Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs and Cats?

These days, Coconut Oil is everywhere. We cook food with it, add it to our smoothies for a nutritional boost, and mix it with cocoa powder for an energizing chocolatey treat. We even put it in our hair and use it on our skin to keep it soft. But what about giving Coconut Oil to dogs? You might be wondering, can I give my dog Coconut Oil? Can Coconut Oil give pets better skin and softer fur? Is Coconut Oil good for cats too?

What is Coconut Oil? What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs and Cats?

Coconut Oil is a superfood consisting of more than 90% saturated fats. While fat sometimes makes people nervous, in the case of Coconut Oil there’s no need to be. The majority of the saturated fats in Coconut Oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which have benefits like improved digestion and immune system support. MCTs also have metabolic functions that assist with kidney health, lower cholesterol levels, and skin and coat health.

To get into the nitty-gritty, the main component (more than 40%) of MCTs is lauric acid. Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. The other elements of MCTs are capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are known for anti-fungal effects. The MCTs of Coconut Oil are efficiently metabolized, providing an immediate source of fuel and energy. This direct source of fuel enhances pets’ athletic performance.

How Do I Give My Dogs and Cats Coconut Oil?

You can feed your pet coconut oil directly by giving them a spoonful or drizzling it over their food. Because your pet’s body needs time to adjust, start with a small amount. If you start with a larger amount of coconut oil, your pet could react poorly. Side effects can include diarrhea or greasy stools.

Try ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds to start. If you don’t see any negative results with that amount, slowly increase up to 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs.

Additionally, you can use Coconut Oil directly on your cat or dog’s skin. Using the oil like lotion, apply a small amount and massage it in. You can also use a brush to help distribute the oil. Incorporate coconut oil into bath time is also an option— a trick best used for dogs unless you have a water-loving kitty. When using coconut oil as part of a bath, give your dog a light rinse or shampoo to remove any excess oil.

Which Redbarn Products Contain Coconut Oil?

In Redbarn Canned Patés for dogs and cats, you can find Coconut Oil, along with other superfood functional ingredients. These functional ingredients help cater to your pet’s particular health needs. Every recipe in Redbarn’s paté line is grain-free, features natural ingredients, and added functional ingredients like Coconut Oil, Dandelion Greens, Green Lipped Mussels, Brewer’s Yeast, and Salmon Oil.