5 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs
Key takeaways:
Coconut oil may benefit dogs, but the research isn’t clear. It won’t necessarily harm your dog, but there’s not a lot of evidence to support any claims you may have heard.
Due to its high fatty acid content, you might be able to use coconut oil to treat dry, itchy skin on your dog.
Adding coconut to your dog’s diet — which you should only do with your vet’s OK — could lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and weight gain.
Table of contents
You may have heard about coconut oil's potential health benefits and added it to your cooking routine. But is coconut oil good for dogs, too?
Science suggests that small amounts of coconut oil may have several health benefits for dogs. It can be added to your pup’s diet or applied to their skin. Unfortunately, the research doesn’t support a wide range of uses. And, in some cases, it might even be harmful to your dog.
Is coconut oil good or bad for dogs?
Coconut oil can be good for dogs in some situations. But you’ll see a lot of unproven claims. That’s why it’s important to check with your veterinarian before giving coconut oil to your dog.
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Not all coconut oil products are good for your dog, either. Coconut water, for example, is high in potassium and should not be given to dogs.
Even though the verdict is still out, let’s look at the potential benefits and risks of coconut oil for dogs.
Benefits of coconut oil for dogs
Here’s what the research says about the benefits of coconut oil for dogs as a dietary supplement and as a skin moisturizer.
1. Helps with skin problems
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that can be good for your dog’s skin and coat.
When applied to the skin, coconut oil can soothe irritation and symptoms of atopic dermatitis such as:
Dry, itchy skin
Secondary yeast infections
Hot spots
Inflamed skin
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2. May manage weight
Some research suggests that adding coconut oil to a particular diet may help overweight dogs lose weight and maintain a leaner body. However, more research needs to be done on this topic.
3. May help with digestion
Coconut oil is high in a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). A study showed that dogs with ongoing gastrointestinal disorders improved when they were switched to a home-cooked diet high in MCTs.
4. Slows mental decline in aging dogs
Like humans, our canine companions often have brain function decline as they age. A study on eight beagles, ages 8 to 11, added MCTs to some of their diets. After 8 months, the dogs with the MCT-supplemented diets showed better results on tests than the control group. This suggests that a diet containing MCTs may decrease age-related cognitive decline in dogs.
The study didn’t call out coconut oil, but coconut oil is high in MCTs.
5. Protects against pests
Shampoos that contain virgin coconut oil (VCO) may fight off fleas, ticks, lice, and mites in dogs, according to one study. The trial used shampoos with various levels of coconut oil and found that the product containing 80% VCO was the most effective.
Risks of coconut oil for dogs
Coconut oil has some risks, so you should contact your veterinarian before using it to treat any medical condition. For example, feeding your dog too much coconut oil can cause weight gain and digestive upset, mainly diarrhea, due to its high-fat content.
Another risk is using coconut oil in place of medication for your dog. Coconut oil may be OK at times, but it may not be the best way to manage things like seasonal allergies or obesity. Dogs need real treatment for a lot of these things, and coconut oil probably won't cut it.
How to safely use coconut oil with dogs
There are several things you can do to use coconut oil safely with your dog.
As a diet supplement
If your veterinarian gives you the OK, look for unrefined or virgin coconut oil. Cold-pressed oil is best for your dog because it undergoes minimal processing and preserves the nutrients.
Add coconut oil to your dog’s diet gradually. And remember, giving it too much or for too long can lead to digestive problems and weight gain.
As a topical treatment
Ask your vet about the best way to apply coconut oil. How often you apply it will vary depending on the skin issue. For atopic dermatitis, the recommendation is twice a day for at least 4 weeks.
For cracked paws or chapped noses, try a paw balm with coconut oil as an ingredient.
The bottom line
Coconut oil appears to have promising health benefits for dogs if used under the guidance of a veterinarian. It may soothe dry, itchy skin; fight off fleas and ticks; and curb cognitive decline. However, you should never replace medication with coconut oil. Some conditions, like seasonal skin allergies and obesity, may need tried-and-true medical treatment.
Your veterinarian can tell you when it’s OK to try coconut oil and when it’s not.
Why trust our experts?
References
Animal Health Foundation. (2024). Coconut oil: The ‘good’ saturated fat.
Drechsler, Y., et al. (2024). Canine atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, impact, and management strategies. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
Floerchinger, A. M., et al. (2015). Effect of feeding a weight loss food beyond a caloric restriction period on body composition and resistance to weight gain in dogs. AVMA Publications.
National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem compound summary for CID 3893, lauric acid.
Pan, Y., et al. (2010). Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs. The British Journal of Nutrition.
Taha, A., et al. (2009). Dietary enrichment with medium chain triglycerides (AC-1203) elevates polyunsaturated fatty acids in the parietal cortex of aged dogs: Implications for treating age-related cognitive decline. Neurochemical Research.
Vecchiato, C. G., et al. (2023). Fecal microbiota, bile acids, sterols, and fatty acids in dogs with chronic enteropathy fed a home-cooked diet supplemented with coconut oil. Animals.
Viste, G. B., et al. (2015). Ectoparasiticidal effect of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil shampoo in dogs. E-International Scientific Research Journal.
Wismer, T. (2018). People foods to avoid feeding your pets. Veterinary Partner.
