Coconut Oil for Dogs

by Kimberly
(New Lenox, IL)

Do you have any advice on how to administer coconut oil to dogs? My dog’s chiropractor said there are studies where coconut oil has been effective in controlling seizures. Do you know of any evidence of this?

Hi Kimberly,

I just want to make sure. You’re referring to “epileptic seizures,” right? Yes, coconut oil can be of benefit to controlling seizures.

It has been shown that free radicals are linked to the development of epileptic seizures. Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), the main fatty acids in coconut oil, are highly resistant to free-radical formation.

During a 10-week study period, MCFA-loaded coconut oil has proven to be effective in reducing epileptic seizures in children. D. L. Ross of the University of Minnesota Medial School discovered that the frequency of seizure lowered by at least 50 percent in two-thirds of the epileptic children in his study.

Depending on body weight, you can add a teaspoon to three tablespoons daily, even more, to your dog’s meals. Because oils can sometimes cause loose stools at first, I suggest you start low and gradually bring it up to three tablespoons.

If I have an average-sized Golden Retriever, I would give him at least two tablespoons daily. You can adjust accordingly if you have a smaller or bigger dog.

All the best,
Frederick

REFERENCE:

Ross, D. L., et al. Early biochemical and EEG correlates of the ketogenic diet in children with atypical absence epilepsy. Pediatric Neurology 1985;1(2):104