How much coconut oil is safe for dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

How Much Coconut Oil To Give A Dog

[ad_1]Coconut oil has gained popularity in recent years for its many health benefits, not just for humans but also for our furry friends. Many dog owners are turning to coconut oil as a natural remedy for various ailments and as a supplement to their dogs diet. But how much coconut oil should you give your dog? In this article, we will delve into this question and explore the various trends, concerns, and expert opinions related to the topic.

**How Much Coconut Oil To Give A Dog**

Coconut oil is safe for dogs to consume in moderation, but the amount you should give will depend on your dogs size, weight, and overall health. As a general guideline, most experts recommend starting with 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs and puppies, 1 teaspoon for medium-sized dogs, and 1 tablespoon for large dogs. You can gradually increase the amount based on your dogs response and tolerance.

**Trends**

1. **Rise in Popularity** The use of coconut oil for dogs has seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years, with many pet owners opting for natural remedies over traditional medications.

2. **Holistic Approach** More dog owners are embracing a holistic approach to their pets health, seeking natural alternatives like coconut oil to address common issues such as skin allergies, digestive problems, and joint pain.

3. **DIY Treats** Many pet owners are incorporating coconut oil into homemade dog treats and meals as a way to provide their furry companions with added health benefits.

4. **Social Media Influence** The influence of social media has played a role in the rising trend of using coconut oil for dogs, with pet influencers and bloggers advocating for its use.

5. **Product Diversity** The market for coconut oil products for dogs has expanded, with a variety of options available including organic, cold-pressed, and flavored coconut oil specifically formulated for pets.

6. **Veterinary Approval** More veterinarians are recognizing the benefits of coconut oil for dogs and recommending it as a supplement for various health issues.

7. **Research and Studies** Ongoing research and studies are being conducted to further explore the potential benefits of coconut oil for dogs, shedding light on its efficacy and safety.

**Expert Opinions**

According to a Veterinary Nutritionist, Coconut oil can be a beneficial addition to your dogs diet, providing essential fatty acids and promoting a healthy coat and skin. However, its important to introduce it gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

A Canine Nutritionist adds, Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help boost your dogs immune system and improve digestion. But like any supplement, moderation is key to avoid potential side effects.

A Holistic Veterinarian states, I recommend coconut oil to my clients as a natural remedy for skin allergies, arthritis, and digestive issues in dogs. Its a safe and effective way to support your pets overall health and well-being.

A Pet Wellness Coach advises, When giving coconut oil to your dog, be sure to choose a high-quality, organic product to ensure its purity and potency. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dogs diet.

**Common Concerns and Answers**

1. **Can coconut oil cause diarrhea in dogs?** While coconut oil is generally well-tolerated by dogs, excessive consumption can lead to digestive upset including diarrhea. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to avoid this issue.

2. **Is coconut oil safe for dogs with pancreatitis?** Dogs with pancreatitis should avoid high-fat foods, including coconut oil. Consult your veterinarian before giving coconut oil to a dog with this condition.

3. **Can coconut oil help with bad breath in dogs?** Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help freshen your dogs breath when used as a supplement or added to their food.

4. **Does coconut oil help with shedding in dogs?** Coconut oil can aid in promoting a healthy coat and reducing shedding when used as a topical treatment or added to your dogs diet.

5. **Is coconut oil safe for pregnant or lactating dogs?** Pregnant or lactating dogs can safely consume coconut oil in moderation, but its best to consult with your veterinarian before adding it to their diet.

6. **Can coconut oil be used for ear infections in dogs?** Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help combat ear infections in dogs. Use a small amount in the affected ear as a natural treatment.

7. **Is coconut oil safe for diabetic dogs?** Coconut oil can be beneficial for diabetic dogs as it helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, consult with your veterinarian before giving it to a diabetic dog.

8. **Can coconut oil help with allergies in dogs?** Coconut oils anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of allergies in dogs, such as itching and skin irritation.

9. **Does coconut oil have any side effects for dogs?** While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, some may experience mild gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or stomach upset. Monitor your dogs response and adjust the dosage accordingly.

10. **Can coconut oil be used for weight loss in dogs?** Coconut oil can aid in weight management in dogs by promoting satiety and boosting metabolism. However, it should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

11. **Is coconut oil safe for puppies?** Coconut oil is safe for puppies in moderation, but its best to start with a small amount and gradually increase as they grow.

12. **Can coconut oil be applied topically to dogs skin?** Coconut oil can be applied topically to soothe dry, itchy skin or minor cuts and wounds. It has moisturizing and healing properties that can benefit your dogs skin health.

13. **Does coconut oil have any nutritional benefits for dogs?** Coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids that can support your dogs immune system, promote a healthy coat, and improve digestion.

14. **Can coconut oil be used as a natural flea repellent for dogs?** Coconut oil has natural repellent properties that can help deter fleas and ticks when applied to your dogs coat. However, its not a substitute for traditional flea prevention methods.

15. **Is coconut oil safe for all dog breeds?** Coconut oil is safe for most dog breeds, but its important to consider your dogs individual health needs and consult with your veterinarian before adding it to their diet.

