The 4 Best Coconut Oils for Dogs: Reviewed

Does your beloved dog suffer from skin conditions like itchiness, dryness, hot spots, stings, allergies, or bites? Seeing your dog scratch or roll around in discomfort due to skin irritations can be upsetting. When skin issues persist, making multiple vet visits and purchasing prescription medications to cure them can be expensive. You may find it helpful to consider coconut oil as a natural remedy for your dog if they struggle with this issue.

Dogs can benefit from coconut oil in a variety of ways. Among the benefits is the ability to soothe itchy skin in dogs with allergies. Budget-conscious pet owners may find this to be an excellent remedy. In addition to choosing the right product, knowing how to apply it is also important. In any case, your dog’s coat will be much healthier and shinier. 

Itchy and irritated skin can also be caused by flea bites and other pests. Coconut oil can also be used for weight loss and disinfecting wounds from scratching. The advantages of coconut oil extend to every part of your dog’s body, from the head to the paws. Coconut oil is readily available, so finding where to buy it isn’t a problem. 

There are many coconut oils and supplements available, but we’ve compiled a list of the best ones. Whether you’re looking for treats or topical treatments, our list will help you decide.

Top Picks: The Best Coconut Oil for Dogs Today

#1. Best Overall: NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil

According to our research, the best liquid coconut oil for dogs is NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil. There are two sizes to suit every budget, making them ideal if you have to buy them frequently for dogs who have skin allergies. Taking into account the quality of the oil that you are getting, it is at an excellent price point.

A great benefit of this oil is that it absorbs quickly, and you do not have to worry about how to apply it since it comes in a bottle that opens easily. When this oil is applied to your dog’s paws, it can help prevent cracks that may cause infections in the future. Since it’s smooth and non-greasy, your dog’s paws won’t be oily all day long either. There is also no noticeable coconut oil smell in the solution, which many customers have noted. This is great if you happen to have a dog that is very sensitive to certain smells. 

Despite not smelling in the bottle, some customers have complained that the product develops a damp, moldy scent when applied to the skin. While this might not be the case for everyone, we felt it was important to share.

Pros and Cons of the NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil

Best Overall

NOW Solutions, Liquid Coconut Oil, Light and Nourishing

• Available in two sizes
• Absorbs quickly
• Apply to your dog's paws to prevent and heal cracking
• Easy-open bottle
• Colorless and odorless

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2. Best Topical: Raw Paws Organic Coconut Oil

For a topical coconut oil solution, Raw Paws Organic Coconut Oil is the best choice.

There is no refinement involved in the oil, so all your household pets can use it with no hesitation. In the case of skin allergies that cause itching and inflammation of the skin, this 100% USDA-certified oil is ideal for relieving this problem. It is also safe for dogs to consume this product if it is used for weight loss or for similar reasons. In certain breeds, it is particularly beneficial for boosting metabolism and promoting thyroid health.

In reviews, users enjoyed the smell of this product, which made it more enjoyable to use. However, a few reviewers found the consistency to be considerably oilier than expected. Due to the excessively oily texture, it was difficult to rub the product into their dogs’ skin enough to make a difference. In the case of the oil, reviewers expressed satisfaction when it performed as expected.

Best Topical

Raw Paws Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Dogs

• Ideal for topical use for skin allergies
• Safe to consume for weight loss or similar reasons
• Pleasant smell
• Dogs love the flavor
• Cold-pressed, unrefined, chemical-free and bleach-free

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3. Best Organic: Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for Dogs

If you’re looking for a coconut oil for dogs that can be used both externally and internally, Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for Dogs is a fantastic choice.

The organic oil is 100% certified and can be used internally and topically. It is also priced to fit the budget of most reviewers. Since this oil is easy to apply, most reviewers found it easy to use as a skincare product and to add to dogs’ diets. Additionally, the oil has a very subtle taste, so most dogs won’t even notice it. Some dogs may not like it if they are picky. Even so, it is still a great option. 

As the temperature of the room changes, the thickness of coconut oil will vary. The coconut oil will become more fluid at warmer temperatures, while it may solidify at colder temperatures. On the dog’s skin, this oil is not too greasy and performs well overall.

