Coconut oil for dogs is as beneficial as it is for humans. It is a useful supplement that has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. People commonly use it for personal care purposes. It acts as an excellent moisturizer and healing agent. It is also growing as a raw material in the cosmetics industry and great for daily use.
Coconut oil comes from processing coconut pulp. However, the process of making it can differ, depending on its type. It comes in two categories. This includes refined and unrefined coconut oil. This oil is used in medicines, industrial uses, skin and hair care, making it a multi-purpose supplement.
It contains omega fatty acids and lauric acids more abundantly. These compounds have skin healing and repairing properties that can help both humans and dogs alike.
However, dog owners frequently question “is coconut oil safe for dogs?” The simple answer is, yes! Coconut oil has many benefits. Its compounds make up great medicinal properties that can help maintain a dog’s coat. Dog coconut oil also prevents hairballs, skin conditions, digestive issues, and bad odor.
Coconut oil for dogs can improve your dog’s metabolic health and immune system as well. It is great to opt for an unrefined, raw form, or coconut oil if and when your dog faces health and digestive issues. Apart from this, it also makes your dog’s coat appear glossier and is a great tool for grooming them.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
There are many benefits of using a good quality coconut oil on your dogs. You can administer it both externally and internally to help your dog.
Better Skin and Coat
One of the most vital applications of coconut oil for dogs is its property to improve skin ailments. It acts as a moisturizer, keeps the fur maintained, and prevents chances of skin diseases.
This can put your dog at ease! They will not have to struggle with grooming and hairballs. Massaging coconut oil on your dog gives them a shiny and glossy coat.
Better Digestive Health
Coconut oil has Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA). These fatty acids help soothe smaller intestines. In simpler words, it helps with regulating the digestive system and prevent many ailments. The fatty acids quickly absorb in the bloodstream to provide a boost of energy as well.
Enhanced Immune System
One of the key features of coconut oil is its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help enhance a dog’s immune system. It builds the body’s defense against bacteria. Moreover, coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid; A compound that helps fight against viruses.
Improves Nervous System Health
The nervous system is essential to our body and must function efficiently. The fatty acids in coconut oil help improve cognitive abilities. This can especially come in handy if you have an older or aging dog. It restores mental function and alertness over time.
Faster Metabolism
A good metabolism helps maintain all the dog’s organs simultaneously. Coconut oil builds up defenses against allergens in food and helps a dog withstand them. It can also heal digestive disorders and other kinds of internal inflammations.
Common Uses of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a multi-purpose supplement. It can be applied topically, or you could add it in your dog’s diet. Typically, coconut oil is massaged on the dog’s coat a before and after their shower. This helps the dog smell fresh and clean and also helps prevent shedding and itchy skin. Moreover, coconut oil is extremely beneficial for multiple skin ailments.
You can apply on cracked paws, dry elbows, and near your dog’s ears. It can prevent dandruff, irritation, and bald spots as well. Its anti-inflammatory properties are very that can heal abrasions and repel parasites. Dog owners can use it as a spot treatment on broken and irritated skin too.
You can also use it to clean your dog’s teeth! Apply it on a small toothbrush and brush gently: It is a great option for oral hygiene. It maintains teeth and gum health and does not have any harsh chemicals that a dog would not enjoy otherwise.
How To Choose the Right Coconut Oil for Dogs?
There are different types of coconut oil available on the market. It is important to know about different types before you invest your money into a brand.
Natural or Refined
Natural or unrefined coconut oil is considered to be virgin oil. It has a distinct coconut taste and also a natural aroma. It is usually made from fresh coconuts; however, its aroma and freshness depend on the kind of manufacturing process it undergoes.
On the other hand, refined coconut oil has little to no coconut flavor or aroma. It is usually derived from dried coconut called copra. Since it does not come from fresh coconuts, thus, it lacks the flavor and smell as well. Refined coconut oil also undergoes bleaching and deodorizing during its manufacturing process.
