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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

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

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

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
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
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
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
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
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
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
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

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Is human coconut oil safe for dogs? How to use it orally or topically?

You can use straight coconut oil to help with the coat, either applied to the skin or given orally. However, it should be used in moderation as too much can cause digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Do also note that pets tend to lick their fur, so any oil applied to the fur and skin may be licked off and part of the amount ingested orally. There isn't any difference in oil as long as you are using 100% pure coconut oil, and not another product that may have additional ingredients added to it.

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Will giving my small dog daily fish and coconut oil make him sick?

It is possible that Aram could develop pancreatitis or an upset stomach due to consuming so much oil for such a small dog. Instead, try only offering the fish oil. The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in fish oil have been shown to have both anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial to skin and joint health. Coconut oil, however, has no proven medical benefit in animals or humans. Always consult with Aram's vet to discuss giving oils or supplements!

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Is coconut oil safe for dogs? What type and how much to give?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach. You can use extra virgin coconut oil and give 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of bodyweight. This can cause diarrhea sometimes so if this happens, back down on the amount being given.

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My diabetic dog ate coconut oil. Will she be okay? Feed/insulin?

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Dog not eating, losing weight. Is coconut oil causing pancreatitis?

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Is coconut oil healthy for my dog's treats despite saturated fat?

Great question! You are correct that too much saturated fat is unhealthy for dogs, and it's awesome you are checking this out before giving it to Sadie. As long as it's a small amount, say a teaspoon to a tablespoon per serving, then it should be fine to give to her :-)

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