Finding the best coconut oil for dogs and cats

For all of the healthy benefits it's important to choose quality coconut oil for yourself and for your pet.

As with anything else you give your pet, it's best to find organic and non-GMO (non-genetically-modified) coconut oil whenever possible. Always choose unrefined oil, also described as virgin oil. The cold-pressed method is best. We carry a brand of coconut oil (shown first below) that is processed very quickly after it's harvested, preserving as much nutrition, freshness and taste as possible.

Different brands of coconut oil will have different tastes ranging from a bland taste, to a strong coconut taste, to a more buttery taste.

Feeding Dogs and Cats Coconut Oil

Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals. Solid coconut oil can easily be melted quickly in hot water. A general guideline for the optimal dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily or about 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds, but don't start with these amounts in the beginning!

Large amounts of coconut oil given to a dog can cause diarrhea or greasy stools while his body adjusts to the change in diet. Start with small amounts, such as ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs, or even just a dab if your dog's constitution is sensitive. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, just cut back the amount temporarily. Gradually increase the amount every few days. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, reduce the amount temporarily. It may also be helpful to give the small amounts of coconut oil in divided doses throughout the day.

Because coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, your pet may respond negatively to the detox aspect of taking coconut oil. Signs of detoxing too rapidly may include lethargy, headaches, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Coconut oil is best given with food. We humans can benefit from coconut oil by using it for cooking in place of other oils. It is also taken orally by mouth as a diet supplement and used on skin. A good strategy for humans is to use coconut and palm oils for cooking, and olive (a heat-sensitive oil with a low smoke point) and flax oils for cold dressings. strategy will help increase your levels of healthy Lauric Acid, Omega-3, and GLA fatty acids while lowering your intake of Omega-6 and junk oils. Some experts recommend that we consume a 3:1 ratio of Omega-6s to Omega-3s. The average American diet provides a ratio of 15:1 and often 30:1. Some oils, such as olive, create harmful substances as a result of overheating.

Most dogs like the taste of coconut oil so you won't have trouble feeding it to them. If you apply it to their skin and they try to lick it off, try wrapping the skin in a rag or towel for a few minutes to let the oil soak in before they get a chance to lick it off. For cats, just put a dab of coconut oil on their paw before or after meals. They'll lick it off.

(Did you know our hand-made, gourmet fresh-baked dog cookies are made with coconut oil? It costs us a little more to make them but these are for the REALLY good girls and good boys and they're worth it. Also have birthday cookies and "Prince" and "Princess" cookies. Yummy yogurt frosting is pink for girls, blue for boys. Check 'em out!)
(Nice try. Cookies are not a substitute for supplementing with coconut oil.) :)

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs and Cats
Coconut Oil Super Food for Dogs and Cats
How to give your dog or cat coconut oil
Why is coconut oil good for our pets?

Please do not use coconut oil or any other supplement to treat an illness or condition in your pet without consulting your pet's veterinarian.