The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Pets
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Nature is filled with great supplements for pets and coconut oil is one of the best out there for overall pet health. As a neutraceutical (a natural product with pharmacological benefits), it’s one of the most highly touted.
Coconut oil naturally contains anti-viral, antibiotic, anti-fungal properties. It can support thyroid function, promotes heart health, improves your pet’s digestion, increases metabolism to support weight loss, combats yeast infections, relieves arthritis, and improves skin conditions. It can speed healing, support joint health and helps support a pet’s immune system.
Coconut oil can be applied directly to a pet’s cracked paws to help speed healing, or directly onto an abscess or scrape. The natural anti-viral and anti-fungal properties will fight infection and naturally destroy yeast.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Choosing An Oil.[/heading]
There are three types of coconut oil available on the market and it’s important not to get fooled into paying for a type that is unusable or merely a marketing scheme. Here is a short summary of the types of coconut oil to use and those you should avoid.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Virgin Coconut Oil[/heading]
You’ll often see this labeled as “extra virgin” or “virgin organic” which means the oil has been obtained by being hand pressed or “cold-pressed”. This type of oil is the most desired for health benefits in pets and people. The “extra virgin” is merely a marketing term. Stay with organic, virgin coconut oil to obtain the most health benefits.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Fractionated Coconut Oil[/heading]
Fractionated oil is a portion of the whole oil. The various medium-chain fatty acids are separated out for a variety of reasons. The end result is a selection of medium-chain triglycerides, which are frequently used for medical applications and as a carrier oil for fragrances. You should not give fractionated oil to your pets.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Refined Coconut Oil[/heading]
This is the type to stay from. While it does have it’s uses, it’s not as valued as a supplement. Refined coconut oil will often be labeled as RFD (refined, bleached and deodorized). It’s made from copra (dried coconut flesh) and in order to obtain all of the oils, manufacturers often use chemicals.
[heading style=”2″ color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″]Administering Coconut Oil[/heading]
Supplementing with virgin coconut oil is simple. The recommended dose is one tablespoon per 30 lbs. However, it’s important that you introduce it slowly, over a period of weeks, or your pet can experience flu-like symptoms as the body detoxifies. Mix it in with your pet’s food at less than 1/4 teaspoon/day per 30 lbs and increase it gradually each week to avoid any complications.
