FAQ: Fish oil vs coconut oil?

[warren peace]

I've been a dog owner for 25 plus years. Soon to be a Frenchie owner. I'm anticipating some degree of allergy sensitivity from what I read on the internet. I've not heard much of coconut oil in the past until reading about it on this site. When I discussed with my vet he did say he was aware of the benefits although usually encourages the use of fish oil you can purchase at petco. Has anyone tries both and can speak to this question? Thanks


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[MaplesMommy]

Hi there
Coconut oil is mainly antifungal and antibacterial. Its great for the immune system and the skin/coat.
Fish Oil (and you want to make sure it contains Omega 3 only) is an important source of EPA and DHA.Kibble fed dogs usually get enough omega 6 and u want to make sure you supply enough omega 3 so there is a healthy balance. If you have too many omega 6 the body gets inflamed.

You can certainly use both but for a puppy the fish oil is more important because of the DHA/EPA.
But make sure you buy DARK GLASS bottles only. And you know where the fish comes from and what fish has been used. Dont go with cheap unknown fish oil as it can be loaded with mercury. Only use fish oil for 90 days,after that it goes rancid.

 

[warren peace]

Great information. I will definitely use a quality fish oil with my Frenchie. Thanks again


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[Squishy Walnuts]

I use fish oil and I buy the small bottle so it's gone by the time 90 days rolls around. I definitely notice a difference on their coats.

 

[davidh]

Here is a great article from Dogs Naturally Magazine.

Have you ever wondered whether you should feed your dog fish oil or coconut oil? The truth is that both oils have wonderful nutritional assets to offer your dog. Below are some facts about both oils that you need to know:
Fish Oil

• Fish oil is a long chain fatty acid, comprised of a chain of 18 carbon atoms
• Fish oil is an Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat. Fish oils are comprised of essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These essential fatty acids are found in cold water fish.
• EPA and DHA are highly unsaturated fats because they contain 6 and 5 double carbon bonds on their long structured chain. Because of the double carbon bonds, fish oil is more unstable and prone to oxidation when subjected to light or high heat during storage.

Benefits

• Fish oils primarily have an anti-inflammatory effect and may help against heart disease and cancer. EPA and DHA are converted into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which regulate cell activity and healthy cardiovascular function.
• EPA and DHA in fish oils primarily improve brain function and normal eye health. DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain function. DHA is found in the retina of the eye.
• Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids may help dogs with osteoarthritis, improving mobility and inflammation.

Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, comprised of a chain of 12 carbon atoms
• Coconut oil is a saturated fat. Unlike the saturated fats in animal fats, which are long chain fatty acids (LCFA), coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), mainly lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid.
• Saturated fats are made of single carbon bonds, which mean that the oil is stable and not prone to oxidation or free-radical formation. Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated and has shown no signs of rancidity, even after three years of storage.

Benefits

• The lauric acid in coconut oil is converted into monoglyceride monolaurin by the body, which keeps animals from getting viral, bacterial or protozoal infections. Lauric acid is also found in abundance in breast milk so it has similar nutriceutical effects.
• The MCFAs are broken down and used for energy production and seldom end up as body fat or as deposits in arteries. Coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitaility, protects from illness and speeds healing. In dogs, the MDFAs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
• Coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and may help protect against cancer. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion and reduces allergic reactions. MCFAs do not have a negative effect on blood cholesterol and help protect against heart disease.

Courtesy of CocoTherapy®

 

[Jakeyjake]

Thanks [MENTION=4]davidh[/MENTION]!!! Great info.

 

[turbodave]

Question; Currently I am giving one teaspoon (coconut oil) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Is this too little or too much???

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[Cbrugs]

Question; Currently I am giving one teaspoon (coconut oil) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Is this too little or too much???

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That's the schedule Jax is on but I recently upped it to 2 teaspoons. The amount given is based on weight and I can't remember the ratio right now but I know I can give Jax more than the 2 teaspoons.

 

[bullmama]

Great info David!

 

[Gigi]

I use both fish oil and coconut oil. Fish oil in his morning meal and coconut oil in his evening meal. Both have great benefits but I agree with everyone else make sure both oils are of quality. I get my coconut oil from Costco it’s virgin, coldpressed and organic. The fish oil I use I order from chewy.com and it’s the “Zesty Paws” brand it’s wild caught Alaskan salmon oil and it’s a SINGLE ingredient.