Saturday, May 10, 2014

Coconut Oil and Dogs?




Lycanthrop


Does anyone add coconut oil to their dogs food? I just started adding some to my Labrador's today - along with the usual Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and a little bit of plain yogurt. If you use it for either yourself, or your dog - do you prefer it solid or liquid? We're testing it out on Brady to see if it helps with his coat, etc. Just looking to see if others use it.
We have used several fish oils for him, but apparently he has an intolerance to fish and chicken - so when we got no results after 3 months, we stopped with the costly fish oil. Usually, ACV and Kelp get the job done - but I've started Coconut oil considering I've heard great things, and it's significantly cheaper than kelp.
Coconut Oil is Liquid at Room Temperature (I Believe above 73 degrees F). You can find that information anywhere. So generally, depending on the temperature of your house - it could be solid of half solid/half liquid. Our Organic Coconut Oil is liquidish right now because it's quite warm in my house (Summer heat). So I just plopped it in the fridge because I like the solid form better.
It took my forever to find Coconut oil to begin with, and the only virgin version I found was flavored and had all this extra stuff in it. So we went with the Organic Coconut Oil. Let me find the link to the company.. (There was a woman at the store the same time as me who works at a Holistic Pet Store and recommended this particular kind - are there any ill side effects from not using Virgin?):
http://www.omeganutrition.com/products-gourmet-coconut.php
He's allergic to chicken and most (if not all) grains. I have the list somewhere, and he's also partially intolerant to potatoes (which was why we were seeing yeast infections - despite the change in grain free diets). I'm switching off of the Orijen onto the INSTINCT Salmon Meal (New formula) Which is grain and potato free, with no chicken. Everything should clear up then - but until it's available in my area, I'm just looking to make him comfortable. He's already shown great improvement - but I just want the best.

Vet wanted to put him on a Hill's Prescription Diet with allergy shots - I said hell no - if he has allergies, he just won't get food with the allergens in it. It took my awhile to find a grain-free food without potato, but hopefully all goes well. Thyroid testing was normal.
Also, the moment I get back from Finland (I'm a high school student going on exchange in two weeks for the next six months) he will be on a raw diet. We tried this some months ago, but just couldn't keep up with it. But the moment I get back - we're on the raw diet. (My mother refuses to feed raw without me doing it, and doesn't want to learn how to properly feed it - therefor, we've been searching for a decent kibble).



Answer
Coconut oil should NOT be liquid all the time. It will solidify at temperatures under 72F. This is normal.

Is there a reason you are using ACV and other things on this dog?
Are there skin issues going on?
If so, have you had the dog to the vet for a diagnosis?
This would be the first thing I would do - find out why my dog is having problems.
Do we have a thyroid issue? Is there some other reason my dog is doing poorly enough that I feel the need to try alternative 'medicine' on him?

Edit: In light of your answers to my questions, I think you are doing just fine with your dog. As of now, I don't know of any reason coconut oil could not be used on your dog. It has not been shown to cause toxicity unlike grapes/raisins.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about your dog's health issues. This is all good.
I have a cat that is allergic to chicken, too. Unfortunately, cats are much more picky eaters than dogs. I have run the gamut of things to feed her. I did try the raw diet - she puked it. She is 14 years old now and I am running out of things to feed her. She eats them for awhile then refuses to eat it anymore. I am at the point of euthanizing her if she refuses to eat the food she is on now.

can I put coconut oil on my dog?




Aevon


Is there a certain type of coconut oil to put on him?My dog has fleas and I really want him to have a more healthier shiny coat. Also, can I feed him some? I have a 5 month black chihuahua


Answer
First, you need to use something like Frontline for fleas. Secondly, the best thing for a beautiful coat is Omega 3 capsules and olive oil in their food. It does two things.....protects the joints and provides needed nutrients in the diet. As well, hope you are feeding a good quality dog food....Purina, Beneful, Pedigree, AREN'T anything you really wish to feed.

Look on this list and see where your dog food is.

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com
/dog-food-reviews/dry/

copy and paste in your browser. As well, consult a vet. Our dogs get olive oil...just a little, and one capsule twice a day of Omega 3. Their coats glisten, soft and shiny. They both are pictures of health. We fed the puppy Blue Buffalo Puppy when she was a little one, and now both are on Blue Buffalo Freedom.... no grain. You don't want grain in your dog's food.




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