CHOOSING COCONUT OIL FOR MY DOGS

Who knew choosing Coconut Oil for my dogs would be so difficult?…

choosing-3There I was at the grocery store, pushing the shopping cart down the aisle.

I had my list and written in red ink were the words – “coconut oil.”

I have a laundry list of things to do before leaving for Phoenix later this week and food shopping happens to be one of them.

I’m so preoccupied with the next task on my list, I almost forget the Coconut Oil. #dingbatdoodlemom

I back the cart up like a Hummer in an alley, grab a jar and keep it moving.

HERE’S THE PROBLEM –

Putting the groceries away, I place the jar in the cabinet next to the one I was still using and BAM – I realize… I’ve purchased the wrong item…

coconut 6

I’ve always purchased “Organic Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil

On this day, I grabbed “Organic Refined Coconut Oil

I just stood there, scratching my head, desperately trying to convince myself –

there’s no real big difference

That’s what I do, when I want to cover up a mistake. I attempt to talk myself into believing my own hype. #rarelyworks

Now that I have both jars here in my kitchen, which one is better?

Many of us would agree coconut oil has a multitude of health benefits for both humans and canines, they include (but are not limited to) skin and hair care, while improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and disease.

The more I read, the more I become Coconut crazy #goodgollymsmolly

Of the three versions I looked into – they all seem to have their own uses, advantages and disadvantages, leaving me just as confused as BEFORE I started my research.

LET’S LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCES –

refinedcoconutoilinfographic

unrefinedcoconutoilinfographic

virgin-coconutoil

SO WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR THE DOGS? –

I scanned the internet and read more about Coconut Oil then I cared to know #seriously

I’ve been using “unrefined” for years. I like that it’s –

  • natural – there’s no chemical processing
  • rich in proteins, vitamins and antioxidents

And I always heat it first because I pour it into their food.

But what do you mean “not suitable for therapeutic use” #whatyoutalkingboutwillis

While certified nutritionists and naturopathic doctors all agreed Coconut Oil does provide health benefits for dogs –

  • Skin Conditions
  • Digestion
  • Immune System
  • Metabolic Function
  • Bone Health

Nowhere do they mention which kind was best for me to serve with their food #canyouhelpasisterout

I dread going back to the grocery store “again” but I will.

I’ll exchange my unopened jar of the Refined Coconut Oil for a jar of Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil.

When I get to the Blog Paws Conference later this week, I think I’ll use this topic as my ice breaker –

Hi, my name is Cathy of Groovy Goldendoodles. Got a minute? Can we talk about Coconut Oil?

I know what you’re thinking – I’ll be a lonely soul the entire weekend if I do that. #mosdef

CONCLUSION? –

I personally have seen the benefits of Coconut Oil in my Doods.

Harley  suffered with some serious digestive issues as a pup. Coconut oil has been a part of his daily diet all his life and he suffers no more.

Jaxson’s coat is rich, thick, soft and oh so fluffy 🙂

I have no intention of stopping. I just want to make sure I’m purchasing the correct jar.

Is Coconut Oil a part of your pets diet? Run, go check your jar. Which do you use?

ONE MORE THING –

In my Coconut Oil quest for answers – I stumbled onto this website Delicious Obsessions. Jessica Espinoza wrote a blog post about 52 Uses for Coconut Oil

52-Uses

Many of the 52 I’d never heard of. Take a look while you’re sipping your favorite morning beverage. Let me know how many surprised you!

Be kind to someone today – just because❤️

Signature

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. Please check with your pets vet before you add or omit anything in your pets diet.

Sources –

 

16 Comments
  • Lindsay
    June 20, 2016

    I give the boys a bit in their morning breakfast as well and I find they enjoy it and it keeps their fur looking incredible. Just curious though, how much would you say you give them each day? Teaspoon? More?

    I’m so excited for you heading to the conference. Just what are the boys going to do without Momma? I know they’ll be just fine with Daddy and of course you can FaceTime home (I hope!)

    Have fun and good luck getting all of your ducks in a row this week leading up to…

    XOX

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 20, 2016

      I give them a teaspoon each with their breakfast. I also melt it first so that I can drizzle – LOL – it over the top like it’s something special #Ineedhelp. I know they will be fine while I’m gone. Aren’t you headed to Caribbean soon?….

  • Emma
    June 20, 2016

    My mom does things like that with peanut butter. She doesn’t like peanut butter, so she doesn’t pay a lot of attention like she should but usually she gets us the right kind. We checked and we have organic refined…whoops, Mom??? I guess we never knew there was an unrefined. Now we know for next time. Thanks!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 20, 2016

      No problem Emma – I’m happy that I finally know the difference.

  • Two French Bulldogs
    June 20, 2016

    Ok we will get unrefined. We like coconut oil too but was not sure which one was better
    Lily & Edward

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 20, 2016

      You, me and I think a few others too! 🙂 I’ve got to get another bottle tomorrow.

  • Valerie
    June 21, 2016

    I never realised the difference between these kinds of coconut oil!! You see, you learn something new every day!!
    Currently, I’m not using coconut oil on my dogs, but I do use it on my own hair! It seems to be a good make-up remover too!

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 21, 2016

      I want to start incorporating it into a pre-conditioning agent BEFORE I take them to the groomer. Kind of like oiling your scalp. I guess I will use the jar I bought by mistake 🙂

  • Monika & Sam
    June 21, 2016

    We have both but prefer organic unrefined. Not only do I use it to cook and bake with, I also make an anti-pain and healing salve with coconut oil. Coconut oil works great on puppy paws in addition to adding to their dinner. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 21, 2016

      I’m researching now how to concoct a “pre-conditioning” agent to use on their skin the day before their shampooing appointment. I decided not to return the bottle of refined coconut and instead make use of it.

  • Jan K
    June 21, 2016

    Oh my gosh, if I was going to BlogPaws, I would have loved to talk with you about coconut oil! Sadly, I’m not going.
    I go through the same struggle every time I grocery shop because I’m not sure which one to buy. Thank you for finally clearing this up for me.
    I did run to see what I had, and it seems I accidentally hit on the right stuff, it is organic, virgin, and unrefined. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 21, 2016

      Yep – you got the right one. That’s what I usually buy myself, it wasn’t until I picked up the other jar that I started thinking about it. I too am sorry you’re not coming. I was hoping I’d get a chance to finally meet you 🙂 Maybe not this year – but I;m sure our paths will pass. #soon

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    July 6, 2016

    Although I’m not convinced that coconut oil is a cure all that some people believe, I do believe that it has benefits. And it isn’t hurting my dogs (doesn’t even cause loose stool) and they love it. So why not.

    I mostly use it for topically, brushing their teeth during None-Bone-Eating Season aka winter, and as an ingredient in treats.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 7, 2016

      I agree with you – but I never thought about using it with teeth brushing. That’s interesting.

  • fitoru
    April 28, 2020

    WOW! thanks for sharing your insights about this discussion. It is great to be informed

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 2, 2020

      You are always welcome! Come back soon…