The Best Coconut Oil For Dogs in 2022

There are many dog owners out there who swear by coconut oil as a healthy supplement for their four-legged friend. The scientific community is a little more skeptical because, to date, there are very few conclusive studies of its health benefits. That said, it is a totally natural product compared to a lot of other veterinary products and is highly unlikely to do your dog harm if it is administered carefully and in a controlled way. Therefore, you have little to lose and an awful lot to gain!

Here are some of the potential health benefits of coconut oil.

• It contains lauric acid: This is an anti-inflammatory, but it can also help to combat infections caused by fungi and bacteria. It is also claimed to be anti-viral. This will help with all sorts of infections in your dog’s body.
• It contains medium chain triglycerides: These are used by the brain and it is thought that coconut oil may improve brain function in older dogs in particular. It may also play a role in digestion and so this supplement may help with some digestive problems.
• Lubricates the throat: The supplement is an oil and is therefore very good at lubrication. Some owners think that it reduces coughing and it may also help to eliminate hairballs.
• Skin disorders: Skin problems cause a lot of misery to many dogs. The most widely known benefit of coconut oil is that it helps with hot spots and itchy, dry skin. You can make your own dog shampoo using coconut oil.
• Glossy coat: Coconut oil nourishes the coat and makes it thick and glossy. This may also help to cut down on shedding.
• Odor elimination: Very few people love the doggy odor and some owners spend a lot of money on artificial products to try to get rid of it! Coconut oil is a natural way of cutting down doggy smells.
• Dental health: You can use coconut oil as a toothpaste to keep your dog’s breath nice and fresh. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on the best toothpaste for dogs.
• Metabolism: Coconut oil provides a form of readily available energy that the body can use very quickly. This may help to boost metabolism.

Coconut oil is generally regarded as a safe product but as with all food supplements for dogs, there are possible side effects. The biggest problem arises when dogs are given too much, especially in the early days. Always start off with a very small dose. If you give your dog too much, it could result in diarrhea or greasy stools.

It is possible for some dogs to have an allergic reaction to coconut oil although this is rare. Coconut oils that contain no protein are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

Some dogs are prone to pancreatitis which is the medical term for inflammation of the pancreas. It results in pain and swelling as the pancreas produces enzymes that start to break down its own tissues! Some dogs are more prone to it than others. The breeds that most often get pancreatitis are the miniature schnauzer, the cocker spaniel and the miniature poodle. It is also more common in middle-aged and older dogs and in dogs that are overweight. The very high fat content in coconut oil would not be good for dogs that are prone to pancreatitis and they should avoid it.

You have to remember that it contains a lot of fat but offers little else in nutrition so you need to be careful about how much you are giving your dog.

Humans have used coconut oil for centuries. It is used in many different recipes and gives a delicious, subtle flavor to the food. It is also widely used as a beauty product and it moisturizes and hydrates the skin. It is also used as a conditioner for dry and brittle hair.

Dog owners that successfully use coconut oil have found it useful for the following types of dog ailments.

• Skin and coat problems

Coconut oil supplements can promote a healthy skin and coat. It can clear up eczema and areas of irritation. Also, many dogs suffer from allergies to flea bites and local areas of irritation can cause a lot of problems. Contact dermatitis can cause the same problem and can be soothed by coconut oil.

Doggy odor is a real issue for some breeds and many owners have found that it is significantly reduced by coconut oil, without having to resort to harsh and artificial fragrances. It also promotes a very sleek and glossy coat and may even cut down on shedding. Because it has anti-fungal properties, it can help to fight yeast and fungal infections of the skin and nails. If you apply it topically, it will also help a wound to heal and will not hurt your dog if they lick it.

• Digestive and intestinal issues

It is thought that coconut oil can help with the absorption of nutrients so your dog will get the maximum benefit from their food. It may also play a role in treating colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome but consult your vet about this. Many owners have found that it reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs and that it cuts down on coughing. It can also help with fur balls.

• Systemic issues

Even though it is made from pure fat, coconut oil can form part of a weight management diet as long as you calculate the number of calories that it is contributing. It can have a positive effect on the metabolism and can support normal thyroid function. It can also help to balance insulin production and therefore play a role in managing diabetes but this needs to be directed by a vet. Take a look at our review of the best food for diabetic dogs for more options.

You can buy coconut oil as either unrefined (which may be also be called virgin or pure) or as refined.

Refined coconut oil is obtained by baking the coconut before the oil is extracted. The oil is bleached to kill off micro-organisms. At the end of the process, the coconut oil has a mild-taste. Some even have partially-hydrogenated fats added to them so they are no longer natural products. However, they do have a longer shelf-life and are cheaper.

Natural or unrefined coconut oil is obtained by the cold press method which does not involve any heat. There is no bleaching and nothing is added to it. All of the nutrients are preserved and so the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits are better. It does have a strong coconut flavor and costs more. It also has a shorter shelf life.

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce

Our top pick of the best coconut oil for dogs is a totally natural and unrefined product that has not been heat-treated in any way. It’s kind to your dog’s health and kind to the environment because there are no harmful chemicals involved in its production.

It is produced from coconuts certified as organic by the USDA and is perfectly safe for your dog to ingest or to be applied to their skin and coat.