Coconut Oil Benefits Your Pets- Featured Article

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Special thanks to Rose Casesi (Savannah News) for her recent article. It is so awesome that more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of coconut oil, not only for humans but for our pets.

Coconut oil benefits your pets

Posted: January 8, 2016

By ROSE CASESI

Is your dog itchy, overweight or even stinky? Many pet parents find themselves battling with one or more of these issues. Coconut oil is a natural simple product exists that can be used to combat all three. It has a multitude of health benefits and can be easily added in small amounts to your furry friend’s diet.

Coconut oil is a fat. While it contains about 90 percent saturated fat, that fat is naturally occurring and contains fewer calories than hydrogenated saturated fats or trans fats. And about half of that saturated fat in coconut oil is Lauric Acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid that assists in increased metabolic activity, therefore creating a boost of energy with reduced caloric intake. Medium-chain fatty acids are more prone to create energy instead of turning to fat when metabolized.

Coconut oil contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 which does wonders for your pets’ skin and coat. Less shedding, softer fur, shinier coat and less dandruff are all common outcomes of the addition to coconut oil in a pets’ diet.

Digestive issues? The addition of coconut oil to your pet’s food helps increase nutrient absorption once a meal has been consumed, which can help control upset stomachs.

As an all-natural antibacterial and anti-fungal, coconut oil works as an excellent resource to remove doggy odors and stinky breath. When your furry friend consumes the oil, it works to break down all of those doggy scents in addition to aiding in dental health. Coconut oil can make brushing your pet’s teeth more enjoyable; mixing it with your dogs’ toothpaste will enhance the flavor, making it a more palatable and enjoyable experience. Happier brushing usually means more frequent brushing, and more frequent brushing leads to healthier teeth, gums and better breath.

Coconut oil is also very valuable for senior dogs, as well as large-breed dogs that are prone to hip and joint issues. As a natural anti-inflammatory tool, coconut oil will help lubricate joints. It has also been found in research that the addition of coconut oil to dogs’ diets helps keep senior minds sharp, potentially preventing them from becoming cloudy in old age. In human research, it has been shown that the inclusion of coconut oil in diets has actually slowed down the onset of dementia.

Coconut oil also aids in the prevention of diabetes by helping to regulate and balance insulin levels, as well as aiding in thyroid and heart functions.

If your dog is a picky eater who doesn’t get too excited during meal time, adding coconut oil to his or her food will increase its palatability. Slowly introduce coconut oil into your pet’s diet, adding just a ¼ of a teaspoon for the first two days, and then work your way up to the recommended dosage over the next two to four days. For a 10-pound dog, the recommended dose would be 1 teaspoon, where as a 30-pound dog would be 1 tablespoon per day. The countless benefits that coconut oil provides will help keep your furry family member happy and healthy.

 

Rose Casesi is chief operating officer of TailsSpin Pet Food & Accessories. Send your questions and suggestions to her at happypets@tailsspin.com.