Everyone’s going cuckoo over coconut oil—and for good reason! Not only is it the most versatile superfood for both humans and canines, it’s also a palate-approved, all-around booster for your beloved pooch’s overall wellness. Want to know more about this amazingly healthful liquid of life? Check out the top coconut oil benefits for dogs here:

7. Improves Appetite and Aids in Digestion

Is little Finn being finicky with his food? Adding coconut oil to his daily noms not only ups the quality of his chows, it also adds a sweet-smelling yummy flavor to his meals that most pooches can’t resist.

But isn’t oil, well, fatty? It is, but that’s not a bad thing. Coconut oil for dogs is mainly composed of the good stuff—saturated fats, with a very high percentage of MCTs, or Medium Chain Triglycerides. Not only does it jump start a better digestion for your Rocco, it’s amazing antioxidant properties also enhances nutrient absorption, so he gets the most out of what he eats.

If your dog is suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other gut-related problems, ask your favorite vet about adding coconut oil to his diet to help heal these disorders and give his medicine a good push to speed up his recovery.

6. Speeds Up Metabolism and Assists in Weight Loss

If Portia is getting a little bit too portly for her size, it may look cute, but it can cause a lot of health complications and discomforts in the long run. Heart disease, diabetes, joint problems—the list goes on and on, and so do the vet bills.

Luckily, there is a natural a safe way to gently rev up her metabolism. Adding coconut oil to her diet may sound incredibly counterproductive given that the goal is to lose a few (or a lot of) pounds, yes, but with better nutrient absorption and improved digestion—paired with regular exercise, of course—you will see considerable results over a few weeks, and less paunch on the belly, too.

5. Energy Booster

Coconut oil is often recommended for dogs who have just recovered from illnesses, or even those who are just a little bit on the lazy side. The high concentration of saturated fats and its ability to kickstart metabolism provides a nice boost of energy to liven up your couch potato! Dogs with active lifestyles can also benefit from adding coconut oil into their meals to maintain their stamina for those draining activities.

4. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

The MCTs in coconut oil consists of a high concentration of Lauric acid, fully loaded with natural properties that fight off bacteria and viruses that can affect your fur baby’s health. Taking this oil orally helps stave off infections and helps discourage the overgrowth of fungi that causes a great number of illnesses in our pets.

Not only does it safely and naturally help cure diseases from the inside, coconut oil is just as wonderful and effective when used topically. You can always trust coconut oil-based ear cleansers for those sensitive, reddened ears due to mites, fungal infection or allergies. There are also great tear stain removers that take care of bacterial problems and fungal growth in the eye area when your canine buddy suffers from epiphora.

3. Promotes Healthy Thyroid and Balances Insulin Levels

Thyroid disorders can result to loss of hair, mood swings, weight gain and lethargy to name a few. Coconut oil added to Hunter’s daily food can, over time, improve his thyroid gland’s function and help relieve and lessen the symptoms.

One of the best coconut oil benefits for dogs is its ability to stabilize insulin levels, and in turn, blood sugar. This is especially helpful for dogs susceptible to, or are currently in danger of developing diabetes. A good, balanced thyroid gland activity and insulin ensures energetic, active dogs with healthy coats and ideal weights.

2. Helps Heal Skin Problems

When something does a whole lot of good for your dog’s insides and does wonders for his outside as well, you know you have a winner. Coconut oil’s all-around goodness also benefits Bandit’s skin, and can help with a lot of issues that leave him irritated and scratching: 

• Alopecia (loss of fur)
• Flaky, dry skin and paws
• Fungal skin infection
• Wounds, cuts and scratches
• Hot spots
• Rashes from insect bites and allergic reactions from food, pollen, or even fleas
• Itchy, inflamed skin
• Dermatitis and eczema

Massage coconut oil onto Spike’s paws or muscles and folds for that stimulating, relaxing spa-like experience with all the added healing and rejuvenating properties! This wonder oil combined, with the magic that your fingers are making, will dramatically improve blood circulation and energize him after a long day of playing fetch and catching Frisbees. Talk about royal treatment after the gym!

1. Deodorizes and Conditions the Fur

As dedicated humans to our canine friends, it’s always our life’s goal to make sure that our pooches feel good, look good, and smell good. Lucky for us, coconut oil covers all our bases!

Up your shampoo’s ante by adding some coconut oil, and giving it a good shake before the doggy bath—this wonder liquid naturally neutralizes odor and prevents Sam from stinking up for days, with that sweet, fresh, coconut-y scent.

