COCONUT OILS HEALING POWERS
Most dog owners have heard of the benefits of feeding fish oils. There are however, a variety of oils that you can also use to your dog’s benefit, each with different advantages.
Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fats, with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component (more than 40%) of MCTs is lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids).
Coconut Oil consists of mainly saturated fats such as lauric, capris, and caprylic acids, which are medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are beneficial; for example, the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.
These fatty acids do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy, just like carbohydrates. So the body uses the fat in coconut oil to produce energy rather than body fat.
In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolised to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
Coconut oil can also gently elevate the metabolism, providing a higher level of energy and vitality, protecting the dog from illness, and helping to speed up the healing process. As a bonus, coconut oil will help improve a dog’s skin and coat, improve digestion and reduces allergic reactions.
Brain Function – fatty acids (coconut oil is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids), increases fluidity of cell membranes and improves communication between brain cells, as such, having enough fatty acids in a balanced ratio works to support proper functioning of the brain and enables calming.
What Kind of Coconut Oil Should You Buy?
It is important that you give your dog only Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (EVCO) both are also called unrefined-oil. Cold-pressed VCO is best. Organic and non-GMO coconut oil is even better.
Different brands of coconut oil will have different tastes – some faint, very subtle coconut taste to others that will have a much stronger taste of coconut. Remember the one sense we humans have that is stronger than our dog’s senses is taste. Your dog has about 1700 taste buds, while we have about 9000. Don’t worry about the taste – concentrate instead on the quality of the product.
Daily Dosage:
It is best to give coconut oil with food. You can add the coconut oil on top of your dog’s kibble or other food. The recommended maximum dosage is:
• ¼ teaspoon for every 5kg of body weight twice daily, or
• ½ teaspoon for every 5kg of body weight once daily.
When first introducing coconut oil to your dog’s diet it is best to use a lesser amount that the maximum dosage indicated above. The dosages above represent a typical maintenance dosage. Introductory dosages should be in the range of ¼ tsp per day for small dogs and puppies and 1 tsp per day for large dogs. If you know that your dog has a sensitive digestive system then start off with a few drops of coconut oil a day. You can then gradually increase the amount of coconut oil over several weeks.
The reason for this phased-in approach is because coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, your dog may respond negatively to the detox aspect of coconut oil. Signs of detoxing too rapidly may include lethargy, headaches, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and diarrhea. If your dog does have any such reaction, just temporarily cut the daily amount back to allow your dog’s system to gently adjust. This is another reason why dividing your dog’s intake of coconut oil between two feedings a day is a good approach.
If your dog seems to feel bad and has loose or greasy looking stools you should cut back on the oil for a few days (a couple of spoonfuls of mashed pumpkin will stop this) Remember that coconut oil helps to detox the body so you need to give it in very small doses so your dog doesn’t feel the effects of detoxing all at once.
# An all natural product – Coconut Oil will solidify when the temperature drops below 18 degrees C and will liquefy above this temperature. You can feed it to your pet in either solid or liquid form as the Oil will quickly melt at your pet’s normal body temperature – or better still, try our new ORGANIC COCONUT CRUNCH with all the benefits of Coconut Oil plus ease of use!
REMEMBER: Start slowly with a half teaspoon a day for each 10kg of body weight. It’s best to divide it and give a little though out the day. Work up to a full teaspoon once or twice a day for a 10kg dog.
You can Replace all oils in home baked doggy treats with Coconut Oil.
And Coconut Oil is also a more sustainable and less toxic source of oils than fish.
COCONUT OIL BENEFITS:
Skin Conditions
• Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin
• Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
• Makes coats become sleek and glossy without the need to use conditioner
• Naturally works to deodorises doggy odour
• Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
• Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
Digestion
• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
• Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
• Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
• Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
Immune System, Metabolic function, Bone Health
• Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agents that prevent infection and disease
• Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
• Helps reduce weight – diabetes prevention and control
• Is a natural source to increases energy
• Aids in arthritis, ligament problems and sore joints due to over exercise and age related stiffness
• Helps to detox, very important if your dog has been raiding the garbage bin
Topical Application
• Promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
• Especially good for conditioning a dog’s dry cracked foot pads
• Use as doggy toothpaste. The dogs will lick it off the toothbrush so work fast when brushing their teeth
• Is slow absorbing so try to keep the dog occupied for several minutes after applying it
*Please note – if your pet has any serious form of illness, such as Pancreatitis, consult your veterinary before adding coconut oil into their diet.