When most people think of saturated fats, they think of fat laden meats, cheeses, and various dairy products in which to limit intake of to maintain heart and cardio health. To a degree this is true, but remember that moderation is always the key, especially when it comes to diet. And so this is also true when it comes to our pet’s diet and what our furry friend’s diet consists, that makes all the difference in healthy choices or not. Let’s face facts here, few temptations are worth the risk, with the exception of hot Krispy Kreme Donuts dripping with glaze, anyway. Who can resist them? I, for one, cannot…
What are saturated fats? From a chemical standpoint, saturated fats are simply fat molecules that have no double bonds between carbon molecules because they are saturated with hydrogen molecules. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature. These fats come from many sources, like fatty meats, poultry skin, cheeses, lards, creams, tallow, butter, etc. It is obviously important to limit the intake of any or all of the above sources in accordance with a heart healthy diet, and so sparks the great debate with saturated fat intake. For our purposes today, I’m focusing on the exclusive benefits of coconut oil in our pet’s diet.
How does coconut oil differ and how does it work? Its biggest benefit is the type of saturated fat that it is-more than 90% saturated fat consisting of medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s). These MCT’s consist of several acids, all of which have healthy benefits. It is these acids in coconut oil-Lauric, Capric, Myristic, Palmitic, Linoleic (polyunsaturated) and Oleic (monounsaturated) that have unique benefits for pets:
-Gently elevates metabolism
-Helps to increase energy levels and vitality
-Protects from illness and speeds healing and recovery
-Improves skin and coat
-Improves digestive function
-Reduces allergic reactions
MCT’s are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss or maintenance. They also help balance thyroid function, benefitting under or over weight pets.
Detailed benefits include:
Skin and coat-clears up eczema & hot spots, aids in flea bite dermatitis, minimizes doggy odor, creates glossy skin coat, treats yeast overgrowth, promotes wound healing.
Digestion-improves digestion, nutrient absorption, helps with colitis and IBS, helps with bad breath.
Superfood benefits-assists with weight maintenance, balances thyroid and insulin levels, helps prevent diabetes, helps arthritis and joint issues, helps prevent infection and disease, and aids with overall energy.
So if your pet suffers from any of the above issues, coconut oil can come to the rescue! It is available in several forms to meet the needs of any pet. We carry and recommend several product lines that have coconut oil in them. CoCoTherapy, K9 Granola, Aroma Paws, Richards Organics, Earth Animal, Bio Groom, Orijen, and Fromm. Products include treats, skin conditioners, foods, flee & trick treatments, and shampoos. CoCoTherapy Coconut Oil is an organic, unrefined, non-GMO, 100% expeller pressed coconut supplement that is the “superfood hero” of Coconut oils. Use of this product will greatly enhance your pet’s overall health and well-being.
With any new supplement, please consult us for proper introduction-we are here to make recommendations based on your pet’s specific needs. As always, we want you and your pet to live a long, happy, healthy life together!
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