GoodRx Holdings Inc.

09/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2024 18:40

5 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Key takeaways:

  • Coconut oil may benefit dogs, but the research isn't clear. It won't necessarily harm your dog, but there's not a lot of evidence to support any claims you may have heard.

  • Due to its high fatty acid content, you might be able to use coconut oil to treat dry, itchy skin on your dog.

  • Adding coconut to your dog's diet - which you should only do with your vet's OK - could lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and weight gain.

Ivan Tucha/iStock via Getty Images Plus

You may have heard about coconut oil's potential health benefits and added it to your cooking routine. But is coconut oil good for dogs, too?

Science suggests that small amounts of coconut oil may have several health benefits for dogs. It can be added to your pup's diet or applied to their skin. Unfortunately, the research doesn't support a wide range of uses. And, in some cases, it might even be harmful to your dog.

Is coconut oil good or bad for dogs?

Coconut oil can be good for dogs in some situations. But you'll see a lot of unproven claims. That's why it's important to check with your veterinarian before giving coconut oil to your dog.

Not all coconut oil products are good for your dog, either. Coconut water, for example, is high in potassium and should not be given to dogs.

Even though the verdict is still out, let's look at the potential benefits and risks of coconut oil for dogs.

Benefits of coconut oil for dogs

Here's what the research says about the benefits of coconut oil for dogs as a dietary supplement and as a skin moisturizer.

1. Helps with skin problems

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that can be good for your dog's skin and coat.

When applied to the skin, coconut oil can soothe irritation and symptoms of atopic dermatitis such as:

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Secondary yeast infections

  • Hot spots

  • Inflamed skin

2. May manage weight

Some research suggests that adding coconut oil to a particular diet may help overweight dogs lose weight and maintain a leaner body. However, more research needs to be done on this topic.

3. May help with digestion

Coconut oil is high in a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). A study showed that dogs with ongoing gastrointestinal disorders improved when they were switched to a home-cooked diet high in MCTs.

4. Slows mental decline in aging dogs

Like humans, our canine companions often have brain function decline as they age. A study on eight beagles, ages 8 to 11, added MCTs to some of their diets. After 8 months, the dogs with the MCT-supplemented diets showed better results on tests than the control group. This suggests that a diet containing MCTs may decrease age-related cognitive decline in dogs.

The study didn't call out coconut oil, but coconut oil is high in MCTs.

5. Protects against pests

Shampoos that contain virgin coconut oil (VCO) may fight off fleas, ticks, lice, and mites in dogs, according to one study. The trial used shampoos with various levels of coconut oil and found that the product containing 80% VCO was the most effective.

Risks of coconut oil for dogs

Coconut oil has some risks, so you should contact your veterinarian before using it to treat any medical condition. For example, feeding your dog too much coconut oil can cause weight gain and digestive upset, mainly diarrhea, due to its high-fat content.

Another risk is using coconut oil in place of medication for your dog. Coconut oil may be OK at times, but it may not be the best way to manage things like seasonal allergies or obesity. Dogs need real treatment for a lot of these things, and coconut oil probably won't cut it.

How to safely use coconut oil with dogs

There are several things you can do to use coconut oil safely with your dog.

As a diet supplement

If your veterinarian gives you the OK, look for unrefined or virgin coconut oil. Cold-pressed oil is best for your dog because it undergoes minimal processing and preserves the nutrients.

Add coconut oil to your dog's diet gradually. And remember, giving it too much or for too long can lead to digestive problems and weight gain.

As a topical treatment

Ask your vet about the best way to apply coconut oil. How often you apply it will vary depending on the skin issue. For atopic dermatitis, the recommendation is twice a day for at least 4 weeks.

For cracked paws or chapped noses, try a paw balm with coconut oil as an ingredient.

The bottom line

Coconut oil appears to have promising health benefits for dogs if used under the guidance of a veterinarian. It may soothe dry, itchy skin; fight off fleas and ticks; and curb cognitive decline. However, you should never replace medication with coconut oil. Some conditions, like seasonal skin allergies and obesity, may need tried-and-true medical treatment.

Your veterinarian can tell you when it's OK to try coconut oil and when it's not.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:
Lauren Lee, BA, MA
Lauren Lee, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in animal care and pet health content. Since she was a young child, her passions have been writing and anything to do with animals.
Edited by:
Renée Fabian, MA
Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She's worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.
Reviewed by:
Ghanasyam Bey, DVM
Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

References

Animal Health Foundation. (2024). Coconut oil: The 'good' saturated fat.

Drechsler, Y., et al. (2024). Canine atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, impact, and management strategies. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.

View All References (7)
expand_more

Floerchinger, A. M., et al. (2015). Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs. AVMA Publications.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem compound summary for CID 3893, lauric acid.

Pan, Y., et al. (2010). Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs. The British Journal of Nutrition.

Taha, A., et al. (2009). Dietary enrichment with medium chain triglycerides (AC-1203) elevates polyunsaturated fatty acids in the parietal cortex of aged dogs: Implications for treating age-related cognitive decline. Neurochemical Research.

Vecchiato, C. G., et al. (2023). Fecal microbiota, bile acids, sterols, and fatty acids in dogs with chronic enteropathy fed a home-cooked diet supplemented with coconut oil. Animals.

Viste, G. B., et al. (2015). Ectoparasiticidal effect of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil shampoo in dogs. E-International Scientific Research Journal.

Wismer, T. (2018). People foods to avoid feeding your pets. Veterinary Partner.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Was this page helpful?

thumb_up_outlinedthumb_down_outlined
print_outlinedemail_outlined

Pet Health Tips from Our Vets

Sign up for our Pet Health newsletter to receive advice for current, aspiring, and doing-their-best dog and cat owners.
Email address
Subscribe
I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account

By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.