Humans have been eating and enjoying coconuts for centuries. Recently, coconut oil has increased in popularity for people and some pets due to containing certain “good fats.” In this article, we explore all the benefits of coconut oil for dogs.
What Is Coconut Oil for Dogs?
Coconut oil is derived from the meat of the coconut, is 90% saturated fat and is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs. MCTs for dogs are easily absorbed, making them an ideal source of healthy fats. Using a dog supplement made with coconut oil is a way to provide these health benefits to our furry friends.
Coconuts are native to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Malaysian tropics. Cave paintings and carvings of coconuts in that area date back 5,000 years. Coconut palms trees were introduced for cultivation in other tropical regions for the fruit's versatile functions in cooking, hair treatments, and soap making. Coconuts are featured in traditional Thai, Sri Lankan, and Kerala cuisines.
Do Dogs Need Coconut Oil?
Is coconut oil good for dogs? It depends. Not all coconut oil is created equal: coconut oil high in MCTs can be beneficial for dogs if it is served in the right amount. But because coconut oil is calorie-dense and high in fat, too much of this good thing can have negative consequences, including weight gain and diarrhea.
Rather than giving your pup gobs of coconut oil bought in the supermarket, choose EverRoot Dog Supplements that include coconut oil in the formulations. EverRoot uses coconut oil that has high levels of MCTs and blends it with other ingredients in the right proportions to benefit dogs.
What Are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs?
The benefits of coconut oil for dogs, especially high-MCT content coconut oil, are especially apparent as dogs get older. A dog's ability to digest and metabolize their food can become less efficient with age, which in turn can affect other parts of their body, like their digestive system, skin, and brain health.
Signs Your Dog May Benefit from Coconut Oil
MCT oil for a dog's skin can be beneficial as it is an easily absorbed source of saturated fatty acids which may improve the overall health and condition of a dog's skin and coat. EverRoot Skin & Coat supplements contain healthy fats, plus safflower and fish oils.
Think you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Nonsense! If it seems like your dog's ability to learn and focus is diminishing with age, EverRoot Brain Health Dog Supplements are formulated with MCT coconut oil, turmeric, and cherries to promote alertness and mental sharpness in dogs.
What Is a Good Source of Coconut Oil for Dogs?
To ensure your coconut oil is sourced with a NASC certification, contains high levels of healthful MCTs, and the proper balance of nutrients, choose EverRoot supplements for your dog. They are formulated specifically for dogs by the expert animal nutritionists at Purina.
Store-bought coconut oil may not contain the levels of MCTs that provide health benefits but may instead contain longer-chain triglycerides that are stored as fat.
How Much Coconut Oil Should You Give Your Dog?
What is the correct coconut oil dosage for dogs? Since giving your dog too much coconut oil can result in diarrhea and other gastrointestinal upsets, and weight gain, we don't recommend feeding your dog store-bought coconut oil.
Choose EverRoot Dog Supplements that contain MCT coconut oil because these products are properly balanced with other ingredients with correct dosage for dogs.
The number of EverRoot supplement servings depends on the size and weight of your dog. Keep in mind, EverRoot supplements are not treats. Do not give your dog more than the amount recommended on the package for your dog's weight.
Side Effects of Coconut Oil for Dogs
To help avoid the side effects from overdoing the coconut oil - diarrhea and weight gain - stick with EverRoot Dog Supplements. They are formulated by the expert animal nutritionists at Purina for the perfect balance of omega fatty acids and healthful ingredients.
Most any substance can generate an allergic reaction if even small amounts of protein are present. Watch your dog for itching, hives, or rash, and discontinue if those signs are present. Check with your vet before giving your dog any supplements. If your dog has pancreatitis, check with your vet before giving your dog a supplement with coconut oil.
Choosing an MCT Coconut Oil Supplement for Dogs
To choose the ideal coconut MCT oil supplement for your dog, consider how your dog may benefit. Would coconut oil for your dog's coat make it shine? Or does he forget his training?
EverRoot Dog Supplements offer several products in different formulations that contain MCT coconut oil.
For brain health:
For skin and coat health:
For calming benefits:
At EverRoot, every ingredient is carefully chosen for a purpose to provide what dogs need and nothing that they don't. Learn more about the ingredients in EverRoot supplements for dogs on our Ingredients page.