Should I add oil to my dogs food
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.
Discuss on Twitter View DiscussionsDoes adding oil to dog food help with itching?
Adding oil to dog food can help with itching, according to some research. Adding a specific type of oil to your pets food can help reduce the itchiness caused by many things, including parasites and arthritis. If your dog has been experiencing recurring itching or is concerned about an inherited skin condition, adding a type of oil to his diet may be a solution for you.
What can I add to my dogs food to help with itching?
There are a variety of things you can add to your dogs food to help with itching, including: 1) foods high in omega-3 fatty acids; 2) fruits and vegetables; 3) cereals; and 4)udder supplements.
Can you put cooking oil in dog food?
Do you think putting cooking oil in your dogs food is a good idea? Do you think it would be a good idea to do this regularly?
Is it OK to put vegetable oil on dog food?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of vegetable oil in dog food, with some people believing that it is safe and beneficial, while others feel that it should not be used at all. It seems like there is no right answer, as each persons opinion on the matter may differ. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide if they believe that putting vegetable oil on their dogs food is beneficial or not.
Can I put a little olive oil in my dogs food?
Olive oil is a natural source of nutrition for dogs and can be added to their food to help with coat, digestion and overall health. Some people believe that adding olive oil to their dogs food can also help with arthritis, epilepsy and other conditions.
What kind of oil can I give my dog for itching?
There are many different types of oils you can give your dog for itching. You can use a variety of oils to help soothe and itch your dogs skin. Some good options include olive oil, soybean oil, and beeswax. The type of oil you use will depend on the severity of the itch and the size of your dogs scratch.
Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?
1. Its possible that your dog has a problem with fleas because he is scratching himself for itch control.2. If youre not seeing any fleas on your dog, it may be because hes beenprotected from them by his ownership or protection from other animals.
3. If your dog is scratching himself for itch control, its important to keep an eye on him and see if he experiences any new outbreaks of itchiness.
What is the best oil to put on dog food?
There are many types of oils that can be put on dog food, but some people feel that a high quality olive oil is the best option. Olive oil is said to be healthy for Dogs and has a long history of being used to help keep dogs healthy.
What oils are good for dogs skin?
Oils are a great choice for dogs skin because they are high in antioxidants and natural ingredients. These oils can help keep your dogs skin healthy and happy, and can also be used as atreatment for fungal or bacterial infections.
What kind of oil is good for dogs?
Dogs love to play, and they also love to eat. The two together are a perfect match. If you want to ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition, its important to know what kind of oil is good for them. Here are four types of oil that can be used on dogs: omega-3, omega-6, ketogenic, and organic.
Can dogs eat tuna packed in oil?
Can Dogs Eat Tuna Packed In Oil?Dogs are known to love tuna, but some pet owners may be concerned about their ability to digest it. A study published in the journal Fish and Fisheries found that dogs could eat tuna packed in oil, just like humans. The studys authors said that the dogs did not have any negative effects from eating the tuna, and in fact, they enjoyed it.
Is tuna with oil good for dogs?
Dogs love tuna so much, but many people are hesitant to add it to their diet because of the oil content. Some dogs might not even be able to digest it properly, so is there really such a big difference between eating tuna with oil and without? If youre considering whether or not Adding tuna to your dogs diet is a good idea, heres what you need to know.
First and foremost, any type of seafood should be cooked before adding it to your pets food. Not only does this stop the pollutants from reaching your pets delicate stomachs, but cooking also helps break down the proteins which make up seafood. Secondly, there are no real benefits for dogs when consuming omega-3 fatty acids directly from fish.
Is tuna in Olive oil OK for dogs?
There is a lot of debate on what is good for dogs and how to feed them. Some people believe that tuna in olive oil is good for their health, while others find it too expensive and not worth the hassle. So, is tuna in olive oil safe for dogs? The answer may depend on your dogs health and diet.
How can I relieve my dogs itching?
There are a few ways to relieve your dogs itching. This will vary depending on the dog and how severe the itch is. Some of the more common methods include:
1) Apply a hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. This will block itching signals from reaching your dogs brain and should help for a short time.
2) Use a scratching post or toy to scratch the itch slowly and carefully. This can also help soothe the dog and reduce any feelings of anxiety or stress.
3) Use an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen for relief for a few hours max. These medications can be bought over the counter in most pharmacies.
How do I stop my dog from itching so much?
There are a few things that you can do to help stop your dog from itching so much. One is to make sure that your dog has plenty of water and hay, and if they do, make sure to give them plenty of both. Another thing that you can do is to try to keep them dry. If your dog is constantly itchting, it might be helpful to buy some relief products for their skin or use a topical cream on their paws.
What helps dogs dry itchy skin?
Dry itchy skin is a common problem for dogs, and there are many ways to help them dry it out. Here are some tips to help your dog dry itchy skin:
1. Apply a hot compress: Dogs have very sensitive skin, so a hot compress will help themdry their skin. This is especially helpful if their skin feels raw or congested.
2. Use a topical ointment: Topical ointments can also be helpful in helping dogsdry itchy skin. They typically contain ingredients that help reduce inflammation, so they should apply them regularly to keep the area dry and healthy.
3. Use an air-purifying humidifier: Another way tohelp dogs dry itchy skin is to use an air-purifying humidifier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding oil to dog food may help with itching. It is important to consult a veterinarian for further assistance if the problem persists.
I am a dog lover who helps others by writing blog posts about dog-related topics. I enjoy helping people find information they may have been looking for and giving them the opportunity to interact with me in a positive way.
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Disclaimer
The post provides general informational content and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. The information may not be accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Readers should consult a qualified veterinarian before attempting any solutions or treatments mentioned in the post. The post disclaims any responsibility for adverse effects resulting from implementing the information without proper veterinary consultation. The well-being and safety of the pet should always be prioritized, and expert guidance from a licensed veterinarian is essential.