Simple Treats Your Pups Will Love
Not only can you use coconut oil for dogs to help itchy skin, reduce odors and improve alertness, your dog can eat it. Pups love treats made with coconut oil. Give your pup a taste of this healthy ingredient with a few foolproof coconut oil recipes for dogs.
Coconut oil. Photography by Shutterstock.
Why is coconut oil good for dogs?
Coconut oil is mostly made up of Medium Chain Fatty Acids, also referred to as MCFAs, with a high percentage of the MCFAs being Lauric acid. Lauric acid is well known for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Related: Coconut Oil for Dogs? 10 Reasons to Try It
Coconut oil for dogs — a list of benefits:
- Aids digestion
- Improves itching and dryness in skin and coat
- Helps dog allergies
- Antifungal
- Pest prevention
- Teeth cleaning
- Softens noses and paws
How much coconut oil should your dog eat?
The recommended amount to feed your dog is a teaspoon for every 10 pounds of dog. However, first build up your dog’s coconut oil intake slowly as it can cause things in his tummy to move along a bit faster than usual as his body adjusts (it’s good for digestion, remember?).
For skin usage, apply topically to the needed areas as necessary.
4 coconut oil recipes for dogs:
Roasted Summer Fruit
Summertime is filled with delicious fruits, many of which are safe for dogs. While it’s wonderful to enjoy them raw, roasting or grilling dog-safe fruits is a great way to soften the texture and bring out the sweet flavors. As with all table foods, keep the portion sizes small.
Ingredients:
- Dog-friendly fruits, such as pears, pineapples and watermelons
- Coconut oil
Directions:
Heat a roasting pan and lightly coat it with coconut oil. Bake at 450 Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes until fruit has softened considerably. Cook less for firmer fruit, longer for softer fruit that can be put over dog food (or ice cream for humans!).
Peanut Butter Coconut Bites
You’re going to want to snag a few bites of this super-easy recipe for yourself!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup rolled oats
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender until oats are combined. Add peanut butter or oats as needed to get a texture that is firm and not too sticky. Roll into balls and refrigerate. You can feed them as is (one at a time) or hide them in toys!
Coconut Cubes
Coconut oil can be fed directly to your dog, but where’s the fun in that? With summer heat still in full swing, these coconut cubes make for the perfect cooling treats.
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Blueberries or raspberries (or both!)
- Silicone ice cube tray
Directions:
Silicone trays come in all shapes and sizes, so pick one that has a cube size that will not be hazardous to your dog. Put the coconut oil into an ice cube tray. Add berries to each cube. Freeze. Feed pup one as a tasty treat.
Coconut Oil Smoothies and Pupsicles
Dog-friendly smoothies are as versatile as their human counterparts — just choose dog-safe fruits and vegetables and keep the portions small. You could freeze the fruits and veggies first for a thicker consistency, but that isn’t necessary.
Ingredients:
- Your favorite dog-friendly fruits and veggies
- Water or No-Sugar-Added Orange Juice — blend in to avoid adding too much sugar
- Coconut oil
- Ice — add as needed for desired thickness
- Optional: low-fat, no-sugar-added plain yogurt
Directions:
Not all dogs love the consistency of a smoothie, so this is another recipe you can put in a popsicle or ice cube tray. Freezing them is also a great way to save leftovers. There is no wrong way to make these, so mix, match and have fun!
You and your dog can both enjoy these recipes and the many benefits of adding coconut oil to your lives.
How do you use coconut oil for dogs? What recipes do you use it in? Tell us in the comments!
Top photograph: lethekings/ Getty Images
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