A Canine Nutritionist's View of Coconut Oil for Dogs

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Since the topic of giving coconut oil to our dogs has come up several times, I thought it would be a good idea to post this article here. 

Lew Olson is a Canine Nutritionist with a PhD in "Natural Nutrition". She is a strong proponent of raw feeding, (hates all forms of kibble) "holistic" medicine and alternative treatments, and "natural" remedies. She is best known for her book Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, and makes her living formulating custom diets for dogs with various ailments, writing newsletters, and selling "natural" supplements. 

And even she does not recommend giving coconut oil to dogs. 

You can read why here: http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/is-coconut-oil-useful-for-dogs/

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Thank you for posting.  There are so many products being recommended that have little or no benefit.  Some even have negative effects.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's the negative effects that concern me most. Plus the fact that people may delay getting effective treatments for their dogs' health issues in favor of trying these products first. There are some health issues which become harder to treat the longer you delay treatment.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Karen - you are correct the worst part is people DO delay getting effective treatment by using these products.  We see this often in the treatment of dogs with seizure disorders.  It truly is heartbreaking!!

Often dogs get almost immediate relief once they are treated correctly.  Recently, I spoke with someone whose dog was having seizures and only being treated with "natural" treatments (for almost 2 years).  Once put on the correct medication the dogs condition improved 100% - no more seizures, returned to normal activities and personality returned to pre-seizure personality.

(This was a case of a vet not believing in anti-seizure medications.)

(Seizure discussion are not normally part of this Group.)

[Camilla and Darwin]

This is a problem with people who do this to themselves and their children as well. So sad.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree. Sad and scary. 

[Gail and Bailey]

Interesting article.  Thanks for sharing.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Definitely an interesting and informative read.  I have found that coconut oil works great for Hurley's pads and between the pads when he gets tender areas and, in my opinion, I would rather have him licking coconut oil off his pads than a number of other products. 

I put salmon oil in his dog food thinking it is just as beneficial for him as UDO's oil is for me.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Using coconut oil topically is different from giving it internally of course, and the tiny amount he would get from licking his paws is insignficant. 

As mentioned in the article, the Omega fatty acids in fish oil are the Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EFA, and both are extremely beneficial for dogs (and people) in many different ways. But the Omega 6 fatty acids found in coconut oil are of no use to dogs at all when taken internally. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

THanks for posting this where people can read for themselves. Getting info. from a knowledgeable source vs 'what you hear' at the pet store or beauty salon is so important.  If someone still wants to give it to their dogs at least they will know there is no factual support as a universal cure-all behind the claims.

[Pam Thomas]

how young can you start a pup on Omegas-given they are the right type and ratio?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you're feeding a good commercial diet, there is really no reason to give extra Omega EFAs to a healthy young puppy. They get all they need from their food.