For a lustrous fur, enhance your grooming and maintenance routine for that marvelous mane with regular brushing, topped off with a coat of coconut oil to pump up the shine and moisturize round the clock—all without any harmful chemicals or questionable additives.

From fighting off diseases, fungi, and viruses, to keeping your pup’s fur shine game on point, the possibilities are endless once you make this superfood a super-staple in your canine care arsenal! Grab that tub and start your journey towards optimizing your fur baby’s health with all these coconut oil benefits. For dogs who need to lose weight, improve their fur, get rid of ear infections, or boost their digestion and overall wellness—this all-purpose magic-in-a-liquid is your new best friend. 

Do you have your own health success stories using coconut oil? Tell us about it today in the comments!

If you’re all about giving your pooch nothing but all-natural, safe and nurturing TLC, you’ve probably already shunned pretty much the majority of products in the pet supplies section, pretty much everywhere. That includes most oral and topical supplements that contain all those nasty chemicals and additives that may endanger your canine buddy instead of keeping him in healthy.

It’s no secret that the wonderful coconut oil is at the forefront when it comes to safe, effective, and multi-purpose allies that we can depend on, for our health, and the health of our beloved 4-legged family members—and why the heck not? This superfood is jam-packed with loads of beneficial properties that keep your canine buddy in tip top shape, looking good, and smelling great, too!

Slick With All the Good Stuff

If you’re worried about coconut oil being, well, oil, don’t. It may be classified as fat, but it’s primarily made up of the good kind—the kind that will actually help boost metabolism and give Fido extra energy for those long hikes and hours of playing fetch.

Oral intake of this liquid miracle ups the ante on your dog’s digestive system. A very high percentage of coconut oil is made up medium chain triglycerides—also known as MCTs. It may be a mouthful, but it’s guaranteed to be a mouthful of antioxidants that aid in optimum absorption of nutrients and improved digestion. The saturated fats help jumpstart metabolism, convert food into energy, burn those flabs, and make sure maximum nourishment from doggie bowl to doggie belly, without going over the numbers on that weighing scale.

Tummy problems? A daily dose of coconut oil is known to relieve those aches and help heal digestive disorders, such as colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Healing Naturally

Remember the MCTs in coco oil? It predominantly consists of high concentrations of Lauric Acid—a medium chain fatty acid that can also be found in breast milk. When taken orally and processed by the body, Lauric acid generates monoglyceride monolaurin, a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent that can efficiently and naturally kick most diseases and illnesses in the butt—but without the harmful chemicals that may disrupt, or even kill the good bacteria in your doggie’s gut.

This is why the best natural canine cleansing products—for ears, for those eyes and tear stains, and for the fur—are made with coconut oil! These grooming shampoos and cleaning fluids kill bacteria and discourage the overgrowth of fungi safely, and without the potentially harmful chemicals and antibiotics. So if you have a pup with a nasty, red, painful ear infection, or sad, teary eyes with those ugly, rust-colored stains, your best bet is this versatile oil. 

Keeping Fido Sharp and Healthy 

The many benefits of coconut oil don’t stop at the stomach. It also helps regulate your pup’s thyroid functions and keep his insulin levels in check, making it an ideal addition to the elderly canine diet, as well as those with high risks of heart trouble and diabetes.

With proper guidance from your favorite vet, you can also incorporate coconut oil into your geriatric canine friend’s meals to aid in lessening the effects of dementia and alleviate the signs of aging.

The Outside Matters, Too

If there is an award for being the most multi-purpose and multi-beneficial food of all time, coconut oil will get the trophy, hands down, plus standing ovation. Not only is it a wonderful oral supplement that enhances the appetite of picky eaters and help improve your pooch’s overall internal health, it is also the perfect skin food for your pet!

Coconut oil can be used pure, as a soothing balm for those insect bites and itchy rashes caused by allergies-just dab a small amount and give it a good rub. And if you want to go all-out, give your dog an amazing spa experience by massaging his body with warmed coconut oil. It will gently moisturize skin, remedy the flaking, cure those unpleasant (and contagious) ringworms, and also help get rid of mites, ticks and fleas—no need to use five different products for five different uses!

Adding some of this fabulously-scented oil to your favorite hypoallergenic shampoo will also give your bathing product an effective deodorizing power that also leaves a naturally sweet smell for days, and your pooch’s sensitive nose won’t have to endure any obnoxious, synthetic perfumes—just a pleasant, light tropical aroma that you will both enjoy.

You Know What They Say About Things in Excess… 

In order to make coconut oil work its wonders on your dog’s health and wellness, it is absolutely crucial to properly introduce it to his daily regimen—in the right amount, that is—to prevent unwanted consequences.

