Is Coconut Oil a Miracle Worker?
Miracle, no. But Coconut does have incredibly powerful health benefits for humans and animals also.
I have an obsession with coconut. Not the taste, which I can’t stand. That being said, the smell reminds me of summer and everything fresh and clean. I use Coconut Oil post-shower as moisturizer and use it as a base for many of my aromatherapy products. It has a multitide of health benefits and is an wonderful oil I use every day with my family.
The powerful health benefits of coconut are not specific to humans. Coconut contains 90% saturated fats and can be used by cats, dogs, and horses as well.
A Brief Overview on the Benefits of Coconut
- Antibacterial
- Anti fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
5 WAYS Coconut Can Help Your Pet
1. Digestion
Can help with liquid absorption for firmer stool. It's bland flavor lubricates kibble and makes it easier to digest as well as more palatable for those finicky eaters.
2. Skin and Coat
Containing 90% saturated fats provides a wonderful moisturizing element to your animal's skin and coat. Gonzo has seasonal allergies and dander, which is very noticeable on his black coat. After only a few days of giving him a spoonful of coconut oil with his meals, look at the difference!
3. Wound Healing
Because of the antibacterial and anti fungal properties, coconut oil makes a wonderful topical ointment for small wounds, scars, and hot spots that also allows the skin to breathe. I see Vaseline is a staple in many barns, but I cringe. Coconut oil is so much healthier and it doesn't go rancid easily even in extreme temperatures.
4. Clean teeth
We all know how important dental health is to our pet's overall wellbeing. My dogs love using dental treats, such as the Natural Balance Chews. But if your dog or cat is picky, try brushing their teeth with coconut oil instead.
5. Internal Health
Coconut oil can have a positive impact on your pet's internal and behavioral health.
“In dogs, the Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.”
My favorite Ways to Use Coconut on Animals
(Horses, Dogs, and Cats)
1. Internally
My dogs love the taste of coconut. They will eat it straight off the spoon, although I do like to feed it to them mixed with their food or as a treat. Gonzo especially loves the K-9 Granola Factory's Coconut Chips. But the company also has Coconut Flakes (which make great food toppers); and Coconut Crunchers (dog cookies).
Do NOT use coconut internally if your pet has or is at risk for pancreatis or has trouble metabolizing fat.
2. Topically
I recommend coconut oil to my massage clients for many reasons. Dander, hot spots, elbow rubs, bites, and small wounds can all benefit from the antibacterial properties. Because coconut oils acts as a wonderful base for essential oils and herbs, I use it in many of my Signature Aromatherapy Products.
Coconut Oil Hacks for Animals
1. Hair Detangler. Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) is wonderful for detangling even the worst mane and tail on your horse. Did your horse run through the briars or have burrs and shavings in his tail? FCO in a spray bottle does the trick. And it adds a beautiful sheen!
(Parents want to know a secret? I’ve also used FCO to get rid of gum in my daughter’s curly hair. No scissors necessary.)
2. Pest repellent. Now, on it's own coconut oil is not very strong, but it does lend itself to being a mild insect repellent. Want something stronger but organic and good for the environment? Try the Fly & Tick Spray from Bridle & Bone Wellness LLC.
3. Moisturizer. Those paw pads a little rough? Does your dog have elbow rubs? Put a little coconut oil on them. If your pet licks the site? No big deal because it helps digestion.
4. Hot horse? I'm looking at all you OTTB lovers out there. Coconut oil is a wonderful supplement for grain that doesn't make your horse "hot" like other oils do. It also aids digestion and helps keep your horse's intestines moving the way they should, without contributing to ulcers.
Working with animals like I do every day, I see firsthand the impressive healthy benefits of coconut oil. Consult with your veterinarian for any internal use, and start slow and gradually increase according to your animal's weight.
Do you already use coconut oil with your animals? What has your experience been?
Further reading:
Horses- Savvy HOrsewoman. Coconut Oils for Horses- 10 Ten Uses.
Dogs Naturally Magazine: The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs.
About the writer: Heather Wallace of Monmouth County, New Jersey is a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist, co-owner of Bridle & Bone Wellness LLC, and equestrian & canine blogger at Bridle & Bone. She is an adult amateur equestrian in unrequited loved with an OTTB and has two rescue dogs, Gonzo and Beau.
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