Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?

If you’re here, you’re probably holding a jar of coconut oil, wondering, “Is coconut oil good for dogs?” The short answer is: Yes, coconut oil can be good for dogs. The slightly longer answer is: When used in moderation and added to their diet correctly. 

Just serving your dog raw coconut oil, or rubbing it on their skin and coat, aren’t the best ways to utilize this nutrient-dense ingredient. For us humans, coconut oil offers a number of health-based benefits, and while it can do the same for your pup, a little strategy is needed. Don’t worry; we’ll help you do just that. 

In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into what coconut oil is, what it does, and how to introduce coconut oil into your dog’s diet, all to answer the question: Is coconut oil good for dogs? We’ll show you how we use coconut oil in our line of dog supplements, and help you decide on which formula is best for your pup!

Key Takeaways

• Coconut oil can be good for dogs—when used the right way.

• Its powerhouse MCTs deliver real benefits for skin, gut, joints, teeth, and brain health.

• Raw coconut oil isn’t ideal; it can cause tummy troubles and gets licked off instantly when applied topically.

• Quality matters: unrefined coconut oil holds the most natural nutrients.

• The safest, most effective option? Vet-backed supplements with balanced doses of coconut oil plus complementary ingredients.

The Science Behind Coconut Oil

Coconut oil comes from the meaty, white flesh of the coconut fruit. Over the last few years, coconut oil has found a niche in the kitchen, as a substitute for butter and unhealthy cooking oils, and in many adults’ wellness routines, as a natural, easy way to get healthy fats. At least 90% of coconut oil’s nutrients consist of saturated fats, like the healthy fats in milk, cheese, and yogurt. 

Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are healthy fatty acids that many consider the “good kind” of fat. This is the nutrient many think is responsible for coconut oil’s laundry list of health benefits. And for dogs, MCTs are one of the best-kept secrets in the world of canine wellness. 

But the type of coconut oil you choose is also important. 

Refined vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil

Often called “virgin coconut oil,” unrefined coconut oil is minimally processed and keeps most of its tropical flavor. To make this type of coconut oil, the white, fleshy meat of the coconut is pressed to squeeze out the oil. 

Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, has been processed to remove certain impurities. This type of coconut oil has lost most of its flavor. But refined coconut oil can withstand high temperatures, so many adults use it for cooking. 

5 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Here are five ways coconut oil can help your dog’s common canine concerns!

1. Improves Skin and Coat Health

Veterinarians have known for decades about the link between healthy fatty acids and your dog’s skin and coat health. And today, there are only a few options to get healthy fatty acids in your dog’s diet, one of the easiest being coconut oil. Remember those MCTs we talked about before? These MCTs are healthy fatty acids that work overtime to nourish your dog’s skin from within. They help restore fur loss and soothe irritated skin issues. 

Targeted Symptoms: Dry, red, flaky skin. 

2. Supports Digestion and Gut Health

Some studies show that coconut oil may even help promote better digestion and fortify your dog’s gut health. Your dog’s microbiome is a robust system that needs ongoing support to stay healthy year-round. With its host of healthful properties, coconut oil offers a number of benefits for your dog’s digestive tract, like boosting nutrient absorption, neutralizing bacteria, and promoting natural digestion. 

Targeted Symptoms: Poor digestion, diarrhea, gas, and bloat.

3. Boosts Energy and Mobility

After years of running, jumping, and zooming, your dog’s mobility isn’t what it was. As dogs age, inflammation can accumulate in their joints, leading to tightness and even pain. With its anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can help soothe hip and joint pain while also boosting your dog’s energy. 

Targeted Symptoms: Low mobility, achy joints, tight hips, and low mood.  

4. Provides Antimicrobial and Antifungal Support

Even after a long-overdue bath, your dog might still be dirty, especially behind that charming smile. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can neutralize dental dilemmas and protect your dog’s mouth from mounting dental problems. For a more in-depth look at your dog’s chompers, it’s always best to schedule regular dental checkups with your veterinarian. 

