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 we even use it on our skin to keep it soft. But what about giving coconut oil to pets?
You might be wondering, is coconut oil safe for cats and dogs? Can coconut oil be used on your pet's skin and fur? Keep reading to learn more!
What is Coconut Oil?
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, it may result in tummy issues.
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. Incorporating 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.
Does your pup need a little extra help with skin and coat health? Check out our Skin & Coat Health Air Dried Powerfood!