Virgin or Extra Virgin
There no substantial difference between the term’s virgin and extra-virgin. They both fall under the unrefined category of coconut oil. Virgin oil means it is made of fresh coconuts and does not undergo any bleaching, processing, and deodorizing. It is pure coconut oil in its raw form. The ‘extra’ however its usually a marketing gimmick. Even regulatory agencies like the USDA do not recognize the two oils to be different in composition, taste, or aroma.
Dosage
Another way of utilizing coconut oil is by adding it to your dog’s diet. The ideal amount is 1 tablespoon for 10 pounds of body weight. Try not to feed too much, as it can upset their digestive system. You should also start with smaller doses and work your way upwards, so it does not upset the dog’s stomach.
Feeding your dog coconut oil can help with their metabolism and gut health. It can heal inflammations and digestive disorders. Moreover, it improves cognitive support and brain function for puppies and growing dogs.
Try getting a coconut oil with a fresh aroma, so your dog eats it without hesitation. However, the rich oil taste puts dogs off, in this case, you can mix it in with a treat or their food that masks the aroma, and the dog enjoys it too!
10 Best Coconut Oil for Dogs
Different types of coconut oils have different formulas; this is how you can decide whether a brand is fit for your needs. Here is a list of some of the best coconut oil brands for dogs.
1. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil by Raw Paws
The Raw Paws Organic Virgin coconut oil comes in 3 quantities of 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz. It consists of pure virgin coconut oil that supports the digestive tract of your pet. It helps with maintaining the dog’s thyroid hormones and insulin levels too.
In addition to that, the oil tastes great, and your dog is likely to enjoy it. It is also a USDA-certified brand, which promises a chemical and bleach-free formula. This is especially an excellent choice for dogs who get irritated by allergens in grooming products
Most of the product’s users are satisfied with its multi-purpose use. It not only does the job well, but it also heals your dog’s skin and helps to keep their coat shiny and healthy. The oil can also control ticks, fleas, and excessive hair shedding. The only con would be that it is more towards the pricier side, but definitely worth the investment.
2. Viva Naturals Organic Extract Virgin Coconut Oil
Viva naturals organic extract Virgin coconut oil has a rich flavor and a wonderful natural aroma. It comes in a 16-ounce container and lasts fairly long. It is great coconut oil for dogs as it comes from non-GMO plants and is also USDA-certified. The oil has a completely organic formula, which is great for your dog’s skin and coat. It conditions the coat and softens your dog’s fur in a way that it is not sticky or greasy.
Most people thoroughly enjoyed the product, especially because of its natural aroma and purely organic content. It is easy to work with and affordable as well. However, you should store it in a cool, dry place since it does have the chance of catching mold if left outdoors.
3. Nutiva Organic, Cold-Pressed, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil
Nutiva Organic coconut oil has a natural extraction process. It a healthy supplement and can be given to dogs orally too. Dog owners can add this oil to their dog’s daily skin and hair care regime. It deeply conditions your dog’s coat giving it a healthy shine. The product contains vitamin E and Lauric acid that useful in soothing the skin and calming down any allergies.
The product comes from non-GMO plant varieties and has USDA certification. It is also free from any bleaching and refinement. In addition to that, it promises fresh ingredients in BPA free packaging!
Most of its users were satisfied with its formulation, which helps soothe dogs with allergies and can also heal bald spots, itchy skin and harsh abrasions. Another plus point is how it does not upset the dog’s digestive tract and safe for them to ingest.
4. Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Nature’s Way Organic Extra Virgin coconut oil is unrefined, unbleached, and free from hexene and gluten. One bottle contains 32 ounces of product that can last long. It comes from Non-GMO plants and has an excellent aroma and taste! This brand promises you 62% Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) in their product that is extremely beneficial for a dog’s digestive health.
It is safe to feed this coconut oil orally and to apply on your dog’s skin. You could also add this to the dog’s food for easier administration. Many users expressed their satisfaction with the product in terms of how well it nourishes the coat and heals skin problems.
