Is coconut oil truly safe for my dog, and what's the recommended dose?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
What's the recommended dose for coconut oil? I've read it's anywhere from 1/2-1 tsp per 10 lbs. my dog weighs 17 pounds and I've been giving her 1/4 tsp. Once per day. Will I still get the benefits at this dose? She also gets 1/4 tsp. Of fish oil daily, so that's 20 calories of oil which is about 8% of her diet. It seems like any more oil would be too much for her? Is what I'm doing ok?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 20th, 2017
There are no proven benefits of administering coconut oil to dogs orally or topically. However, there are risks of feeding dogs additional fatty foods and oils, such as the development of pancreatitis and anecdotal reports of causing coronary artery disease. I never recommend feeding coconut oil in any volume due to the risks and lack of benefit.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on April 26th, 2017
You can give it to Daisy, but there are no proven effects on a dog's health. Plus too much can lead to serious health problems such as pancreatitis. I would not give Daisy more than half a teaspoon daily if you want to give it to her.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on May 1st, 2019
In all honestly, coconut oil is a fad. There have been on scientifically proven benefits of it, and if you give too much, it puts Oscar at risk of developing pancreatitis. If you really want to try it, do not give him more than 1/4 teaspoon a day. Best of luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on April 28th, 2018
Can you do it? Yes. Should you do it? No, in my opinion. I do not recommend it. It has the tendency to cause pancreatitis due to the high saturated fat content. It can also cause diarrhea. If your dog is on a high quality food there should be no reason to add coconut oil. Here is an article on this subject that may clarify things for you. ( https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/coconut-oil-dogs-understanding-benefits-and-risks ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on November 19th, 2016
Coconut oil seems to be one of those hyped ingredients that will soon be forgotten, there are actually some claims that too much coconut oil can hurt a dog, I would definitely not chose my dog's food based on the presence of coconut oil in it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Can I mix coconut oil in my dogs food?
Can i give coconut oil of human hair oil to dog And how i can give him oraly or after bath If there is any different in human coconut oil and dog coconut oil tell me plz
Can a dog get sick if we give him every day whole life a teaspoon of fish oil and a teaspoon of coconut oil? Weight =5,6 kg.
There is a coconut oil to put in the food amd coconut oil to apply on hair what type should i use with my dog and the amount?
Dr. Hinson, our I will try those. I’m not surprised it’s dandruff. He’s had the issue off and on his he was a pup and the vet is aware and they gave us a derm cap but looks like he needs a little extra tlc. Also, I was looking into this product, what
Do you recommend feeding dog food that has coconut oil, or is it just a hyped ingredient?
My dog is diabetic. My roommate left an opened jar of coconut oil on her floor and I think she ate some. I wasn't home so I have no idea how much, but it certainly wasn't more than a fourth of a cup at the VERY most. I only know she ate it because I
Hi.. Mini isnt eating properly from 3-4 days, I had taken her to my vet, he told everything was fine, she dint have temperature.. He told it was because of constipation n gave some medicine.. He also told that due to summer season dogs dont eat prope
I am trying to make healthy treats for my dog. I keep seeing coconut oil as an ingredient. Is this really healthy for a dog to eat since it is so high in saturated fat? Please advise.
Is it okay or healthy to put a tbsp of vegetable oil over my dogs dry pedigree food?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
