I know if I post on a Monday I usually do a trick challenge, but today I am writing about Coconut Oil! Coconut Oil can be found in almost any grocery or health food store, and is chalked full of lots of healthy benefits for both canine and humans alike!
Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fats, with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component (more than 40%) of MCTs is lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids).
Coconut oil, mainly the MCT's, have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. MCT's also help boost energy, enhance athletic performance, and aid in weight loss. A dog that is overweight can benefit from Coconut Oil added to their regular, measured food. According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.
The list of ways Coconut Oil can help your dog (and you!) are endless! Oh, and did I mention that the dogs LOVE it too? Most dogs go crazy for the taste of Coconut Oil, so not only is it good for them but it's tasty and easy to feed!
Benefits of Coconut Oil:
- Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis,and itchy skin
- Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
- Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
- Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
- Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
- Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
- Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
- Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
- Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
- Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
- Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents that prevent infection and disease
- Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
- Helps prevent or control diabetes
- Helps reduce weight, increases energy
- Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Karen Becker, says “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs. I recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for basic MCT support.”
For example, Unit is 60lbs. This means she should be getting 1 1/2 tsp of Coconut Oil with her breakfast and again with her dinner!
A meal the dogs received with Coconut Oil added. The Coconut Oil is the white chunks you see. It comes in a solid but melts easily (it will melt at body temperature quickly, so can easily be applied to the skin too!).
One of my jobs, I am out in the cold and handling fiber a lot, this means my hands get extremely cracked and dried from the weather and the moisture being extracted from my skin by the paper. I use Coconut Oil quite often by rubbing it on my hands. It makes my hands healthy and smooth!
Coconut Oil is a great benefit to Unit due to her allergies and Seborrhea Oleosa, and the best part is she just loves it! Any time I put it on my hands she tries to lick it off, and if I add it to her food she will make sure to lick every drop up!
Source: Dogs Naturally: The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
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