Pros and Cons of the Zesty Paws Coconut Oil for Dogs

Best Organic

Zesty Paws Coconut Oil Coconut Flavored Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs

• Made from 100% Certified Organic Coconuts
• Can be consumed or applied externally
• Anti-itch skin care properties relieve flea bites and irritation from hot-spots
• Restores luster to your dog's coat
• Helps to support brain and digestive health

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4. Best Treats: K9 Granola Factory Coconut Crunchers Dog Treat

K9 Granola Factory Coconut Crunchers Dog Treat is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy treat to serve your pup.

This coconut cruncher provides the same benefits for the coat and digestive system as other coconut oil products, in the form of a convenient snack. In addition to being soy-free, the reviewers loved the fact that the treats were made with ingredients such as cinnamon, pumpkin, and vanilla. No grain, wheat, corn, or soy is used in the making of these crunchers. 

It was mentioned that some reviewers had concerns about potato flour being an ingredient in the product since it causes allergies in some dogs. In spite of the product having a scent that seemed appealing, there were some dogs who were less enthusiastic about the taste of the product.

Best Treats

K9 Granola Factory Coconut Crunchers For Dogs All Natural Tropical Banana

• Available in two tropical flavors: banana and Papaya/Mango
• Free from wheat, corn, and soy
• Made with organic coconut oil
• Includes healthy pumpkin, cinnamon, and vanilla
• Includes potatassium

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How To Choose The Best Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil comes in a variety of types. Coconut oil is popular among dog owners as a healthy supplement for their pets. Due to the lack of conclusive studies on its health benefits, the scientific community is a bit more cautious. Although, if administered carefully and in a controlled manner, it is highly unlikely to harm your dog because it is a completely natural product. In spite of this, picking the right one can seem overwhelming due to a large number of options available.

Choosing the best coconut oil for your pup requires consideration of three main factors:

• Refined or unrefined oil
• Virgin or extra virgin 
• Why you need to use the oil

Each of these factors will be explored in more detail in the following section:

Refined or Unrefined Oil 

Coconut oil that is natural or unrefined is referred to as virgin oil. This product has a distinct coconut flavor and smell. In order for it to retain its fragrance and freshness, it must be prepared from fresh coconuts. However, the kind of processing that it undergoes has an impact on its smell and quality. In contrast, refined coconut oil has little to no coconut taste or smell. In most cases, it is produced from dried coconuts called copra. Due to the fact that it does not come from fresh coconuts, neither the flavor nor the smell is present. Additionally, odor removal and bleaching are performed during the refinement process for refined coconut oil. Many dog owners prefer to use unrefined coconut oil for their dogs as it does not undergo the bleaching process.

Virgin or Extra Virgin Oil

Virgin and extra-virgin coconut oil differ little in terms of quality. In terms of coconut oil, they are both unrefined. This oil is virgin, which means it is made from fresh coconuts and has not been bleached, processed, or deodorized. Basically, it’s coconut oil at its rawest. As for the extra, it is often referred to this as a promotional tool to attract more customers. As a matter of fact, regulating agencies like the USDA have not recognized the difference between the two oils in any way. 

The Use of the Oil 

The way you plan to use the oil will impact which one is best for your dog. If your dog has a lot of skin issues, then you’re going to want to go for a topical use oil that is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. Coconut oil can also be used internally if you’re looking to use it for its health benefits. However, if you’re looking to use it for its health benefits, then perhaps you should use a treat form or a coconut oil intended for internal use.

The 3 Different Types of Coconut Oil

The coconut oil market is full of different types of coconut oil that you can choose from. There has been a long history of humans using coconut oil for centuries. Many different recipes use it, and the exquisite, subtle flavor it imparts to the food makes it a favorite among many. There is also a large market for this product as it is widely used in beauty products, as it moisturizes and hydrates the skin. Therefore, many dog owners have begun using it on their dogs to reap its benefits as well.

There are three main different types of coconut oils, each with its different pros, cons, and use cases. 

Some of the most common pros and cons include:

• Organic oil — A purer form of coconut oil than refined coconut oil. Suitable for topical and dietary use. The price is a little higher. Other oils may be mixed in, reducing effectiveness.
• Topical oil — It is easy to use for skin issues. There is often a pleasant scent associated with it. It usually absorbs quickly. It may not be able to be ingested. Skin allergies or sensitivities may be triggered. 
• Treats — Available in dog-friendly forms. They can be used as training aids. Portable and easy to carry. A fussy dog may not enjoy it. 

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