Coconut Oil
Photo by Irene Kredenets on Unsplash
Coconut oil has been a hot topic for years now. Some might argue that coconut oil is just another fad or health food craze, but coconut oil proves more than to be just a craze. We want to discuss the amazing health benefits coconut oil can have on your pets' health.
Coconut oil is widely known for having many health benefits for both humans and animals alike, but what is it about coconut oil that makes it more than just a health food craze and truly a superfood?
Coconut oil is known as a healthy fat, called medium-chain triglycerides; many other oils (fish oil, olive oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, etc.) are long-chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides have fewer calories, but the primary importance is MCT's are more rapidly absorbed into the body and quickly metabolized. Overall this means that the fat from coconut oil is converted into fuel much more efficiently, enabling the absorption into organs and muscles to take place almost immediately. Another fantastic factor, because of the unique composition of fats, coconut oil has a neutral effect on hormones and promotes healthy cell membrane structure. Coconut oil is also known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
The benefits of coconut oil are endless. We want to share several that are most important or intriguing benefits in adding this in pets daily regimen:
reduces allergic reactions
prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections (ear infections, UTI's, etc.)
promotes the healing of wounds
protects against fleas and ticks
increases digestion
reduces bad breath
improves nutrient absorption
prevents infection and disease
regulates and balances insulin and normal thyroid function
benefits metabolic function
decreases inflammation
increases bone strength
promotes nerve and brain function
Studies have shown that coconut oil may reduce the risk of cancer!
Although coconut oil is a great superfood, it is still essential to read labels. When buying coconut oil, you always want to try to look for an organic brand in a glass jar but, most importantly, look for "raw," "cold-pressed," or "virgin" coconut oil brands – all of which preserve the healthful benefits. Of the three listed, those are the only products that have not been refined, processed, or deodorized.
Coconut oil can be given to your pets' food or topically if needed. Adding this to your pets' diet can be pretty simple.
For Dogs: every ten pounds of body weight, add one teaspoon of coconut oil per day.
For Cats: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil per day
*If your pet has a sensitive stomach, start by adding only 1/8 to 1/4 of this amount to avoid an upset stomach or loose stool, then gradually increase to the recommended amount.
Topically, apply coconut oil once a week and let it absorb for a few minutes. Rinse your pet afterward and, if needed, use an oatmeal free shampoo to remove excess oil.
It is also important to switch your pets' supplement regimen (given they are overall healthy) and, if possible alternate days or alternate at different meal times. It's a good idea to alternate omegas to ensure your pet is getting an adequate amount of Omega-3's in their daily diet. Other omegas that are great for their overall health are krill oil, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil.
If there were any health food craze to start for your pet, coconut oil would be most definitely it!
In the end, we all want our pets to be the healthiest possible and live the longest life possible, and we want to help everyone's pet stay healthy and happy! The more we study and learn of better avenues, the better their diet, their health, and their overall life will become. Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Send an email to info@itsallaboutthepaws.org.
Most of this information is researched, read, or learned from; Dr. Karen Becker, Dr. Vivian Grant, Dogs Naturally Magazine, NCBI, and other research articles.
Website citing to reference: https://www.lauricidin.com/images/healthuploads/c1/a280/f21/PotentialProtectiveMechanismsofCoconutOilandtheDevelopmentofCancer.pdf
