CLOSED Giveaway-A-Day: Coconut Oil for Dogs

Posted in Doggies, Health and Beauty, Holiday Gift Guide, Past Giveaways on 08. Dec, 2011

Not only am I nuts about coconut but the girls are, too. When Tropical Traditions asked me if I wanted to try their Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for Pets I jumped at the chance. I often give the girls some coconut oil for multiple reasons because there are many things it can be used for. While I do love the products from Tropical Traditions, I was a little disappointed that they are selling this specific Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for dogs because it isn’t actually the best choice of coconut oil for dogs. Let me explain…….

I subscribe to Whole Dog Journal and an article that they published talks about the benefits of coconut oil for dogs. Not all coconut oil is good for dogs. There are really two types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined. Besides the refined and unrefined, you may also come across hydrogenated coconut oil. Below are some snippets from the Whole Dog Journal article, which are in italics.

Refined: Refined coconut oil (often labeled RBD for Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized) is made from copra, or dried coconut meat, then treated to remove impurities. Most RBD coconut oil is inexpensive, bland, and odorless. It doesn’t contain all of the nutrients found in unrefined coconut oil, its fragrance and flavor are different, and in most cases the coconuts used to produce it are of low quality and chemicals like chorine and hexane are used in the refining process. Some brands of refined coconut oil are labeled for use as a skin and hair care product.

Unrefined: Unrefined or “virgin” coconut oil, which is made from fresh coconuts, is pressed by hand using traditional methods or manufactured in state-of-the-art factories, virgin coconut oil retains most of the nutrients found in fresh coconut. Good-quality oil is colorless when liquid and pure white when solid, never yellow or pink, and it should not contain any residue or have an “off” or rancid odor. “Many people complain that coconut oil makes their throat feel scratchy or causes a burning sensation,” says Bruce Fife, ND, who has written several books about coconut oil. “The catch in the throat is a sign of poor quality. Some of these oils have a roasted or smoky flavor and aroma, which is another indication of poor quality, as it comes from smoke that contaminates the oil during heat processing.”

Hydrogenated: Hydrogenated coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature and melts at 92o F, is sold as a soap ingredient and as a food – but because it contains harmful trans-fats, we don’t recommend it for you or your dog. A 1954 study in which hydrogenated coconut oil raised the cholesterol of laboratory rabbits set the stage for coconut oil’s removal from America’s food supply.

So, what is the best coconut oil for your dogs? UNREFINED VIRGIN COCONUT OIL. So, while I disagree with Tropical Traditions selling their Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for pet consumption, I do recommend their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for you and your dogs. I’m sure they won’t be happy with me for saying so, but it is my responsibility as a pet blogger to give you the best information about what I feel are the best products.

How much do you need to give your dog(s)? I go back to the Whole Dog Journal to give you the following recommendation:

Pam Gillmore of Austin, Texas, is a raw foods chef who teaches healthful food preparation. Gillmore suggests that the best way to give coconut oil is in small doses throughout the day, “a spoonful here or there depending on the dog’s weight.” She also says that she has not yet met a dog who does not like the oil – “They usually lap it right up,” she says. “Some folks fry eggs in it and make a little extra for their dogs, or they put some in leftover oatmeal or add it to the dog’s dinner, but many give it straight off the spoon.” The optimum dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. These are general guidelines, as some dogs need less and others more. But don’t start with these amounts. Instead, introduce coconut oil a little at a time in divided doses. Because coconut oil kills harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, the burden of removing dead organisms can trigger symptoms of detoxification. Headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms are common in humans who consume too much too fast, and similar symptoms can occur in dogs. Even in healthy dogs, large amounts of coconut oil can cause diarrhea or greasy stools while the body adjusts. Start with small amounts, such as ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs. Gradually increase the amount every few days. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, reduce the amount temporarily.

What are the potential benefits to your dog? No one has tested coconut oil’s effect on dogs in clinical trials, but the anecdotal evidence is impressive. Reports published on Internet forums describe how overweight dogs become lean and energetic soon after they begin eating coconut oil, or their shabby-looking coats become sleek and glossy, and dogs with arthritis or ligament problems grow stronger and more lively. Even some serious diseases have responded. In one case, a Doberman Pinscher with severe Wobblers made a dramatic recovery in less than a week while taking coconut oil. Other reports involve itchy skin, cuts, wounds, and ear problems. Dogs with flea allergies, contact dermatitis, or other allergic reactions typically stop scratching soon after coconut oil is added to their food, and dogs treated topically for bites, stings, ear mites, ear infections, cuts, or wounds recover quickly. One dog was stung by a bee, causing her mouth to swell. An hour after her owner applied coconut oil to the sting and gave her a tablespoon to swallow, the swelling disappeared and the dog was herself again. Gillmore reports that dogs who receive coconut oil stop itching and scratching and their skin clears up. “Their coats really shine after they have been on it for a while. Skin tags and moles disappear after a month or two. Their digestion improves. And they don’t have a doggie odor – the coconut oil even takes away bad breath.”

