mfkelly66

Since forever I have always used either safflower oil, olive oil, and on occasion flax seed oil as a supplement to my dogs food. I know I am behind the times but, I have noticed a few references to the use of coconut oil as a dietary supplement. What makes it so good? Why would I feed it? Etc.. I have always gone by the " If it ain't broke don't fix it rule!", so thats why I am asking. In particular I have a Lab that has had CKD (chronic kidney disease) for the last 6 yrs. He is doing great on his current diet and I am using a drizzle of olive oil to add calories without a lot of protein. Thanks.
Mike Kelly

Rouleaux

Hi

I may not be much of a help, but anything you are adding to the primary diet is just a supplement. The only thing I have heard about olive oil is that it helps with bowel movements. I could be wrong.

I was using coconut oil in my parrots food every now and again, but I didn't see any results, and that was a different species.

What kidney diet is your dog on? Depending on the rx diet, they make wet food to help put on the weight and keep them interested... but honestly, as you know, all you can do is keep your dog comfortable.

Good luck.

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Mayanca

I think that most of the "info" about coconut oil is just a way to make money..so much is written about organic coconut oil. I live part of the time where coconuts are essentially weeds...they are a cheap source of food for chickens, pigs and dogs. Our tropical dogs love coconut and I give them the shredded meat after I make coconut milk. Coconut oil is a saturated fat and for most of us should use it sparingly. I have seen no evidence that it is particularly healthy, although I have looked for science based evidence. There is no reason for any coconuts to be sprayed with pesticides...nothing much bothers them other than squirrels and kinkajoes...maybe a bark boring beetle once in awhile...I wouldn't waste my money on coconut oil...If you have excess coconuts lying all over the beach, than that would be different. And, no joke, they can kill you if they fall on your head....

eventermal

Coconut oil is actually cheaper for me than olive. My dogs like it, I like it, and I have noticed a difference in coat and skin health since adding it to their diet. Plus, you can use it for cooking, and it tastes awesome.


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LindaH

The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil Dogs Naturally Magazine

Try that link. Didn't work for me but may be on my end
If it doesn't work try "the health benefits of Coconut oil" in your search engine.

Olive oil competes withDHA/EPA for uptake in the body while coconut oil doesn't.

Most of coconut oils saturated fats are medium chain triglycerides. MCT help balance the thyroid in dogs, help build up skin health from within reducing or eliminating allergic reactions, prevents and/or treats yeast, fungal infections, can also be used topically, aids with arthritis, ligament problems...

The list just goes on. It's a pretty darn good suppliment with a lot of bang for your buck imo. You might try putting the title in Dr Karen Becker's search also as she had written about benefits of coconut oil also.

Oh, nearly forgot...the dosage is 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 lbs bodyweight twice daily. As with anything new added to the diet start slowly and gradually build up to optimum dosage.

txsaphire

I give Sabrina one TBSP. a day and her coat is very glossy and shiny. She actually sheds less than my 10 lb. min-pin did.

I also give her 1/3 can of sardines packed in water or 1/2 of a frozen sardine every day.

AlyssaN

Hmm, as someone who ingests coconut oil on a daily basis, I feel that this may be a little cynical. I love love love the stuff, makes me feel great!

Is the hype blown out of proportion? Most likely - I mean it can't really help with everything can it? But it gives you so much energy and helps with digestion. I also have bad eczema on my hands from washing them too much (I'm a server) and it helps with that as well.

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stryker2

Yes Organic Coconut Oil (yes there are GMO Coconuts) is a supplement we give every day. We haven't seen any studies saying it is bad and why wait until something is wrong. Our boys skin (no flaking) and coats are great. But we also use Olive Oil, Fish Oil, Vit E, Sardines, Organic raw egg, and Organic Ocean Kelp. Besides that our boys can't wait to lick the spoon!!!!!

Mayanca

Please send me an article about GMO coconuts, as I would like to read something about it. Coconuts are delicious, of course, and a small amount probably won't harm anyone, but the place to look for data is not testimonials or ads for something that end in .com. Medical and nutritional journals that are peer reviewed are the correct places to look for reliable information. My doctorate was in the statistical review of biological data, so I do have a bit of experience,

Julie W

Gee, so this applies to medical research too?

I just about fell out of my chair. How refreshing to see something other than "I read it on the internet so it's true".

On coconut oil - I have no idea. I like coconuts. I've thought about trying the oil to cook with to see how I like it. If it has health benefits, great.

www,lookatmyamazingresearchnowsendmemoney.com

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Hilltoprunner

It's great is soap, I use it to make lotion and I use it all over on my skin in the winter. I just started to use it on my old girl in her diet. Funny how it used to be a dirt cheap oil, but now, with all the press it's skyrocketed!

LindaH

Just s very quick look and found this...how good it is, well haven't read much yet..

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...il&v=133247963

The Coconut Oil Miracle Where is the Evidence

coconut oil health benefits - PubMed Mobile

Just started reading this: Coconut fats. - PubMed Mobile

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ajp240

I like the stuff. I pop popcorn in it and it is delicious! I also take some as a supplement daily and I feel like it helps my energy. They recommend 1-2 Tablespoons per day for a person, so I can't imagnie more than one Tablespoon for a dog. I haven't given it to my dog though.

AlyssaN

Also, coconut oil makes my stomach hurt when I have too much without introducing it slowly, you should do so with your dog as well. I personally do a 1/2 tsp a day and up it once a week until I'm where I want to be.

You don't want an unhappy dog tummy.

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Mayanca

Thats good that you are looking for evidence based data on coconut oil. The most suspect article is from the "Coconut Research" people. This is obviously promoting coconuts and so is definitely biased on one side. Also Mercola and Oz are not particularly respected within the medical community..but that is a different topic. The PubMed articles are usually of higher quality. Look for peer reviewed journals because they would be evidence based and not show a bias towards either disproving or supporting a hypotheisis. The whole point is to develop a hypothesis that can be tested without bias, not to believe something then set out to prove it. I saw in something I scanned that some were confusing palm oil and coconut oil, and I have not yet found any evidence that there are GMO coconuts sold commercially.