Coconut oil is becoming well-known as a superfood with its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. It’s not just useful for humans, though — coconut oil is a perfect addition to your pet’s diet, and can reduce his susceptibility to viruses, infections, and parasites. Full of beneficial medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), lauric acid, and healthy saturates fats, coconut oil offers your pet numerous advantages:
- Reduces or eliminates parasites such as Giardia
- Prevents and alleviates yeast infections, including Candida
- Cuts cancer risk
- Heals skin problems
- Keeps coat and skin healthier
- Improves digestion
- Enhances nutrient absorption
- Maintains healthy weight and boosts metabolism
- Normalizes insulin levels and thyroid function
- Prevents diabetes
- Treats skin inflammation, wounds, rashes, and infections
- Neutralizes pet odors and bad breath
- Boosts the immune system
- Eliminates fleas
- Reduces hairballs
- Increases energy
- Improves problems with joints or ligaments, including arthritis
Dosage
The recommended daily dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of pet weight, or 1 tablespoon for every 30 pounds. Start slowly, with as little as 1/4 teaspoon, and gradually work up to the full recommended dose. Some pets will have flu-like symptoms — fatigue, discomfort, or diarrhea — if they consume too much coconut oil too quickly. This is often a detox reaction, since coconut oil destroys all the bacteria, parasites, yeasts, fungi, and other microorganisms in your pet’s system, but increasing the dose slowly should minimize or eliminate this reaction. You can also divide the dose — half with breakfast, the rest with dinner. If your dog or cat seems uncomfortable or has any adverse effects, reduce the dosage to allow his body to get used to the oil, and slowly work back up to the target amount.
How to Give Your Pet Coconut Oil
Coconut oil should be consumed with food. Both cats and dogs will often happily lick up a spoonful of the oil before meals. You can also mix it directly into their food or add it to your recipe if you cook your own pet food. One trick is to put a bit of coconut oil on your cat’s paw artbefore meals; she will lick it off.
Coconut oil can also be used externally for wounds, rashes, infections, dry skin or coat, and flea prevention. Rub a generous amount into your pet’s skin and coat. Wrap the affected area with a towel for a few minutes to allow it to absorb into the skin before being licked off.
Organic Coconut Oil from Nourishing World
Nourishing World offers two great organic coconut oils: Perfect Coconut Oil and Green Pasture Blue Breeze Coconut Oil.
Your pet can also get multiple healthy oils in one simple supplement. Green Pasture Blue Ice Infused Coconut Oil includes not only coconut oil, but also Fermented Cod Liver Oil, High Vitamin Butter Oil, and Skate Liver Oil.