It is also noted coconut oil’s deodorizing effects, so if you have a dog that has bad odors, for whatever reason, the coconut oils could potentially help your dog smell better. If you are interested in subscribing to Whole Dog Journal, there is a $20 subscription fee per year, but the articles are worth it. They also release a list of their top dry dog foods ever year, and just recently released their canned dog food recommendations. If you are interested in knowing if your brand is on either list let me know and I will check for you. I definitely recommend subscribing, however.

A representative from Tropical Traditions has some information regarding my opinions above, as well as the article snippets I posted from the Whole Dog Journal. I am happy to give you both sides, so you, the reader, can make your own decision about whether or not their Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil is a product you want to give your dog.

From Tropical Traditions:

Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil for pets (EPCO) is a high quality refined organic coconut oil. This oil is processed the “old” way by what is called “physical refining.” The modern way of processing coconut oil is by chemical extraction, using solvent extracts, which produces higher yields and is quicker and less expensive. Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil DOES NOT use solvent extracts. It is made the “old” way by expeller-pressed mechanical extraction. This oil is also NOT hydrogenated, and contains NO trans fatty acids. It is a very good quality food-grade coconut oil. Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil is made from coconuts that have NOT been treated with chemicals or fertilizers. It is 100% natural, and it is also certified organic according to USDA and EU standards. Our Expeller-Pressed coconut oil is high in the medium chain fatty acids, such as Lauric acid. This is the “common” type oil that billions of people in Asia consume on a daily basis. Expeller Pressed Coconut oil is less expensive than Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, and because it goes through a steam deodorizing process the taste is very bland, unlike Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil which retains the odor and taste of fresh coconuts. Some people prefer a bland, tasteless oil. Please visit this page for more information: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/epco.htm

As far as the comparison between the Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil (EPCO) and VCNO, the EPCO still has the medium chain fatty acids/triglycerides (MCTs) that are the major reason for the nutrient benefits of coconut oil. These are what studies say increase metabolism, support the immune system, etc. What the EPCO is missing is some of the nutrients and anti-oxidant properties that are in VCNO, like Vitamin E, for example (although coconut oil is not a real significant source of vitamin E: Palm oil is better for that.). Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions link to read more: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm

If you are interested in purchasing Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, use the link directly below.

The 16 oz. Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil will cost you $19.95. This is a good jar to get if you want to try it out. Also, that link is my referral link. I do make $25 in credits to TT if you purchase through me. I wanted to be honest with you and let you know that. However, I am recommending this because it works for us. 16-oz – Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil – 1 pint

If you are interested in going ahead and purchasing the Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for Pets, which you can use on cuts and scrapes, visit the link below. You will pay $9.99 for a 32 oz. jar. 32-oz Organic Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for Pets

WIN IT: One (1) winner will receive a 32 oz. jar of Tropical Traditions Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for Pets.

DATES: December 8-23, 2011 (midnight)

To Enter (mandatory) (Leave a comment, “I Subscribe” or something similar):

• Subscribe to Doggies and Stuff. You must do this to enter and you must activate your membership. If not, your comment will not be approved. (1 entry)

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• Tweet: (daily-for 1 entry each Tweet) Tweet the following: Win @troptraditions Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil @DoggiesandStuff http://doggiesandstuff.com/?p=5609

Rules:

Open to 18+ US and Canadian residents, who are active subscribers of Doggies and Stuff and who follow the giveaway mandatory requirements as mentioned above. Winners will be chosen using random.org. The winner will be posted here shortly after the drawing and will have 48 hours to send me an email at doggiesandstuff@gmail.com to claim their prize. I reserve the right to not approve comments for any reason.

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This blog will make every effort to deliver prizes or have prizes delivered to the winner. However unlikely the scenario may be; this blog and its author are not responsible for giveaway prizes that are lost in transit or damaged. This blog is also not responsible if a sponsor/company does not send prize(s). Blog author will communicate with said company(s) several times, in an effort to resolve issue. Please allow 3 to 6 weeks for your prize to be delivered. The company providing the give-away product has the authority to substitute the winning item for any reason.

Disclaimer: I received a jar of Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil for Pets from Tropical Traditions. I was under no obligation to write a review in exchange for the products, nor was I obligated to write a positive review. The opinions listed here are strictly my own honest opinion of the product.