coconutoil

The top 10 reasons to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet:

Coconut oil can have many health benefits for dogs – for their skin, digestive and immune systems, metabolic function, and even their bone and brain health.  As more and more Americans discover the wonderful flavor and benefits of coconut oil many more excellent brands show up on our shelves to choose.  
Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of coconuts, and when bought raw appears as a thick butter-like substance. 

 

Raw coconut oil appears in a liquid oil form, meaning it’s quite a versatile ingredient.  
While consumption of large quantities of coconut oil is not advised – as a result of high levels of saturated fat – it is still ideal for use in occasional meals and snacks, or as a part of your beauty routine.


The top 10 reasons to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet:
1.    Coconut oil improves overall skin health and clears skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis and itchy skin.
2.    Incredibly emollient, coconut oil helps moisturize the driest skin and makes a dog’s coat gleam with health – whether you add it to her diet, her shampoo or both.
3.    Applied topically to the skin, coconut oil promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites and stings.
4.    The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help reduce doggy odor, and its pleasantly tropical aroma imparts a delightful scent to a skin and coat.
5.    Coconut oil prevents and treats yeast infections, including candida.  Its antiviral agents also help dogs recover quickly from kennel cough.
6.    Digestion and nutrient absorption are improved by the addition of coconut oil to a dog’s diet.  It can, however, cause a stool to loosen; if that happens, just add a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin to your dog’s diet.
7.    Coconut oil reduces and sometimes eliminates bad doggy breath.  Some dog lovers try to brush their dogs’ teeth with coconut oil and that makes the chore less arduous for brusher and the brushee.
8.    Like cinnamon, coconut oil helps prevent diabetes by regulating and balancing insulin.  It also promotes normal thyroid function and helps prevent infection and heart disease.
9.    Helping to reduce weight gain and increase energy, coconut oil also promotes mobility in dogs with arthritis and other joint issues.
10. Again, like cinnamon, coconut oil is excellent for brain health.  It is being used to stave off dementia in humans and it is a must to keep senior dogs’ minds from becoming cloudy.


coconutOilSpoonHow Much Coconut Oil Should I Give My Dog?
As you would with any change or addition in diet, start feeding your dog coconut oil gradually. The recommended dose is 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds or 1/2 tablespoon per 30 pounds daily. To start off, give your dog about a quarter the recommended dosage and build up to the recommended level over a four-week period. Cut back on the dosage amount if diarrhea or other complications occur.
Dogs usually like the taste of coconut oil, so it can be added to their food at any meal. Some dog parents just let their dogs lick the oil off from a spoon.


How much coconut oil to give to a dog depends on the size and health condition of the dog. 

As a general guideline, give about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
Remember not to start with the suggested amount. Add coconut oil to your dog's diet a little at a time in divided doses. Because coconut oil kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, the burden of removing dead organisms can trigger symptoms of detoxification. Too much coconut oil at a time may also cause diarrhea and greasy stools in dogs.
As a start, try giving 1/4 teaspoon/day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs, and gradually increase the amount every few days.  Once again, reduce the amount if your dog has diarrhea.
Coconut oil can also be used in a dog’s bath. Melt about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into a cup of hot water. Once you’ve finished the shampooing portion of the bath, refill it with clean lukewarm water and add in the melted oil. Using a cup or jug, pour this oil and water mixture over your dog’s body and rub it into his skin. Not only will with soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin and give him a healthier looking coat, he’ll smell yummy!


Have you had a positive experience using coconut oil with your dog’s health?  Please take a few moments and share in the comments………………..
Credits:
Daily Natural Remedies
PetGuide.Com August 29, 2013
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