Coconut oil for our four-legged friends

The benefits of coconut oil are so many: it has antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial properties and promotes the action of antioxidants.

THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL ON OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS

As already mentioned, its peculiarity is in being made up of over 90% saturated fats, composed of medium chain triglycerides: this type of fat leads, in particular, to many advantages for our health, since they are absorbed directly by the liver that turns them into ketone bodies and then into energy for cells.

Coconut oil is also a very rich source of lauric acid, it contains a concentration equal to 44-51% (the other ingredients are: myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, stearic acid and linoleic acid) . But how does it work in our body, once ingested?

Lauric acid is converted by the body into monolaurin, a monoglyceride that has several properties. It is in fact an antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal (that is, it prevents infections caused by protozoa) and antifungal.

Caprico Acid: it reacts with some enzymes secreted by other bacteria, which subsequently convert it into a powerful antimicrobial agent, the monocaprino.

Caprylic Acid: it is a powerful antifungal agent that is one of the most powerful remedies against Candida infection.

These fatty acids represent a highly available source of energy, since being medium-chain they are easier to absorb than long-chain ones (such as in palm oil and seed oil). Coconut oil does not adversely affect cholesterol levels, precisely because it is poor in long-chain saturated fatty acids, but has even been shown to help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote good HDL.

Coconut oil helps the metabolism and facilitates digestion.

Why not use it also for our four-legged friends who give us so much love?

Here are some good reasons to use it on our companions:

Facilitates digestion.

Makes bones strong and elastic

Strengthens the immune system

Promotes a more shiny and healthy coat

It soothes itching and skin irritation

Moisturizes dry skin

Promotes wound healing

HOW TO USE COCONUT OIL WITH OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS

External use:

Apply it on the fur of your companion on all fours to make it softer and shiny or add it to the shampoo during washing: it will help to make the hair brighter and healthier and it will deeply moisturize the skin of our friend.

Coconut oil helps brush the hair of dogs and cats (especially if it is long!) And the removal of dangerous hairballs; works great as a natural repellent: it helps to keep away the ticks that are not lovers of lauric acid!

The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of coconut oil promote wound healing processes.

A few drops of coconut oil on a cotton pad allows you to gently clean your pet's ears and soothe itching.

Especially in cases of dermatitis, coconut oil allows you to hydrate your pet's skin, soothes itching and promotes healing.

PS: It is absolutely not a problem if you lick the area where the oil was applied ... indeed!

External use:

Coconut oil helps our friends in case of gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux and, added to baby food, promotes regular digestion and strengthens the bones.

Calcium is an important component of our teeth and those of our animal friends. Since coconut oil facilitates the body's absorption of calcium, it helps develop strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay. Recent research suggests that coconut oil reduces plaque formation, whitens teeth and treats gingivitis.

It strengthens the immune system and can help fight some parasites, such as tapeworms.

Its high content of fatty acids preserves the health of neurological activities: this is due to the ketone bodies of medium chain fatty acids that improve the metabolic processes in the brain.

Furthermore, coconut oil is a highly energizing food for the full vitality of our animals.

HOW MUCH COCONUT OIL DO YOU USE FOR OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS?

The recommended daily dose is very easy, give 1 teaspoon of coconut oil every 10 kg of weight

So a spoon will be good for a 30 kg dog.

Add it to its jelly starting gradually, with about 1/4 of the recommended dosage and gradually increasing over 3-4 weeks, to limit the onset of any allergies.

Obviously, before introducing it into your pet's diet, always ask your vet for advice.