Dogs who suffer from digestive or lipid disorders, such as colitis, IBD, or pancreatitis often have many dietary restrictions, which may cause confusion when selecting treats or supplements for pets. Research has shown that coconut oil may be beneficial to pets with these conditions.

The smaller medium chain triglyceride (MCT) molecules of Coconut Oil are easily digested and absorbed by the body. MCT do not need bile for emulsification and can be administered to patients with biliary disease. In addition, MCT do not need pancreatic lipase for digestion and can be digested by other lipases. Because of this, MCTs are typically prescribed for patients with pancreatic insufficiency diseases and deficiencies of bile salts.

Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) are used in clinics as a means to provide high energy lipids to patients with disorders of lipid digestion (pancreatitis), lipid absorption (Crohn's disease), and lipid transport (chylomicron deficiency). Research has shown that the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of coconut oil play a role in soothing inflammation and healing injury in the digestive tract which are characteristic of Crohn's disease. In patients with pancreatitis, coconut oil has helped regulate blood sugar and may help the enhancement of absorption and bioavailability of other foods as well as drugs. This is particularly beneficial to dogs with pancreatitis, as they are usually unable to keep down medications or food given by mouth.

MCFAs are broken down almost immediately by enzymes in the saliva and gastric juices so that pancreatic fat-digesting enzymes are not even essential. Therefore, there is less strain on the pancreas and digestive system. This has important implications for dogs who suffer from digestive and lipid metabolic problems. Coconut oil has shown to be beneficial for animals who are affected with ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, or other digestive problems.

To learn more about pancreatitis and coconut oil, see Pancreatitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatitis, by Mary Straus published in the Whole Dog Journal, November 2008.

Note: Coconut oil should never be used as a substitute for any drugs or treatment prescribed by your veterinarian. Always work closely with your holistic vet when adding a new supplement to your dogs diet.

References and further reading:
1. Dr. L.A. Cohen, Naylor Dana Institute for Disease Prevention, Valhalla, NY,
2. Conrado S. Dayrit, MD, Cardiologist and Internal Medicine. The Truth About Coconut Oil - The Drugstore in A Bottle. Anvil Publishing, Inc.2005.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil are a form of fat that does not require pancreatic enzymes for digestion, so it is well tolerated by dogs with chronic pancreatitis, EPI, and other forms of fat malabsorption. MCTs can be used to increase calories, provide energy needed from fats, and to help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins for dogs who cannot tolerate other forms of fat in their diets. MCTs may help to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and prevent pancreatitis that is caused by hyperlipidemia.


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