I love the smell and flavor of coconut oil. I even bought my wife coconut milk shampoo. It smells great. A while back I mentioned coconut oil in a post about people food to avoid feeding your dogs. In rather large amounts it can cause diarrhea. However, in moderation coconut oil can a useful ingredient to give your dogs and especially golden retrievers. Coconut oil can be given two ways. One is orally and the other is to administer it to their coat.
Benefits of Coconut Oil in Dogs
Coconut Oil Health Benefits
The ingredients of coconut oil contain a majority of MCTs. MCT (medium chain triglycerides) is made up of Lauric Acid, Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid and Palmitic. They make up a conditionally healthier saturated fat. MCT are good in maintaining good digestion, a better immune system, and also helping with weight loss. Lauric Acid acts as an antibacterial and anti-fungal. Capric Acid and Caprylic Acid are also known to be an anti-fungal. MCT’s are known to balance Thyroid hormones. Which helps with dogs with weight problems to loose weight. Coconut oil is used as a wholistic way of eliminating parasites as it lubricates the intestines so that parasites can’t stick to the intestinal lining. There is also talk that it helps with limiting allergic reactions.
Coconut Oil Coat Benefits
For many the biggest use of coconut oil is that it can help with a better and shinier coat. Golden retrievers with a whiter coat, that can be a big boost. Coconut oil also softens the coat. As I mentioned in the beginning it also has beneficial smell which can be use to help eliminate doggy odor. Winter time golden retrievers can often get snow nose. When the nose turns a lighter pink, it’s recommended to apply coconut oil as a moisturizer to their nose to prevent cracking from dry skin. Golden retrievers are very susceptible to dry flaky skin via ichthyosis and or dandruff. Coconut oil is recommended as a treatment for flaky skin because of its moisturizing abilities. During winter months dogs paws can crack. Coconut oil is a good moisturizer for that as well.
How Much Coconut Oil
As mentioned before, too much can cause diarrhea. As any food introduced, it should be introduced a little at a time. Generally aim to progressively add an ingredient to a dogs diet over a two week period. Below is a recommended dosage by those who sell their products. Disclaimer, I don’t give the recommended amount below.
Many companies recommend to start at 1/4 of teaspoon a day. Then progress to 1 tablespoon for 30 pounds. Golden retrievers get roughly 2 tablespoons a day. Now I like coconut oil, however guidelines I mentioned are not how much I give them. I believe at that amount it is a waste. I’d only use that amount if I was treating a persistent parasite or felt my dog had a thyroid problem. I use coconut oil to supplement my food and only give it occasionally. I give them enough to reach a desired coat. I make sure foods that I feed my dog have salmon oil for omega-3s, which is also beneficial to a shiny coat and other reasons. So I’d stick to a point where you and your dog are comfortable with. Your dog may not like the flavor and you may to opt for not using coconut oil at all.
The other option is to get a shampoo that has coconut oil included. You don’t get the intestinal benefit from coconut shampoo, but you will get the exterior benefit. You dogs coat will be softer with coconut oil. Many people will even apply coconut oil to the skin and use like a lotion. As mentioned it’s beneficial for flaky skin.
What Coconut Oil Should You Buy
Coconut oil should be virgin or extra virgin. That way you are only buying coconut oil and nothing else. Coconut oil will solidify and turn to a liquid depending on the temperature in your home.
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