- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in foods and skin care products for people—but what about some of the more miraculous claims, like that it promotes good breath or fights bacteria?
The answer depends on how you’re using the coconut oil, and how much you’re giving your dog. In small amounts, most vets think coconut oil can be a good, nutrient-dense addition to a healthy dog’s diet. It’s also a good topical treatment for dry, itchy skin.
So where does the line get drawn? To find out what coconut oil does for dogs, we spoke to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, a veterinarian and advisor at Figo Pet Insurance. With her help, we review how to safely incorporate coconut oil into your dog’s diet or grooming routine.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Dogs?
Coconut oil isn’t toxic to dogs, but it’s still a good idea to get your vet’s all-clear to make sure it’s okay for your particular pup. If you do decide to try coconut oil, opt for unrefined coconut oil, also known as virgin coconut oil, or cold-pressed coconut oil.
Coconut oil is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities
According to Dr. Ostermeier, coconut oil is generally safe for healthy dogs, but it does have to be offered in small amounts. “It is high in fat,” she explains, “so it can trigger stomach upset and pancreatitis in some dogs.”
Not for dogs on low-fat diets: Coconut oil is not recommended in any quantity for pups with pancreatitis, liver disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.
It may be healthier than other fats
Every dog needs some fat in their diet. And there’s good reason to think coconut oil might be a healthier pick for your dog than other fats.
That’s because coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are broken down quickly by the body, and they tend to be used as fuel instead of stored as fat. That can make them a healthier option than the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) that make up most of the fat in animal products.
It’s okay to put coconut oil on your dog’s skin and coat
Coconut oil can also be applied to the skin, coat, or paws in the same way you’d use lotion on your own skin. As long as the amount is small, it’s just fine if your dog starts licking your handiwork.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs?
Coconut oil is a safe choice for most dogs. But the question of whether it’s good for dogs is a little murky, and research is limited.
For both pets and people, coconut oil has an array of anecdotal benefits, like better digestion and improved immunity. Some research suggests the MCTs in coconut oil might boost weight loss and improve energy levels. They might even protect against seizures and cognitive decline in humans.
But evidence is mixed on whether the science really supports these claims. More study is needed to draw any strong conclusions. Research involving dogs is even more limited, though anecdotal evidence suggests similar effects.
Here’s what coconut oil might help a dog with—in theory.
- Skin and coat improvements: Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil may help moisturize your dog’s skin. It may also help alleviate dry, itchy skin and inflammation from skin allergies.
- Fuel for the brain and body: There’s also some evidence that coconut oil might support cognitive improvements, specifically in dogs with epilepsy.
- Antimicrobial and antifungal effects: Coconut oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. That means feeding your dog coconut oil might help fight the bacteria that cause bad breath. And when applied to your dog’s skin, coconut oil may help stop the spread of bacterial skin infections or yeast infections.
What about inflammation? Some people have tried using coconut oil to reduce gut inflammation—a common problem in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, research from 2023 found that a diet of home-cooked with added virgin coconut oil didn’t significantly improve several markers of gut health.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has updated its stance on coconut oil, cautioning dog parents against using it without veterinary approval.
Potential Health Risks and Side Effects for Dogs
According to Dr. Ostermeier, coconut oil won’t be a good fit for dogs who have a low tolerance for dietary fats. That includes dogs with pancreatitis, IBD, and obesity.
Coconut oil is also a calorie-dense food—one tablespoon contains about 100 calories. Depending on your dog’s size and activity level, the extra calories from coconut oil could cause unhealthy weight gain.
Finally, even healthy dogs should start slow. Giving your dog too much coconut oil or introducing it into their diet too fast could upset their stomach and cause diarrhea.
Relying only on coconut oil may also backfire for dogs and pet parents. For example, if you choose to apply coconut oil because of its anti-bacterial properties and avoid a prescribed antibiotic, you may be risking your dog’s health.
How To Use Coconut Oil for Your Dog
Dr. Ostermeier cautions that no standardized dose of coconut oil has been proven safe. The right dose depends on your dog’s size and the way you’re offering it. Your vet is your best resource to figure out how much coconut oil is right for your needs.
If you do try coconut oil for your dog, remember to start with a small amount to make sure your dog tolerates coconut oil well.
Feeding coconut oil
If you want to feed your dog coconut oil, think of it as a treat and count it toward your dog’s treat total for the day. Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. It’s also important to monitor your dog for weight gain.
Dr. Ostermeier recommends starting with one teaspoon per day for small dogs and two teaspoons for larger dogs. To minimize the risk of stomach upset, consider dividing your dog’s daily dose in half. You can also offer coconut oil along with a treat or meal.
Using coconut oil on skin and coat
When using coconut oil topically, apply a very small amount to a patch of visible skin with minimal fur. Check the area after an hour or two. If there’s no evidence of a negative skin reaction, go ahead with your vet’s recommended dose.
Talk to your vet if your dog’s skin becomes irritated or symptoms like dryness or itching get worse.
Also be prepared for the coconut oil to rub off on furniture and flooring. Massaging it thoroughly into your dog’s skin or paws can help ensure most of it gets absorbed. That way, you won’t end up with greasy paw prints all over the house or stains on your furniture.
Other ways to incorporate coconut oil
Once your vet has approved, there are several ways you can start incorporating coconut oil in your dog’s routine.
- Feed it to your dog directly—some dogs enjoy the taste and will lick it right off the spoon.
- Hide your dog’s medication in a small spoonful of coconut oil.
- Warm the coconut oil to soften it and mix it into your dog’s regular food as a meal topper.
- Make homemade dog treats using coconut oil and other dog-safe ingredients.
- Massage a little coconut oil into your dog’s paws or patches of dry skin.
- Apply a little coconut oil to soothe minor wounds like insect bites.
- Mix water and coconut oil in a spray bottle to use as a detangler or conditioner.
