Are you looking for more ways to save on your dog expenses? I know I’ve always got my eyes out for ways to save money for my dog, Henry. Do you love coconut oil? I do. It can help your dog as well in various ways. Today, let’s dig in and discover the great budget-friendly benefits of coconut for dogs.
First, always check with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet.
*Update: May 13, 2024
Budget tip:
Surprisingly coconut oil is relatively cheap! Even the organic version, which is what I like to use is inexpensive. I have a large jug of it that cost me less than $6. Yet, you only need a small amount to make a big impact for your dog’s health. That’s what I call a big WIN-WIN!
Is coconut safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts coconut is safe for dogs. This includes coconut water, coconut meat, and coconut oil. But again, only small amounts and a gradual introduction and increase to reduce stomach upset.
What are the health benefits of coconut oil for dogs?
You may be surprised at all the benefits that coconut oil can provide your dog. Specifically, the benefits include:
- Shiny coat
- Helps digestion
- Aids thyroid function
- Eases arthritis issues
- Improves brain and cognitive functions
- Relieves allergies, including itchy skin
- Increases energy
- Decreases odor
- Aids dry skin
- Helps with cracked paws
- Improves dried or cracked noses
- Aids in fighting off infections
Can my dog eat coconut oil?
In small amounts, coconut oil is fine and can aid your dog. However, again, always check with your vet first to make sure that coconut oil is a good idea for your dog and his/her health.
How much coconut oil can I safely give my dog?
The key with coconut oil is to start very, very small and then build on that amount slowly. By starting slow you have less chance of an upset stomach or GI issues.
Thus, for a small dog, like Henry, who’s less than 14 lbs, I start with a 1/8 teaspoon. However, I would never give him more than 1/4 teaspoon twice a day.
Although certain dog breeds (for example a Husky or Great Dane), you can start with more, such as 1/4 teaspoon, and work up to perhaps one tablespoon twice a day. But again, verify with your vet.
Although this is not only for internal use. There are other ways to administer coconut oil to your dog.
NOTE: Henry’s dog food has coconut in it to help build his immune system along with other ingredients like oatmeal, blueberries, and pumpkin.
What other ways can I give my dog coconut oil?
There are many ways to give your dog coconut oil. Additionally, your dog will benefit.
For instance, I have coconut oil in Henry’s DIY dog wipes. Although, if he’s really itchy I will take a small (less than a 1/16 teaspoon) coconut oil, rub it in my hands, and then massage it into his skin and coat.
Moreover, if Henry’s paws are dry, I’ll massage it into his paws. Again, it’s a very small amount of coconut oil.
The additional benefit is that if he should lick it, there’s no harm. Plus, the coconut oil helps my hands as well!
You may even see coconut treats for dogs or coconut as part of a recipe for dog treats.
Are there any side effects to feeding coconut to my dog?
Honestly, most of the side effects arise when too much coconut oil is given to a dog. When a dog gets too much coconut oil (or too rapidly), there could be side effects such as:
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Fatigue
- Greasy stools
NOTE: The ASPCA has warned dog parents that coconut oil can be an irritant for dog stomachs, which can result in a leaky gut. However, this is most likely a result of overdosing. Once again, I encourage you to talk with your vet.
Are there any dogs who shouldn’t eat coconut oil?
Yes! Dogs with pancreatitis should avoid coconut oil.
What are the budget-friendly benefits of coconut for dogs?
Of course, this will depend on your dog and your situation. But for a moment consider the following possible expenses:
| Itchy skin | $200-400 |
| Skin conditions | $100-500 |
| Arthritis | $700+ |
Related articles:
- 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet
- Can Benadryl For Dogs Cost Too Much?
- Is Turmeric For Dogs A Waste Of Money?
- Oatmeal for Dogs: Great Affordable Benefits!
- Quick Simple Dog Massage Therapy at Home
- Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immunity
Summary of Great Budget-Friendly Benefits of Coconut for Dogs
I admit, I absolutely love using DIY remedies and items I can pull from my kitchen. It always makes me feel like a pioneer woman creating a great recipe. Or as my mom would say I use my “cowgirl intuition”. Nothing (or nearly nothing) can hold you back when you put your mind to it. That includes helping your dog on a budget. Thus, the use of organic coconut oil to aid my dog Henry is a perfect fit for me in this quest.
Specifically, coconut oil for Henry helps with his allergy itchiness, dry skin, and probably even his digestion. But honestly, I can easily see the improvement in his skin and coat. Besides the excess coconut oil, I always rub it into my hands, which feels great! Moreover, I never have to worry about Henry licking the oil since it will help his digestion as well.
I was giving Layla Coconut Oil till my vet said something to me which opened my eyes and I took her off it, She told me that dogs did not find coconut oil in the wild the way they found salmon oil etc and therefore it was not that beneficial for them. Layla with her age does not get any oils anymore as they all upset her old tummy. But she does get fish so she is getting her Omega from them.
You know, that is an excellent point! You’re correct that coconut oil isn’t something that dogs would eat naturally in the wild. While it doesn’t have a toxic component to it, you may want to consider that it’s not something a dog would eat in the wild. Personally, I will generally apply it to Henry’s fur for itch. Although there is some in his food, which isn’t much and his vet says is at a good amount. As someone told me recently, everything is a balancing act. You have to find that balancing point for you and Layla.
I use fish oil daily for Henry as well. He loves it!
Thank you so much for this astute observation and for your continued support. I really appreciate it!
Our Angel Harvey loved a small amount of coconut oil and it was something he really enjoyed.
I have never heard that coconut does any harm, in fact there are more side effects from prescribed medicines that are more scary and I think it’s common sense, like any supplement that you don’t over do it.
So much common sense here, thank you.
A small amount of coconut oil can be beneficial as long as you do it slowly and keep the amounts small. I love that Harvey loved coconut. I do as well. I think you’re right, Marjorie, it does often boil down to common sense. Great observation!
Thank you for sharing about Harvey and for your continued support! I really appreciate it!
I never realized that you need a slow introduction and smaller amounts when giving dogs coconut oil. I haven’t tried it for my dogs, but for people I love it. When we see coconuts along the beach where we live Icy is always attracted to them! It’s so funny how she always spots them and goes over to sniff LOL!
Oh my! That would be funny to see Icy investigating a coconut on the beach! Henry would probably sniff and then leave his “Henry was here” mark. Or should I say “claim it in the name of King Henry”. Pups are funny! 😀
I love coconut as well. I bet your coconut tastes much better than mine. Hard to convince me a coconut is fresh in the middle of the high desert.
Thanks for your continued support. I really appreciate it!
Yes! I’m a huge advocate of coconut for dogs. I did a piece years ago after discussing the benefits of coconut oil with my acupuncturist way before coconut was “cool”! It is an excellent thing t have on hand. As you said, it’s important to start off small…little bit at a time. I gave my FiveSibes coconut oil on a daily basis. Amazing for their coats! Plus such a great joint health additive, as well as wonderful as a topic for hot spots and skin irritations. Love coconut oil! Sharing this with my readers!
Oh, I bet your FiveSibes had gorgeous coats with coconut oil. It can be really beneficial for coats and skin. It works well for Henry’s coat as well. I’m glad you mentioned adding it in slowing and starting at a very low dose. I discovered that even for humans. While it’s good attributes, a quick introduction can definitely upset the tummy. Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support! I really appreciate it!