Coconut oil is “in” for everyone these days, pets included!
In our guide below, we’ll help you choose the best coconut oil for dogs and show you what to look for as you’re shopping.
Refined vs. Un-refined?
Organic? Hydrogenated?
We’ll walk you through the terms and show you some of the top choices for your pooch.
Understanding Terms on the Labels
From coconut to jar, a lot can happen.
Oils are processed in a variety of ways before they reach the consumer, so here are a few things you should know as you’re comparing brands:
- Refined vs. Un-Refined. Refined coconut oils have less coconut flavor than un-refined oils. The refining process differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, so if you’re looking for a refined oil that is less “coco-nutty,” make sure they’ve used natural oil extraction processes.
Un-refined – or raw – coconut oil has a more intense coconut scent and flavor. This is coconut oil in its most natural form since there were no extra steps in the extraction process that would alter the natural properties.
- Hydrogenated. What does this mean?
Hydrogenated oils have been heated, placed under pressure and then hydrogen has been added. The entire process is used to prolong the shelf life of an oil; however, the chemical reaction that happens during the hydrogenation process removes the good fats and replaces them with bad ones.
In short, avoid hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils and opt for UN-hydrogenated oils only!
When possible, go organic and go raw when it comes to coconut oils.
Top 6 Coconut Oils for Dogs Table
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Benefits
What are the benefits of giving your dog coconut oil? There are plenty!
- Offers relief to itch skin caused by hot spots, dermatitis and fleabites
- Prevents yeast infections and fungal infections
- The MCT’s – medium chain triglycerides – found in coconut oil are healthy fats that help improve digestion and they support the immune system
- Improves quality of coat
- Increases metabolic function (an increase in energy is great for overweight dogs, but seeing that this oil does contain healthy fat, you should use sparingly with overweight dogs)
- Promotes normal thyroid function
Human-Friendly or Pet-Friendly?
We’ll let you in on a little secret, friends: coconut oil is coconut oil whether it is marketed for humans or pets.
The so-called “pet-specific” oils on our list above can be used by you humans, too, just as your “human” coconut oil can be used for dogs.
For the sake of this article, we have highlighted two of the “pet-specific” oils (number 3 and number 6).
Really, though, any of them are OK to give to dogs.
Solid or Liquid?
You can drizzle some coconut oil on your dog’s food or let them lick the spoon clean. Coconut oil is in a liquid state at just around 76° F.
It will become solid and temperatures under 76° F, and if you prefer to give your dog the proper dose in a solid form, that’s fine, too.
Quantity for Dogs?
Most sources recommend one teaspoon (TEA-spoon) per 10 pounds of body weight.
Top 3 Best Coconut Oil for Dogs Reviews
[easyazon_link asin=”B00DS842HS” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1. Viva Labs [/easyazon_link]
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Size: 16 oz.
Viva Labs definitely makes one of the best coconut oils for dogs (and humans). They are a USDA-certified organic product, which means that they are actually organic and not just using the word to make their brand look good.
Overview
- USDA certified Organic
- Extra virgin
- Kosher
- Gluten free
- Non-GMO coconuts used
- Free of pesticides, bleach, hexane and trans fats
[easyazon_link asin=”B003OGKCDC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]2. Nature’s Way [/easyazon_link]
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Size: 32 oz.
If you’re looking for an affordable brand of coconut oil that the whole household can enjoy, then Nature’s Way is an excellent brand.
Overview
- Organic
- Extra virgin
- Un-refined
- Un-bleached
- Non-GMO coconuts used
- Hexane-free (hexane is derived from petroleum and used as a solvent in glue, so we like that this coconut oil contains NO hexane!)
[easyazon_link asin=”B01AFJ4DGW” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]3. Petpost [/easyazon_link]
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Size: 16 oz.
This is one of the “pet-specific” coconut oils we mentioned, which we’re guessing means that it is refined.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, either, as long as the refining process is safe. It makes the coconut scent more faint (which is great for those of you who don’t like strong scents).
Overview
- Organic
- Extra virgin
- Cold-Pressed
- No Trans Fat
- No Hydrogenated Fat
- Cruelty Free