Too much of this oil too soon can cause diarrhea, largely due to its detoxifying effect on the body. Medical professionals recommend giving an initial dose of a fourth of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, gradually increasing the amount that you give orally until you reach one teaspoon per 10 pounds, over the course of a month. It tastes great, and Bruno will want to gobble it down, but be patient—all good things come to those who wait.

Speaking of good things, how have you included coconut oil into your dog’s daily eating and grooming routine? Tell us how this superfood has helped you and your canine buddy in the comments!

With countless pet goods in the market pumped full with hard-to-pronounce (and quite frankly, dangerous) chemicals and substances, we may be doing more harm than good for our beloved dogs. Going natural is indeed the best road to take to ensure overall canine wellbeing, and there’s one particular product that is making a lot of buzz for being an all-around health care solution. But before we get all excited, first things first: Is coconut oil safe for dogs?

In all its humble simplicity, it’s one of the best things you can give your beloved canine friend! Coconut Oil has been proven in aiding the improvement and maintenance of digestive, skin, and overall health—and it doesn’t hurt that it is very agreeable to your dog’s tastes buds, too.

When did fat become so good?

Giving coconut oil to dogs, whether topically or orally, seems like an unusual route to take—especially since it’s, well, oil.

Coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fats, and luckily, it’s got all the good stuff. They provide a multitude of health benefits, mostly from medium chain triglycerides or MCTs. 

It’s a confusing mouthful, yes, but don’t drift off just yet—we’re getting to the awesome part. MCTs in coconut oil do wonders for your dog’s body:

• Improves overall digestive health;
• Has Lauric acid, well-known for its proven antibacterial and antifungal properties;
• Provides energy and prevents obesity
• Maintains good thyroid condition;
• Supports the immune system
• Keeps the skin and coat healthy and shiny

The Lauric acid, Cypric acid, and Caprylic acid in coconut oil is safe for dogs and has wonderful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that protect your dog’s health, without harming his liver or kidneys—how great is that?

Happy Tummy, Happy Doggie

Giving your pooch the best meals is futile if he isn’t properly absorbing the right amount of nutrients. Poor digestion can lead to constipation, malnourishment, diarrhea, or irritated bowels—it could get rather unpleasant for both dog and human. 

You can prevent these health mishaps by sprinkling Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Spot’s regular food everyday to help his digestive system function more effectively, and assist in healing of some illnesses such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and even Colitis.

It may seem unlikely, but coconut oil also gently enhances metabolism in dogs and provides a good kick of energy and stamina. Coupled with exercise, a diet with a healthy dose of VCO will prevent Roscoe from becoming a couch potato—and get rid of those unwanted, unhealthy doggie flabs.

Superfood for Superdogs

Aside from aiding in weight loss and maintaining a good weight and energy level, coconut oil has a truckload of superior benefits for your dog’s health:

• Helps keep the thyroid gland in good condition
• Ensures good levels of insulin
• Assists in balancing blood sugar levels, thereby preventing diabetes
• Alleviates symptoms of arthritis and joint problems
• Boosts the immune systems
• Eases allergic reactions
• Eliminates bad breath
• Improves brain function, especially for geriatric dogs

Getting all these great effects from something that canines naturally go crazy for is a major plus: adding this sweet-smelling and flavorful oil to Lulu’s food will turn Little Ms. Picky into Little Ms. Can-I-Have-One-More-Bowl-Of-This-Please!

Going Skin Deep

Coconut oil doesn’t just take care of your dog’s insides—it doesn’t hurt that using this natural wonder product does, well, wonders for canine skin and coat as well. Lathering some VCO onto your pooch’s skin after bathing or during regular brushing improves circulation, and almost single-handedly cures most skin and coat problems such as:

• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Rashes from flea allergies
• Ringworm and other fungal infections
• Wounds, cuts, and scratches
• Hot spots
• Insect bites
• Dry skin and flaking
• Itchy and irritated skin

Problems with stinky Sparky? Try this great idea: combine VCO with your favorite gentle dog shampoo! It will add luster and shine to your dog’s fur, and keep it oh-so-shiny. It also deodorizes odor—you’ll go nuts over its fantastic smell that will last for days (without driving your pooch crazy with synthetic scents and perfumes).

Another great coconut-oil-based product to watch out for: natural ear cleaner!  A small dab of this on a cotton swab or ball will effectively cleanse Mr. Bark’s ears and help get rid of mites and infection. With regular use, no more insistent scratching and funky odors—a huge relief for the human who has to do the cleaning, too, yes?