5. Coconut Oil for Pets by Sun Beams Brands
The Sun Beams coconut oil for dogs comes in a 16 and 32-ounce container. A dog has a sensitive coat, and it is likely to be affected by different environmental allergens. This coconut oil can soothe these allergies, any kind of itching, fungus, and yeast infections.
It can also remove dandruff and add shine to your dog’s coat. It is an organic and vegan formula that moisturizes the skin and leaves your dog smelling clean and fresh! In addition to that, it can also provide cognitive support to young puppies and heal skin abrasions.
Many users are pleased with how it heals allergies and bald spots. It has a butter-like consistency that is easy to work with and on top of it all, it is an affordable option as well. However, this oil is mostly for external applications. Make sure you store it in a clean, dry place to avoid contamination.
6. Island Fresh Superior Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
The Island Fresh organic virgin oil comes in 54 fluid oz container. It is made from cold-pressed fresh coconuts that do not undergo any sort of refinement. This product offers metabolic support and weight management for your dog. It can also be a daily supplement in their diet. Moreover, it has a good flavor and fresh aroma.
Most users recommend the product for topical use. In addition to this, it is healthy as it comes from Non-GMO plant varieties and can be used for skin irritation and dry patches on your dog’s coat. Dog owners are contented with the quantity as it lasts them long.
It is also fresh and free from any kind of additives. The Island Fresh coconut oil is also an affordable option; however, the downside is that it is not FDA approved as a dietary supplement, which is what users must be aware of beforehand.
7. CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Pets
The Cocotherapy organic virgin coconut oil comes in an 8 oz and 16 oz container. Consumers can also purchase it in a 2 or 4 pack. It is 100% pure coconut oil, which comes from Non-GMO raw materials and is USDA certified. It aims to help your dog with their immune system and is also beneficial for their bone health and metabolism. Dog owners can use it both topically, orally and give it to their dog as a treat.
This oil is made from cold press coconuts, which makes it fresh. Many users share that their dog enjoyed eating it, and it maintains their coat and prevents allergies. You could also use it after or before a shower as it helps your dog smell fresh and sanitary!
8. Petpost Coconut Oil for Dogs
The Petpost coconut oil for dogs comes in a 16 oz container. This company produces the product with environmentally friendly manufacturing and packaging. It is effective for dogs with itchy spots and hair shedding problems.
The oil is great to nourish the dog’s coat, and your pet will appear relaxed and happy. This premium quality coconut oil has the vet stamp of approval. It contains vitamin E, vitamin K, MCTs, and lauric acid. These compounds are extremely beneficial for your dog’s metabolic health. You can apply this topically or give it orally to your dogs.
Many users were super satisfied with the product stating that it helps with dogs’ allergies and skin irritations. If a user is not satisfied with the product, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee as well.
9. Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for Dogs
Zesty Paws coconut oil for dogs is an extra virgin oil that can act as a food supplement and is safe to apply topically. It can prevent your dog from getting dry spots, itching, flaking skin on the elbow and overall dryness. It is an all-around product that can soothe your dog’s coat and give it a shiny finish. Moreover, it can also prevent dandruff and excess shedding.
Most users prefer to apply topically rather than orally since it does have a rich coconut oil favor that many dogs do not prefer to eat. However, it is an excellent choice and does its job, which is to maintain the dog’s skin an keep them happier.
10. Coconut Oil for Dogs Alpha Pet Zone
The Alpha Pet Zone coconut oil comes in a 16 and 32 oz container. It is an all-natural coconut oil that is ideal for soothing pets that are prone to allergies, yeast, fungus, and itching. The oil can nourish the coat and provide hydration to the skin. It also leaves your pet smelling fresh and pleasant. In addition to this, it provides cognitive support for puppies that is much more effective than medicated ointments and antibiotics.
Users suggest that it works well on unbroken skin; it is also a great food supplement since dogs do not face any digestive problems and it is safe to ingest! It does the job well and is also a great tool to groom your dog properly.