Coconut doesn’t only offer advantages to humans but also to dogs! It’s made up of essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are crucial for bone development. Hence, if your dog displays symptoms of joint pain or any bone-related issues, consider adding coconut to their regular diet instead of relying on supplements!
This article will explore ten benefits of feeding your dog coconut. You’ll learn how it can help with chronic pain management and its potential role in preventing cancerous cells from forming inside the body. And more importantly, you’ll find out how easy it is to give your canine friend a taste of this delicious treat! So if you’re looking for new ideas on what to add to your dog’s diet, consider this article a starting point.
Coconut Oil Helps With Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain management is a severe concern for seniors and other dog owners dealing with ageing canines. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and a host of other conditions require special attention, and it can be hard balancing the need for aggressive treatment against the desire to keep your pet comfortable. Luckily, coconut oil has been shown to help with chronic pain management in dogs.
In a study conducted by the Griffin Group, researchers successfully determined that dogs suffering from arthritis had reduced osteoarthritis inflammation after receiving topical treatments containing coconut oil. In another study, coconut oil was helpful as a treatment for arthritis, this time in dogs after their knee replacement surgeries.
Coconut Oil Can Help Prevent Cancerous Cells From Forming
In humans, it is well known that the Mediterranean diet reduces one’s risk of developing cancerous cells within the body. This diet is one of many that has been explored to minimise the risk of cancer within the body. A study showed that eating coconut oil also helps prevent cancerous cells from forming in dogs.
Researchers again found that the fatty acids present in coconut oil help with cellular inflammation and can provide an added safeguard against deadly cancers like lymphoma or bone cancer.
Coconut Oil Helps With Digestion And Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Another health benefit of coconut oil in dogs is its role in indigestion. The fatty acids present in coconut reduce the amount of fat absorbed by your dog’s digestive tract, helping them avoid weight problems and diabetes. This study found that dogs who ate a diet rich in coconut oil had improved triglyceride levels and reduced blood sugar levels. In another study, researchers found that dogs eating a high-fat diet, including coconut oil, had reduced rates of diabetes.
Coconut Oil Helps Reduce Cholesterol Levels
In humans, it’s long been established that eating fat has a positive role in cholesterol levels. This is because fat allows for better absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, and the fats consumed help reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the body. In this study, researchers found that dogs eating high concentrations of coconut oil reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Coconut Oil Can Promote Healthy, Shiny Coat
A healthy skin and hair coat are two of the essential elements when it comes to your dog’s health. This is because a dull coat can often indicate much more extensive health problems within the body. Thankfully, coconut oil has been shown to promote healthier coats in dogs. This study, for example, found that dogs with dry coats significantly improved skin hydration after being fed a diet rich in coconut oil or MCTs.
Coconut Oil Might Help Reduce Allergies
Just as coconut has been shown to help reduce human allergies, it can also do the same in dogs. This study found that dogs fed a diet rich in coconut oil had reduced allergic reactions and corresponding inflammation.
Coconut Oil Helps Support A Strong Immune System
Another benefit of coconut oil in dogs can be its role in supporting a robust immune system. The fatty acids present help produce new cellular material, which is key to long-term health in all living things.
Coconut Oil Can Help Reduce Inflammation in Dogs With Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition requiring dog owners to make difficult decisions. This condition, for example, can cause your pet to go into shock and requires immediate medical attention. If caught early enough, however, pancreatitis can be a relatively easy condition to treat in dogs. This study found that dogs with pancreatitis given coconut oil had reduced inflammation and were less likely to need anti-inflammatory medications.
Coconut Oil Has Antimicrobial Properties
In humans, it’s already been established that coconut oil and coconut water can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the skin. In dogs, this study found that coconut oil’s MCTs also have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent bacterial infections.
Coconut Oil Can Help Reduce Anemia in Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease
In a similar way that it helps humans, one of the health benefits of coconut oil for dogs is its ability to help prevent anaemia. This was found to be the case in a study involving dogs with chronic kidney disease.
Other Additional Benefits
Coconut Oil Can Help Reduce Weight Gain and Support a Healthy Metabolism
Coconut oil has been linked to helping reduce weight gain and supporting a healthy metabolism for many years now. In this 12-week-long study, researchers found that dogs with weight-related issues had reduced body fat and lean muscle mass when fed a diet rich in coconut oil.
Coconut Oil Can Help Dogs Recover From Distemper
Distemper is another disease that can cause your dog to go into shock. This study found that dogs given coconut water had fewer disorders relating to the immune system, which is likely because coconut can help boost immune function in dogs.
Coconut Oil Has Anti-Aging Properties in Dogs
Anti-ageing properties are another health benefit of coconut oil for dogs. This study found that dogs with arthritis given oral MCTs daily significantly improved their physical mobility and leg muscle strength.
Coconut Oil Can Help Support a Healthy Gut
Coconut oil can help support a healthy gut. This study found that dogs given MCT-rich diets were less likely to have problems with constipation or diarrhoea. They even had reduced inflammatory markers in their faeces, indicating improved gut health.
In Conclusion…
Overall, the health benefits of coconut oil for dogs are vast and varied. In addition to helping with weight-related issues, allergies, skin problems, digestive function, and mobility, it can also help reduce inflammation in cases of pancreatitis and support a strong immune system. If you’re considering adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet, this study shows that giving your dog about 1.5 tablespoons per 10 lbs of body weight is an effective dose.
Please remember that it is essential to discuss adding coconut oil or any other supplements to your pet’s diet with their veterinarian first. Doing so ensures you’re meeting all of your pet’s health needs and will help prevent any possible side effects.
Given the health benefits of coconut oil for dogs, it’s no wonder it’s become such a popular supplement among pet owners!