With Great Superfood Comes Great Responsibility

Great digestive health, improved immunity, ravishing skin and coat—who wouldn’t want this for our dogs? But, as with all things, too much of a good thing is bad, bad, bad. Coconut oil may arguably be the best natural superfood for canine health and wellness, but overdosing your pup in the hopes of amplifying its beneficial effects is, to put it mildly, not the smartest thing to do.

Diarrhea and Flu-like symptoms are two of the most common side effects of excessive coconut oil ingestion.

Veterinarians recommend one teaspoon of organic coconut oil for every 10 pounds of body weight, but to prevent loose stools, make sure to introduce it gradually to your pooch’s diet. You can start with ¼ teaspoon, and gradually add to it over the course of 3 to 4 weeks to ensure no tummy protests and no intestinal acrobatics with greasy number two’s.

And hey, try not to go crazy while lathering it on your dog, either. Using this oil topically in proper amounts also ensures optimal absorption, with none of the sticky fur and icky mess.

While the possibility of these side effects may worry you, just remember: coconut oil IS safe for dogs, but what it does to your dog depends entirely on you using it in moderation. Proper introduction into your dog’s usual diet is key to prevent unwanted reactions—do it right, and you won’t have to deal with oily poop, a grumpy Fido, and on a more serious note, health risks and emergency trips to the clinic.

If in doubt, or if Spike has a history of, or ongoing treatment for any illness that think may be affected by changes in his diet, always consult your vet, and ask for advice on how you can incorporate the ever-dependable and healthy coconut oil into your everyday canine regimen.

It goes without saying that we endeavor to give our dogs the best in life, especially when it comes to their diet. Going natural is the best option if you want to avoid giving your beloved pooch anything that could harm him, and prevent those unwanted—and expensive—trips to the vet. Lucky for us, superfoods for dogs DO exist, they do wonders for canine health, and the best part—you won’t have to break the bank to get them. You can even share a delicious snack or two!

5. Sweet Potato

Tons of canine health care books warn against starches in the diet, but this much, much more fun version of our usual white taters have huge amounts of vitamins and minerals that not only provides energy, but also helps heal wounds, promote collagen production, and overall, make Ms. Pickles’ skin radiant and uber healthy.

Dogs love the taste and texture of sweet potatoes, so aside from being a yummy side dish on the food bowl, they make for great treats for those training sessions (and bribes for trips to the V.E.T.): just boil small chunks until they soften and let cool before packing them into airtight containers.

4. Kefir

Taking it several steps further than yogurt, Kefir is Fidelma’s best friend when it comes to protecting her digestive system. Made from cultured milk, this superfood contains larger quantities of probiotics, the good bacteria that helps fight off the onset of infections and other suspicious bacterial activity in the tummy.

Recommended for daily consumption, especially for canines under antibiotic treatment, Kefir fills up your pooch with essential amino acids, vitamins, calcium, and aids in relieving constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and diarrhea.

Not only is it just as effective as those ridiculously expensive probiotic drinks and tablets for pets in the market, it is also much, much friendlier to the wallet, and tastes better, too. Let Bolt slurp a teaspoon of this superfood daily, and increase the amount to 2 teaspoons (up to 3 teaspoons for larger dogs) once he gets used to it.

3. Manuka Honey

Always a gold medalist for its healthful properties and sweet, sweet taste, honey is a staple for anyone who wants to go for a natural way to keep strong, fit, and vigorous. Raw, unfiltered Manuka honey –the King of all Honeys—provide an extra oomph in your pooch’s daily meals by providing natural enzymes that help remedy gut issues, loose stools, and other digestive problems. 

Manuka honey, also famous for its antibacterial prowess, is clinically proven to counter more than a quarter thousand strains of the bad guys—making a perfect supplement for convalescence, and even a great hotspot, wound, or burn liquid bandage.

This superfood is also ideal for dogs with low blood glucose, but it’s always prudent to seek your favorite veterinarian’s advice first before giving to puppies or overweight pooches.

2. Chia Seeds

Most vegans and health buffs—the human kind—swear by Chia seeds for providing power-packed antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and as it turns out, they can also be superfood for dogs.

Tiny as they come, these powerhouse seeds contain concentrated amounts of nutrients that most other food products or produce can only give in bulk—huge bulks. Chia has triple the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids than salmon, higher levels of magnesium and iron than spinach and broccoli, and still has room for lots and lots of the good stuff—copper, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc. 

These unassuming, hypo-allergenic, odorless, tasteless seeds carry a crazy amount of health benefits, and good news for your pocket: it doesn’t take a lot to put Mr. Pugglesworth on top of his game. Just sprinkle some Chia seeds on his food bowl and let him munch away!

