The benefits of coconut oil for pets
Coconut oil for my dog or cat? Why yes, absolutely! Coconut oil is primarily comprised of a medium chain fatty acid called lauric acid. This is what is responsible for many of its health benefits.
For pets, lauric acid destroys viruses, bacteria including yeast, fungi and parasites. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent also, while supporting a healthy immune system. It can kill ear mites and when mixed with honey can help cure tracheobronchitis.
In addition, it speeds up the pet's metabolism, providing more energy and vitality; overweight, sedentary pets may lose weight and become more active. Coconut oil enhances the skin and coat creating a healthy, smooth glossy coat. It may help clear up those ugly red tear stains on your white pooch. The oil also clears up flea allergies, itchy skin and contact dermatitis.
Do your dog's paws smell like corn chips, are their ears inflamed and dirty? These are signs of a Candida yeast infection. The anti-fungal properties of coconut oil will kill the Candida yeast and can be used regularly to keep this at bay and promote a healthy immune system.
Does your pooch have doggy odor, bad breath, do they itch a lot? Do they have hot spots, insect bites wounds? Rub some coconut oil topically on the area. The oil speeds healing.
The key to receiving the full benefits of coconut oil is getting the absolute highest quality available. Getting cheap coconut oil is a waste of money. Make sure the coconut oil is raw, organic and virgin. Only purchase those packaged in glass jars, so as not to get plastic chemicals in the oil. Do your homework – check out how each company processes their oil and where it is harvested and grown. There are many varieties out there.
One company that supervises and oversees their product each step of the way is CocoTherapy. Their non-GMO coconuts are grown in a family-owned, USDA-certified, organic coconut plantation. Their coconuts are opened within eight hours of harvesting and the meat is air-dried in a cold, dry environment and cold-pressed to extract healthy, pure coconut milk while preserving the beneficial vitamins, minerals and other nutritional benefits. Although CocoTherapy is marketed for pets, it is a top-of-the-line oil for humans also.
Most coconut products in the grocery store are dried at high temperatures or have preservatives, salt, sugar or other chemicals added, affecting their performance and quality. Also the source of these coconuts is unknown. To get the full benefits be sure to select the best coconut oil you can find, not the cheapest.