Coconut oil: definition and composition
Coconut oil is a vegetable fat derived from the fresh pulp of the coconut from which the lipids are extracted by mechanical and cold pressure. Thanks to its extraction process, coconut oil retains the taste and smell of coconut.
Coconut oil=copra oil?
No! Coconut oil is distinct from copra oil, an oil that is also made from the flesh of the coconut but from the dried flesh. After its hot extraction, coconut oil therefore requires refining and deodorization, which makes it much less attractive than virgin coconut oil.
Coconut oil is also sometimes called “coconut butter” or “coconut fat” because of its solid texture at room temperature. It owes it to its richness in saturated fatty acids and, in particular, by medium chain fatty acids (from 6 to 12 carbon atoms). These fatty acids are composed for about 50% of them by lauric acid.
This type of fatty acid has:
- a particular affinity for the skin and for the keratin of the hair and give coconut oil its protective properties for the skin when used externally,
- the particularity of being easily digested by the dog and above all easily mobilized in the form of energy, when added to the contents of a dog's bowl.
Coconut oil for dogs: uses and benefits
Coconut oil for your dog's skin
By its protective, softening and emollient properties for the skin, coconut oil can be used as a 100% natural balm to be used on the dog's skin, coat or pads.
Coconut oil will nourish and strengthen the skin of the paw pads damaged by polar temperatures and/or de-icing s alt, relieve itching related to dry dog skin or even d 'improve the appearance of your dog's coat that it will make it soft, shiny and silky.
Just take a dab of coconut oil, warm it in your hands and apply it wherever you want with a light massage on your pet's skin. The advantage of coconut oil is that it is absolutely non-toxic for the dog if the anointed area is licked!
As a vegetable oil, it can also be used to mix essential oils in the preparation of ointment in aromatherapy.
Coconut oil in dog food
Adding coconut oil to a dog's bowl will provide him with energy, mainly in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), lipids that are very well metabolized by the dog's digestive system. Indeed, these lipids, once digested, have the particularity of going directly to the liver to be transformed there into ketone bodies, a source of energy particularly well used by the dog's body (and in particular by its brain).
This addition can therefore be particularly interesting for certain sensitive dogs from a digestive point of view, for older dogs to whom it must provide easily accessible energy for the brain or for dogs or for quickly provide sporting dogs with energy before intense physical activity.
If your dog is not used to it, however, be sure to introduce coconut oil very gradually into his diet so as not to cause digestive discomfort.
Note carefully!
If coconut oil can be interesting for the dog, it should not be the only source of fat in its diet because it does not contain essential fatty acids from the omega 3 family. 'we therefore want to add coconut oil to his dog's bowl, so we must not forget to also add rapeseed oil and fish oil from the cold seas, sources of precious acids polyunsaturated essential fats. As for the quantities to give to your dog, always seek advice from a veterinarian to compose a bowl adapted to the needs of your dog. Indeed, by definition, coconut oil is a fatty food, to be dosed according to your dog's needs so as not to give him too many calories in his ration and make him fat!