Is Coconut Oil Good For Dogs?

Here’s how the superfood can benefit your pup 🥥

Coconut oil is a known superfood for humans, but is coconut oil good for dogs, too?

We reached out to Dr. Zay Satchu, cofounder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet in New York City, to find out if coconut oil is also a superfood for your pup.

Is coconut oil good for dogs?

“There is not much research available on what the true benefits of coconut oil are for dogs, but anecdotally it appears to have various benefits,” Dr. Satchu told The Dodo.

So although there isn’t technically evidence that coconut oil can benefit dogs, people have noticed an improvement in their own pups’ health after using it.

Benefits of coconut oil for dogs

When it comes to the benefits of coconut oil, Dr. Satchu said coconut oil, like the Raw Paws Organic Coconut Oil For Dogs, is suspected to benefit digestive health as well as skin and coat health. These benefits could include:

  • A shinier coat
  • Better breath
  • Better digestion
  • Relief from itchy skin

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Can dogs eat coconut oil safely?

While many people love ingesting coconut oil for its health benefits, like fat burning, reducing hunger and boosting skin health, is coconut oil safe for dogs to eat, too?

Most dogs can eat coconut oil, and the recommended serving size depends on how big your dog is.

But in any case, it’s a good idea to serve your dog only a small amount of coconut oil in the beginning.

“The amount is going to depend on the size of your pet, but starting with a teaspoon on top of their food is probably a good place,” Dr. Satchu said. “We want to start out small to ensure it doesn’t give them an upset belly.”

It’s important to note that because coconut oil is a fat, you should consult with your vet before giving it to your dog (since too much fat can be bad for dogs), especially if your pet has a history of pancreatitis or a sensitive tummy.

Can I put coconut oil on my dog?

Applying coconut oil to your dog’s skin actually isn’t that effective.

“Topically, I don’t think it has much use,” Dr. Satchu said. “If you have skin and coat concerns with your dog, it is likely an issue that could be addressed with dietary change or supplementation.”

If you’re having these concerns with your pup, Dr. Satchu suggested that the first step should be to consult with your vet to ensure there is no infection or parasites causing the issue. “Then you could ask about an oral supplement to improve skin and coat health,” Dr. Satchu said.

While there isn’t tons of evidence to back the benefits of coconut oil for your pup, there’s also no evidence to say it’s a negative, either. So if you’re taking your morning coconut oil shot and want to let your pup have a little bit, it’s totally safe to do so.

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