DavidWolfe.comCoconut oil has some amazing benefits for your teeth, your skin, and your hair. But did you know it’s good for your pets, too? While you’re incorporating it into your beauty routine, save some for your furry friends. In fact, coconut oil has multiple benefits for your dog, and there are several ways to incorporate it into your pet’s daily routine. You may not have thought of this before, but there are several reasons why it’s a great idea to give your dog coconut oil. (1)
Here are eight reasons why you should give your dog coconut oil:
1. It Gives Your Dog Healthy Skin
Coconut oil can be used to treat skin conditions, for both you and your dog! Rub a small amount onto the affected area a few times a day to help treat eczema, dry skin, fungal infections, bites, and stings. You can also rub a small amount over the body to soothe dry, itchy skin. (2)
2. It Gives Your Dog A Healthy Coat
Do you use coconut oil to maintain shiny, healthy hair? It turns out that coconut oil can also work wonders for your dog’s fur! When you add it to their food, you’ll soon notice a shinier, healthier coat! (3)
3. It Helps Treat An Aging Brain
If your pup has been with you for a long time, you might notice their mind start to slip. Some dogs become confused with age, pace around the house and have accidents in their home. Studies have shown that coconut oil can help prevent dementia in humans, so there’s no reason why it can’t be used to do the same for your pet!
4. It Helps Treat Small Wounds And Cuts
Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. If your pup comes back from a run in the yard with a small cut or wound, use it topically to help them heal! (4)
5. It Can Be Used For Weight Loss
Every once in a while, our pets pack on a few extra pounds. If your four-legged friend has some weight to lose, add coconut oil to their diet. The medium chain fats (MCTs) provide energy and will help your sedentary dog get up and move. It will help them lose the extra weight in no time! (5)
6. It Boosts The Immune System
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid. These compounds help fight off yeast overgrowth and bacterial infections. They also work as antivirals! Adding coconut oil to your dog’s food will give their immune system a boost and keep them healthy. (6)
7. It Can Help Treat Diabetes
Coconut oil helps regulate and balance insulin levels in the body. Why? Well, without any carbohydrates, it doesn’t require any insulin during digestion. Fats, especially coconut oil, improve insulin resistance. Adding it to your pet’s food can help control doggy diabetes. It will also increase their energy levels and help them lose weight, which are great side effects for a diabetic dog. (7)
8. It Aids In Digestion
Coconut oil will help your pup absorb nutrients easier. This leads to a faster metabolism an more energy. As with humans, it can also work wonders for a dog who struggles with colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. (8)
Adding Coconut Oil To Your Dog’s Food
In general, use one teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog, or one tablespoon for a 30-pound dog. Start by adding less coconut oil than the recommended dose and slowly use more over the course of a week or two. To apply it topically, use one teaspoon several times a day. Look for unrefined, virgin, organic coconut oil. This kind has minimal processing, which will provide the best benefits for your pup! (9, 10)