1. Coconut Oil

While the general consensus is fat equals bad, this wonder oil is the ultimate, all-around, all-natural exception to the rule—for both humans and canines. Coconut oil is mainly made up of MCTs, or medium chain triglycerides—the good kind of fat—that has a truckload of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that not only boost the immune system, but also crank up your pooch’s energy and metabolism. Mixing this fabulously-scented oil into your dog’s daily meals (in proper amounts, of course) can help improve digestion, prevent colitis, balance sugar levels, and even speed up convalescence and healing, and that's why it's the number one superfood for your dog.

Extra tidbit: when you can apply it topically AND eat it, you know it’s safe. Whether you massage a thin layer of coconut oil on the skin during puppy spa time, or mix it up with your favorite dog shampoo, it makes your dog’s fur look AND smell like a million dollars by:

• Preventing eczema and flea bite rashes
• Clearing up seasonal and/or dietary allergic reactions (reddened or swollen skin and ears)
• Warding off yeast and other fungal overgrowth
• Providing a glossy sheen on your dog’s coat
• Helping avoid flaky skin and fur loss (alopecia)
• Aiding wound healing and disinfection
• Eliminating bad odors

One teaspoon for every 10 pounds of doggie weight is optimal for daily consumption—never jump the gun and try to give Gizmo too much no matter how crazy he is for coconut oil. It tastes good, smells good, and provides great health benefits, but everything in excess can do you harm. Diarrhea can result in overconsumption of this superfood, so try not to fall for those beggy puppy eyes and be strict about dosage.

What’s not to love with these superfoods for dogs? They’re easy to find, easy to give to your dog, easy on the budget—they are perfect as staples in your pet supplies pantry and yours too! 

Has your pup enjoyed the tastes and benefits of these five superfoods? Tell us about it in the comment section!

Just about every dog and their mother knows about the health benefits of coconut oil, but knowing how much to use and how to apply it is a topic that there is not too much writing about.

That’s why we decided to write this post to answer all of your questions regarding how much coconut oil for dog use is appropriate.

How Much Coconut Oil for Your Dog

There are three basic ways that coconut oil can be used, so we will break down each of the three common uses and how over the amount required.

Commonly, coconut oil is given orally to dogs as a supplement. If this is the case, you need to be very cautious and increase dosages slowly, because if you add too much coconut oil into your dog’s diet right away you can make poor little Fluffernutter sick. If you have given your dog too much, you will know by the diarrhea or greasy stools that will certainly occur. It’s nothing that you should be seriously concerned about, but it does mean that you need to cut back on your dosage.

Coconut Oil Orally as a Supplement

• 1/4 teaspoon per day is a good place to start for small dogs or puppies under 2 years old.
• For large dogs, you can feel comfortable starting with 1 teaspoon per day.
• Wait a few weeks after adding this small amount to your dog’s diet and you will be able to verify that your dog is not allergic to the coconut oil. At that point, you should gradually begin adding more. How much coconut oil for dog food is dependent on the body weight. As a general rule, the optimal dose of coconut oil for your dog is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day.
• If you do start to notice any diarrhea or unusual bowel movements, you should go back down to the lower amount per day.

Coconut Oil Skin and Coat

• The amount of coconut oil per dog depends on their coat, since this is an external treatment, you don’t have anything to worry about if you apply too much. For a medium size dog, a 1/4 cup would be plenty.
• Warm up the coconut oil until it is a clear liquid.
• Gently massage the coconut oil into your dogs skin and fur, making extra sure to be thorough around any problem areas where your dog has dry skin or irritation.
• Put your dog in a shirt so that the oil can set for a few hours. Your dog will be trying to lick the oil off of their coat since it is so yummy.

Coconut Oil as an Ear Cleaner

• Coconut oil is a miracle treatment/prevention for ear infections and ear mites. It’s antibacterial, anti fungal and immune strengthening qualities make it the perfect base ingredient for high end, natural ear cleaners.
• Again, the amount that you use depends on the size of your dog. You should fill up your dogs ear until it is full.
• Pull out your favorite coconut oil based dog ear cleaner.
• Lift up your dour legged friend’s ear flap and squirt the ear cleaner into the ear canal until it is almost full.
• Gently massage the area surrounding your dog’s ear for 60-90 seconds.
• Watch out! You will want to stand back and let your dog shake it’s head.
• Using a dry cotton pad or cloth, gently wipe down the ear and be sure to get rid of any excess moisture.

Well there you have it! Now you know exactly how much coconut oil for dog use is good for each type of application.