THE HEALTHY BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL
Although supplements can be a confusing topic
for many pet
owners, most dog owners have heard
of the benefits of feeding fish oils. There
are however,
a variety of oils that you can also use to your
dog’s benefit,
each with different actions and benefits.
Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fats,
with
traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as
monounsaturated fatty acids and
polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are
Medium Chain
Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component (more than 40%)
of MCTs
is lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid,
myristic acid and
palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about
2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated
fatty acids) and about
6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids).
Most of the coconut oil benefits come from the MCTs.
For
example, the lauric acid in coconut oil has
antibacterial, antiviral, and
anti-fungal properties.
Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and
are
best known for their anti-fungal effects.
In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide
an
immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic
performance and aiding
weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut
oil balance the thyroid, helping
overweight dogs lose weight
and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and
naturopathic doctor,
coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a
higher
level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness,
and speeds healing.
As a bonus, coconut oil improves any
dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion,
and reduces allergic reactions.
Fed regularly to pets, coconut oil may have multiple benefits:
Skin Conditions
Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies,
contact dermatitis, and itchy skin
Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including
candida
Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds,
hot
spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings
Digestion
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory
bowel
syndrome and colitis
Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing
Immune System, Metabolic function, Bone Health
Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal
agents that prevent infection and disease
Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid
function
Helps prevent or control diabetes
Helps reduce weight, increases energy
Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor,
Dr. Karen
Becker, says “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
have been shown to improve
brain energy metabolism
and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results
in
brain lesions in older dogs.
Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs.
I
recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of
body weight twice daily for basic
MCT support.”
HEALTHY BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL
The article below has been copied with
the express permission of
the Dogs Naturally Magazine.
Please visit their website for subscription information
and
other informative stories for keeping your pet healthy. http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/
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related question about your westie.
WESTIES HEALTH -- FROM EARS TO TAIL
Coconut oil is great stuff, for sure! We just use the stuff in the jar from Whole Foods and keep it in the fridge. I scoop out a teaspoon sized portion for each of the dogs a few times a week and add it to their raw meals. They love it!
ReplyDeleteWill it help people too? I don't have dogs, but I do have coconut oil in my pantry!
ReplyDeleteYes Linda, it is also beneficial for us humans. These coconut oil benefits are indeed effective not only for dogs but also for people. It is indeed healthy that's why I've been using it as my skin and hair moisturizer for so many years already.
ReplyDelete