Coconut oil is everywhere these days. You can find it in the kitchen, in beauty products, and even in pet food. From helping to keep their coats shiny and healthy, to controlling fleas and ticks, coconut oil can be a powerful addition to your pet’s diet. But why has this tropical oil become so popular? Well, it turns out that coconut oil is actually a reliable source of many vitamins and minerals that our four-legged friends need to stay healthy! Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of coconut oil to your pet’s diet.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is made from the flesh of coconut fruit. Coconut oil is a white and solid fat when in form below 77° F, but it becomes thin and clear liquid in warmer climates. It has a variety of uses in human cooking, but it also has some amazing health benefits for animals.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
There are many benefits for dogs that come from consuming coconut oil. It helps boost their energy levels by providing them with essential fatty acids. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections, parasites, and skin irritations. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like lauric acid which are important for keeping your pet's coat healthy and shiny. Coconut oil is full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E which enhances their skin and coat as well. It also helps reduce shedding by providing essential nutrients that help nourish their fur from the inside out.
Coconut oil can also be used on pets as an external moisturizer because the fat content helps keep their skin and paws healthy and hydrated and reduces fleas and ticks due to its natural insect repellent properties.
Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint pain in older dogs. It can help improve digestion too since some dogs have difficulty digesting certain fats found in other oils. Lastly, because it’s high in fiber, it can be used as a laxative if needed. Other benefits include improved breath due to its antibacterial properties, and it can function as an appetite stimulant.
Finally, it can also help improve cognitive function by providing energy to the brain cells. That means smarter dogs!
How Much Coconut Oil Should I Give My Dog?
Now that you know all the benefits of giving your pup some coconut oil, you might be wondering how much you should give them. As with any supplement or food item, moderation is key—too much of anything can be bad for them (just like us!). The recommended amount varies from dog to dog depending on size and activity level but generally speaking one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight is a good place to start. So, if you have a 20-pound pup, two teaspoons should do the trick! Or… You can simply feed Health Extension Pet Foods enriched with coconut oil and take the guessing out of it! Of course, always consult with your vet before making any major dietary changes for your furry friend!
Alternatively, you can apply the oil topically by rubbing it directly onto their fur or skin if they have any minor irritations or dry areas. This will help soothe their skin while also nourishing it with essential vitamins and minerals! You should always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement including coconut oil as there may be certain conditions where its use would not be recommended.
The combination of fatty acids found in coconut oil provides numerous health benefits that will make both you and your pup happy. Adding coconut oil into your dog's diet is a terrific way to give them an extra boost of vitamins and minerals while also helping with their coat and skin health as well as digestion problems or cognitive issues they may have. Plus, due to its high fat content it acts as an excellent appetite stimulator. That’s why Health Extension Pet Food adds the perfect amount of coconut oil to their products. So go ahead – give those pups some tasty Health Extension Dry Dog Food with coconut oil today! Always remember to check with your vet first before changing their diet.
