Can a dog take coconut oil? See what experts say

The use of coconut oil for dogs has gained popularity among guardians who seek natural alternatives to improve the health and appearance of animals. However, experts warn: although coconut is not toxic to dogs, the oil concentrates a lot of saturated fat, and this requires caution. In small amounts, coconut oil does not usually cause problems in dogs, but regular use of the ingredient is not recommended without professional follow-up.

Before including coconut oil in your dog’s routine, either by adding it to food or by applying it to the animal’s skin, talk to a vet. Only he can evaluate the weight, age, health history and diet of the animal to tell if the component makes sense, in what amount and how often to use it.

What is coconut oil?

According to experts from the American Kennel Club (AKC), coconut oil is extracted from the white pulp of coconut, the fruit of the coconut palm. According to the source, at least 90% of the fats in the ingredient are saturated, and most are medium-chain triglycerides, the famous MCTs.

MCTs are fatty acids considered good fats. When consumed in moderation, they provide benefits, being absorbed quickly and turning into an energy source. The main medium-chain triglyceride present in coconut oil is lauric acid, which has shown action against bacteria, fungi and viruses in laboratory tests. In addition to it, the compound also has capric acid and caprylic acid.

Fats are essential for dogs

Fats are essential nutrients for dogs, as they act as an energy source, help in the control of body temperature, participate in the production of hormones, form the membranes of cells and allow the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. However, excess saturated fat can bring risks to canine health.

In recent years, human medicine has found evidence of several benefits associated with coconut oil consumption. According to the experts of the PetMD portal, most of the advantages attributed to the ingredient come from use in humans, and have only been transported to dogs. There is not yet extensive research proving that coconut oil actually helps canine health.

Possible reported benefits

But some benefits pointed out by professionals are: improvement of the skin and hair, antimicrobial action and aid in digestion. This is the most cited use. Applied to the skin, the oil can relieve dryness and give shine to the hair, but in dogs, these effects are still reported without scientific proof.

When the problem is dermatitis in dogs, the best way is to seek help from a veterinarian and use the remedies for canine dermatitis that the professional indicates. Lauric acid has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Still, there is no clear evidence that the dog can ingest enough to be protected. As a rule, skin infections should be treated with specific products indicated by the veterinarian.

Risks of overuse

Some research indicates that coconut oil may be useful to aid in canine digestion, aiding in breakdown, weight loss. A small amount from time to time rarely causes trouble in a healthy adult dog. However, excessive use of coconut oil can cause adverse effects and harm the animals.

In general, the risks appear in regular use, in larger quantities or in dogs with predisposition. Therefore, the recommendation is always to seek veterinary advice before introducing any supplement in the pet diet.

For more information about saúde e bem-estar animal, continue to follow the Boca no Trombone portal.

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