

How Will Eating Coconut Meat Affect Dogs?

Just because something is considered safe to eat, doesnt mean all dogs will respond the same to it. This holds true for coconut meat.

However, MOST dogs will experience the same effects from eating coconut meat. Here are a few of the benefits and potential consequences of consuming coconut meat.

Benefits of Coconut Meat

Coconut meat has a variety of nutrients, including important vitamins and minerals that are often neglected in a dogs diet.

Specific nutrients in coconut meat include lauric acid and antioxidants. Lauric acid, as well as other components of coconut, can have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help decrease inflammation that could cause arthritis, skin irritations (e.g., rash, hot spots, dry skin, etc.), allergies, and/or yeast infections (e.g., ringworm and giardia).

Antioxidants help boost the immune systems, which help fight against harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

Potential Consequences of Coconut Meat

Dogs have a fairly sensitive stomach and dont respond well to big changes in their diet. If youre going to introduce coconut meat into your dogs diet, be sure to do it slowly.

The potential consequences of ingesting coconut meat will vary depending on the dog or how much is consumed.

Coconut meat contains a high amount of calories, which could result in weight gain. It all depends on how active the dog is or how much they are being fed.

Coconut meat also contains a high amount of saturated fat, equating to approximately 89% of the total fat. If a dog becomes overweight, it will affect their quality of life (and health).

Finally, coconut meat contains medium-chain triglycerides, which can be absorbed whole by the small intestine and help produce energy, but too much may cause gastrointestinal upset and/or bloating.

Coconut Meat The Final Verdict

Many non-toxic foods can be added to a dogs diet that provide nutritional and health benefits. Coconut meat is an option that can be given as a treat (separate from meals) or added to meals so dogs can experience these benefits.

It is important to note, as with many things, that too much is not always a good thing. Dog owners should give coconut meat to their pups in moderation to avoid the potential consequences of weight gain or gastrointestinal upset and/or bloating.

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