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Post by Avansa on Jun 28, 2013 22:37:40 GMT
I was all ready to start supplementing the boys' raw diet with coconut oil and have been reading long, seemingly endless lists of the "benefits" that it contains. These, if true, would greatly help both Finn and Milo. Only, I've also read some bad stuff. Now, I know there is always good and bad stuff written about EVERYTHING, but I'm a natural worrier and I like to be sure before I commit to something, especially when the health of my dogs is at stake. I read on one site that coconut oil contains A LOT of saturated fat and having some every day (which is recommended) could cause heart problems, but this was for humans. However, I don't see that it would be different in animals? Also (and this is the thing that made me think it would be great for Milo) there are claims that it reduces itchy skin and skin conditions - but I read on a German Shepherd forum that it completely dried one dogs skin out and made it unbearably itchy. I'm so confused! Someone said that it was the body detoxing, and because the body "is toxic" there are bound to be slight side effects at first. If the dogs body is "toxic" - is it not supposed to be this way..? Why would it be toxic if that wasn't how nature intended it (and you fed a good quality food, obviously)? There seems to be a lot of confused information around about the benefits and problems involved in supplementing with coconut oil, and it's really putting me off!
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Post by tonib on Jun 29, 2013 0:05:23 GMT
I read about coconut oil when I was looking for something else on the internet - can't remember where. I think it was an american site & they were warning that there are 2 types of coconut oil & only one of them should be used as a supplement, I think the other might be for cooking or was it other commercial use - it was last year I think I saw this so can't really remember much. As you say there will always be good & bad reports out there, however more people are inclined to post the bad so this can skew the balance. There will always be someone (dog or human) who reacts differently or badly to something. I suspect that feeding the coconut oil should perhaps be gradually introduced so that any reaction can be monitored & dealt with - you've probably planned to this already anyway.
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Post by caz2golden on Jun 29, 2013 6:00:34 GMT
It should be virgin or extra virgin coconut oil (organic is a bonus).
Perhaps the GSD had an allergic reaction to the oil!
I would say if you have doubts in any way then dont give it.
I do have some in the house but I dont give it daily. I do have other products such as fish oil again not given daily. I probably give extras a few times a week.
I know a number of people have had good results with Yumega plus for itchy dog, just an alternative idea.
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Post by BorderTerrier on Jun 29, 2013 7:46:17 GMT
Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fats, with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component (more than 40%) of MCTs is lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids). Most of the coconut oil benefits come from the MCTs. For example, the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects. In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
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Post by Rubyroo11 on Jun 29, 2013 8:01:03 GMT
I give coconut oil to my dogs but not every day I alternate with salmon oil i.e. salmon oil one day, coconut oil the next.
I use extra virgin coconut oil, you should use extra virgin or virgin coconut oil as a dietary supplement instead of just bog standard coconut oil which is refined and contains chemicals this stuff us used mostly by humans for skin and hair moisturising.
If you are that worried then do not use it but I have to be honest and say that with a little bit of common sense and good quality coconut oil you can not go far wrong and your dog will appreciate it.
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Post by Avansa on Jun 29, 2013 9:32:33 GMT
It may look like it's doing good, but who knows what's happening on the inside? I'm wary of things that cause a detox and rightfully so! I'm going to give it some more research and then make an educated decision. I really posted hoping that gypsy or smokeybear might have some reliable info.
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Post by SarahHound on Jun 29, 2013 9:55:18 GMT
Why not PM them?
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Post by puppypal on Jun 29, 2013 10:36:56 GMT
barley has been having coconut oil on his raw weekends with no side effects, he started of with a very tiny amount and the built up to about a teaspoon, he did have some funny poos to start off with but that soon cleared of and he really likes it.
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Post by Pawsforthought on Jun 29, 2013 11:21:47 GMT
I think we're wasting our time a bit Avansa because most of the people here know as much as or less than us. Probably better to just keep doing our own research XD
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Post by BorderTerrier on Jun 29, 2013 13:26:57 GMT
I would say PM Smokeybear or Gypsy if your not happy with the help you are getting
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Post by caz2golden on Jun 29, 2013 13:35:55 GMT
Avansa and Pawsforthought I just wanted to say at shooting yourselves in the foot! Though I also hold Smokeybear and Gypsy in very high regard, you imply everyone else are not knowledgeable and are not going to provide any reliable information! Rather disrespectful to all the other forum members!! Its also hardly behavior conducive of getting advice and replies!! Think it is rather short sighted of you both!! Anyway any further opinions and information I may have on the subject of coconut oil I no longer wish to share! Your loss!!
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Post by SarahHound on Jun 29, 2013 14:08:26 GMT
I think we're wasting our time a bit Avansa because most of the people here know as much as or less than us. Probably better to just keep doing our own research XD And you accused me of being rude? Just because some of the people on here don't know as much as others, doesn't mean you need to treat us like that. Must be wonderful to know it all! As caz2golden said, well done.
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Post by teegiebear on Jun 29, 2013 15:36:38 GMT
I think we're wasting our time a bit Avansa because most of the people here know as much as or less than us. Probably better to just keep doing our own research XD And you accused me of being rude? Just because some of the people on here don't know as much as others, doesn't mean you need to treat us like that. Must be wonderful to know it all! As caz2golden said, well done. Definitely rude here and you have no idea our back grounds or how much we know on any given subject matter. I'd done quite a bit of research on coconut oil and interesting advice I found on what you should give alongside it and reasons why it should be given with but given the above quote you will already know this of course and much more
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Post by Rubyroo11 on Jun 29, 2013 16:32:56 GMT
It may look like it's doing good, but who knows what's happening on the inside? I'm wary of things that cause a detox and rightfully so! I'm going to give it some more research and then make an educated decision. I really posted hoping that gypsy or smokeybear might have some reliable info. Well I am very sorry I am not Gypsy or Smokeybear!..if you wanted their opinions and their opinions only why put the question to the forum!
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Post by Rubyroo11 on Jun 29, 2013 16:34:04 GMT
Avansa and Pawsforthought I just wanted to say at shooting yourselves in the foot! Though I also hold Smokeybear and Gypsy in very high regard, you imply everyone else are not knowledgeable and are not going to provide any reliable information! Rather disrespectful to all the other forum members!! Its also hardly behavior conducive of getting advice and replies!! Think it is rather short sighted of you both!! Anyway any further opinions and information I may have on the subject of coconut oil I no longer wish to share! Your loss!! Totally agree Caz and could not have put it better myself ...I will not be engaging with these two members on future threads as we are all so inadequate!!!
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