Whether you cook with it, spread it on toast, lather it on dry skin or create hydrating masks for your hair, chances are you’ve used coconut oil and loved its versatility and natural, healthy goodness. If you share your home with a dog, you may have noticed him perk up whenever you unscrew the lid of the jar. Begging shouldn’t be rewarded, but in this case, you may want to reconsider. Coconut oil is actually good for dogs! It offers our canine companions many superfood benefits. Here are 10 reasons your furry friend needs this tropical treasure.
- It improves skin and coat health. Applied topically or taken orally, coconut oil can help relieve dogs of issues associated with dry skin, allergies and fleas.
- It’s soothing. Bites, stings or cuts? Apply coconut oil to the skin to help alleviate the discomfort.
- It’s a great moisturizer. You probably use coconut oil to nourish your own hair and skin, and it also works to hydrate your pup’s. Add it to your doggy shampoo or into his skin after a bath. Let it absorb for five minutes and then rinse off.
- It supports digestion. Coconut oil can help with digestion and the absorption of nutrients. If your dog suffers from any tummy issues, your vet might recommend adding a scoop to your dog’s food.
- It minimizes odor. Coconut can work as doggy deodorant and help stomp the stench.
- It freshens breath. Dog got bad breath? Trying brushing his teeth with coconut oil! Some pet owners, often dismayed at the prospect of brushing canine teeth, use it as toothpaste.
- It helps maintain healthy weight. Coconuts contain good, healthy fats and the oil has fewer calories than other fats.
- It’s fuel. Because it’s absorbed quickly by the body, coconuts helps increase energy, helping overweight dogs get the exercise they need.
- It’s an all-around all-star. Whether you’ve got a sedentary senior or energetic puppy, coconut oil could help maintain brain, hormone, joint and bone health.
- It tastes good! Most dogs love the flavor. Like peanut butter, they’ll lick it right off the spoon.
Convinced? Yes! Now what?
Virgin and unrefined coconut oils are usually best. Unrefined oils, hand or cold-pressed from fresh coconuts, retain most of the nutrients. Dogs react differently to coconut oil, so be sure to start with a small amount and gradually work up to 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds of body weight or 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds. Coconut could act as a laxative, so if your dog’s stool gets runny, use less coconut oil and add a bit of pumpkin.