**Summary**

In conclusion, coconut oil can be a beneficial supplement for dogs when used in moderation and under the guidance of a veterinarian. It offers a range of health benefits including improved digestion, skin health, and immune support. As with any dietary supplement, its important to start with a small amount and monitor your dogs response to ensure they tolerate it well. By incorporating coconut oil into your dogs diet, you can help promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.[ad_2]

How Much Coconut Oil for Dogs? Science-Based Daily Dosages

This guide will discuss the correct amount of coconut oil that your dog should have.

Science shows coconut oil in a dogs diet is great for energy, mental clarity and brain health, but how much coconut oil is the best amount for dogs?

As dog owners, its important to know which fats are considered good for your dog and how much to use.This helps us maximize their longevity. Thats why its not just important to make sure your pup is eating coconut oil, but to know how much coconut oil is optimal as well.

All fats are not created equal some are great for dogs, while others contribute to heart disease and increasedoverall disease risk. Lucky, coconut oil falls in the first category and is completely safe for dogs. When eaten in the right amounts daily, the benefits of coconut oil can promote your dogs long-term health.

Coconut Oil and MCT: The Breakdown

In order to understand how much coconut oil for dogs is the correct amount, lets look at its properties.

Coconut oil is made up of about 90% saturated fats and 9% unsaturated fats. The fact is, dogs need saturated fats like those in coconut oil in order to maintain healthy skin and long-term brain health, and well get back to that later.

Inthis eraof growing chicken allergy in dogs, very few dogs are allergic to coconut oilmaking it easy to fit into their diet!

While dogs need some fat from animal sources, none of those can reach the specific benefits of coconut oil because they lack medium chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Over 50% of the fats in coconut oil are MCTs. Although sometimes it may seem like a buzzword, medium chain triglycerides actually play such an important overall role in a dogs good health.

Here are some quick facts about MCTs:

MCTs have antibacterial and antiviral properties[*]
MCTs are converted into ketones which improve brain function in dogs[*]
MCTs from coconut oil can help dogs manage epilepsy[*]
MCTs from coconut oil could help manage blood sugar levels[*]
MCTs from coconut oil could potentially promote weight loss[*]

With all of coconut oils unique properties, we start to get a better picture of why this superfood has become so supported by the pet nutrition community, and why it should be included it in a dogs diet.

How Coconut Oil Impacts a Dogs Body

Now lets start to talk about dosages.

Since coconut oil is 100% fat, each gram of coconut oil has 9 calories, while carbohydrates and proteins have less than half that amount per gram, coming in at 4 calories each.

Normally when looking at how much coconut oil for dogs is necessary, caloric value would be an important consideration. However, while coconut oil has many benefits and is more calorie dense, a study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that coconut oil mixed into a dogs food helped them actually lose more weight than dogs on regular dog food [*].

But how could this be?

Interestingly, the medium chain triglycerides contained in coconut oil are digested differently than long chain triglycerides.

An MCT molecule has 6 to 12 total carbon atoms, while a long chain triglyceride molecule has over 12. Some long chain triglycerides, such as omega-6, have inflammatory properties and are often stored as fat cells in your dogs body. They are not easily digested. Although they are not considered harmful in small amounts, we have plenty more reasons to stick to MCTs instead.

Once MCTs are broken down, they can freely cross into blood circulation through the cells of the intestinal lining. Next, they travel directly into the blood and go straight to the liver. The liver then quickly converts them to ketones.And as you may have guessed, ketones are used as a very efficient fuel for dogs.

A Safe Coconut Oil Dosage

Now that we understand how coconut oil is efficiently digested by dogs, lets look into smart dosages.

In a study by the National Institutes of Health, dogs were given various amounts of coconut oil and their vitals were tested[*].

The dogs were fed coconut oil in the amounts of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of their food over a 90 day period. They were monitored for signs of toxicity by clinical observations, body weight measurements, food consumption level, physical examinations, hematology and serum chemistry, ophthalmic examinations and urinalysis.

At the end of the study, there were no signs of toxic effects observed in any of the dogs related to their food, and the animal viability was 100% by the studys conclusion.

However, there were some differences seen at the various coconut oil levels. With coconut oil at 15% of their diet, many dogs would not eat their food based on palatability issues, so you may want to keep this in mind. However, the scientists noted that no safety concerns were noted at any dosage level.

Recommended Daily Dosage Chart

You should consult your veterinarian to understand whether there are any breed or age-specific issues that may impact your dog specifically. However, these are the generally recommended daily dosages of coconut oil for dogs.

Dog's Weight	Starting Dosage	Daily Dosage
10 lbs or less	tsp	1 tsp
11-20 lbs	tsp	2 tsp
21-30 lbs	tsp	1 Tbsp
31-40 lbs	1 tsp	1 Tbsp
41-50 lbs	1 tsp	1 Tbsp
51-60 lbs	1 tsp	2 Tbsp
61-70 lbs	1 tsp	2 Tbsp
71-80 lbs	2 tsp	2 Tbsp
81-90 lbs.	2 tsp	3 Tbsp
91 lbs or more	2 tsp	3 Tbsp

As always, your dog may need a bit more than necessary if theyre active, or a little less if they are naturally less energetic.

The benefit of already having the optimal level of coconut oil in your dogs food is that it leaves out all of the guesswork. Heres a dog food with coconut oil that we recommend.

At the end of the day, our pups health is paramount to everything else. By making sure that our furry friends get the appropriate amount of coconut oil, we can help them obtain the benefits of coconut oil found in recent research.