Targeted Symptoms: Poor oral hygiene, bacteria, and fungal build-up.

5. Promotes Brain and Cognitive Health in Senior Dogs

Inflammation doesn’t just target your dog’s joints. It can also impact their cognitive health, resulting in low mood, mental fatigue, and mood swings. Because of its healthy anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can target nose-to-tail inflammation, promoting better brain and cognitive health in senior dogs.

Targeted Symptoms: Mental decline, low mood, and poor brain health 

So, Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?

In short, yes, coconut oil is good for dogs, but it needs to be introduced correctly. 

After learning about all the benefits of coconut oil for dogs, many pet owners rush out, buy a jar, and start plopping spoonfuls on their dog’s kibble and directly on their skin’s hot spots. Before you follow that trend, this isn’t what most veterinarians recommend. In fact, ingesting too much coconut oil can be detrimental to your dog’s digestive system. And putting it on their paws or coat? Most dogs (if not all, let’s be honest) will lick that right off. 

So, we need to be a little more strategic with how we introduce this superfood to your dog’s diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Coconut Oil Plain?

Yes, dogs can eat coconut oil, but should they? 

Well, it’s not recommended as a standalone treat, or even as a food topper. Too much coconut oil can disrupt your dog’s digestive system and may lead to tummy troubles in the near future. Finding the right serving size of coconut oil for your dog also isn’t always easy. You’d need to factor in a ton of variables, like your dog's weight, allergies, and diet, before finding the right dose. 

So, how should you introduce coconut oil into your dog’s diet? Well, we’ve formulated a ton of dog supplements that feature this superfood alongside a bevy of others!

Coconut Oil + Happy Paws = Healthy, Happy Life!

If you’d like to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet, check out our list of supplements formulated with this healthy fatty acid (and a number of additional beneficial nutrients)!

Skin & Coat Dog Chews

Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil for multi-layered benefits, P-18 Probiotics for gut flora, and Biotin for shedding. 

Who’s It For: These dog chews are best for pups who struggle with daily or seasonal allergies, experience fur loss, or have dry, flaky skin. 

Probiotic Dog Chews

Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil for multi-layered benefits, P-6 Probiotics for gut flora, Antioxidants for functional benefits, Fennel for bloating, and Pumpkin Seeds for digestion. 

Who’s It For: These dog chews are best for pups with tummy troubles, like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. 

Scoot Stop Dog Chews

Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil for multi-layered benefits, Sea Kelp for immune and digestive health, Sweet Potato for antioxidant support, and Pumpkin Meal for skin, joint, and immune support. 

Who’s It For: These dog chews are best for pups with overactive anal glands that cause them to relieve pressure by scooting.

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews

Key Ingredients: Coconut Oil for skin health, P-6 Probiotics for gut flora, Biotin for shedding, and Colostrum for immunity.  

Who’s It For: These dog chews are best for just about any dog! A daily multivitamin is perfect for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. 

Coconut Oil for Dogs FAQs

Does coconut oil help with a dog's itchy skin?

Yes, coconut oil can help with a number of dermal issues, like itchy skin, hot spots, and fur loss. 

Can I put coconut oil on my dog's paws?

It’s not recommended to put coconut oil on your dog’s paw. While coconut oil can treat a number of skin problems when applied locally, most dogs will lick it off right away. That’s why supplements with coconut oil are more efficient. They help heal their skin from within. 

How much coconut oil can a dog eat per day?

You shouldn’t really feed your dog raw coconut oil, as it can upset their tummy. Opt for supplements with coconut oil as a key ingredient. 

Can coconut oil help with fleas on dogs?

While coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it might not be strong enough to shoo away fleas. If your dog has fleas, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian about next steps. 

Can I leave coconut oil in my dog's fur?

While many pet owners may want to apply coconut oil topically to their dog’s coat, this isn’t the best method. Most (if not all) dogs can’t fight the urge to lick the oil away. That’s why supplements with coconut oil are the best option.