Many dog parents use coconut oil supplements for energy, brighter skin, and other health benefits. Some add coconut oil to their dog’s health regimen as well. They use it with fish oil or as a fish oil replacement. But is fish oil or coconut oil better for dogs?
Fish oil is a better choice for dogs than coconut oil. When you examine coconut oil vs fish oil for dogs, you’ll find many veterinary studies supporting fish oil’s benefits. There’s much less evidence for coconut oil’s benefit to canine health.
When we compare fish oil vs coconut oil for dogs, we find that fish oil provides hip and joint support and supports a healthier coat. Coconut oil is best used for keeping your dog’s skin and coat in top condition or alleviating minor skin conditions.
Mighty Munch Fish Oil For Dogs is the top choice for pet parents in Australia and worldwide. We combine salmon oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil for comprehensive joint and coat support for your pet. It's easy to add to your pet's regimen, too, as a convenient meal topper. Try it risk-free today!
Why Fish Oil is a Canine Joint Support Staple
Fish oil is readily available and easy to use. Many studies have found that dogs with arthritis lead more comfortable lives when given fish oil supplements. Here’s how fish oil helps dogs with joint pain and stiffness.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation Reduction
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (doxosahexaenoic acid) are the most important omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. They work by:
- Reducing levels of proteins that trigger the inflammatory response. Omega-3s inhibit the production of NF-kB, a master switch that triggers cell inflammation.
- Promoting microphages that clear away dead cells and debris. Omega-3s promote microphages that remove dead tissue and promote healthy tissue growth.
- Stimulating tissue repair and regeneration. Omega-3s are the essential building blocks of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), molecules that shut down inflammation and promote healing responses in dogs.
This helps older dogs stay active longer, and lets them enjoy a pain-free life. Fish oil supplements are a great choice for dog parents who are facing the problem of how to help a dog with arthritis at home.
Additional Health Benefits Beyond the Joints
Joint support is just one of many things fish oil brings to your pet’s wellness regimen. It reduces dryness and flakiness and gives your dog a softer, shinier coat. It also fights inflammation, which can help dogs with allergies.
DHA is found in brain tissues and fish oil supplements support cognitive function in developing puppies and older dogs.
Omega-3s lower levels of triglycerides which can cause hardening of the arteries. They also stabilize heart rhythms and prevent cardiac inflammation that can lead to health issues. All of this is to say your pet needs fish oil in their routine! But how does coconut oil come into play?
The Case for Coconut Oil in Your Pet’s Regimens
Is coconut oil a good supplement for your dog? Some pet parents and veterinary professionals think so. Here are some of the accepted veterinary uses for coconut oil vs fish oil for dogs.
MCTs and Their Role in Skin, Energy, and Digestion
Dogs digest medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) faster than the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in animal fats. Coconut oil’s fat content contains about 60-70% MCTs.
MCT oil is made from coconut oil with all LCTs removed. It’s easier to digest and tolerated by many dogs who would react poorly to the LCTs in coconut oil. MCT oil can provide necessary calories and fats to dogs on a fat-restricted diet.
MCT oil may help dogs with canine dementia and epilepsy. The MCTs provide energy that helps support brain function. Don’t use coconut oil as a substitute for your fat-intolerant dog. Talk to your veterinarian before adding MCT oil to your dog’s diet.
Topical vs Internal Use Cases for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can soothe hot spots and restore moisture to itchy, dry skin. Apply a small amount to the problem areas and wait a few minutes until it is absorbed. Then rinse your dog off. If they still feel greasy or oily, remove the coconut oil with a light shampoo.
Use topical coconut oil sparingly. Dogs regularly lick their wounds or itchy areas, and consuming too much oil might result in an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Fish Oil vs Coconut Oil for Dogs: Key Differences to Consider
We think that when comparing coconut oil vs fish oil for dogs, fish oil is a better supplement - at least, for the average canine. You should always get your veterinarian’s opinion on the matter as they know your pup best. In the meantime, here are some key differences between the two.
Anti-Inflammatory vs Anti-Microbial Functions
Coconut oil contains lauric acid that suppresses viral, bacterial, or protozoal infections. The Omega-3s in fish oil reduce inflammation by keeping the immune system from attacking healthy joints and tissues.
Lauric acid metabolizes into monolaurin, a compound that disrupts microbe membranes. While these properties are documented in laboratories, there have been few studies confirming their effectiveness in dogs.
Many veterinary studies have shown the omega-3s in fish oil to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent. You’re using a remedy that’s been proven effective when you give your pet fish oil vs coconut oil for dogs..
Nutritional Composition
Coconut oil is almost entirely made up of saturated fats, including beneficial MCTs like lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid. It also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and plant sterols.
As we note in our article on fish oil vs salmon oil for dogs, fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for hip and joint support. Fish oil also contains vitamins A and D, which are important for canine heart, eye, and immune system health.
Dogs can have fish oil tablets or you can spray it directly on their food. While many dogs dislike coconut oil, most love the taste of fish oil.
Suitability for Specific Health Conditions
Coconut oil’s anti-microbial properties may boost canine immune systems. When used topically or orally, coconut oil can moisturize dry skin and soothe itchiness. And some preliminary studies have suggested that coconut oil can improve canine learning and boost cognition in older dogs.
The anti-inflammatory omega-3 acids in fish oil help older dogs with joint pain or arthritis. They’re also very useful for large and giant breeds who are prone to joint issues. Vets recommend fish oil to improve brain growth in puppies and cognitive function in seniors.
Long-Term Use and Safety Considerations
Fish oil is a widely used supplement for canine joint health. Most of the evidence for coconut oil’s benefits comes from anecdotes. A study of dogs fed a diet containing hydrogenated coconut oil reported negative health outcomes including plaque in major arteries.
When comparing fish oil vs coconut oil for dogs, there’s much more research showing fish oil’s numerous benefits to your dog.
Coconut oil should be given sparingly or not at all to dogs with pancreatitis. If necessary, your vet may recommend MCT oil as a more easily digested fat.
Coconut oil is not a good choice if your dog is overweight or obese. Also be careful if your dog has a thyroid condition like hypothyroidism. Some sites claim coconut oil balances the thyroid. But dogs with thyroid conditions generally do best with a restricted fat diet.
Coconut oil is also a bad choice for dogs with IBS or sensitive stomachs. Its saturated fats can trigger stomach upset and loose stools. And some dogs have an allergic reaction to coconut oil. Discontinue its use immediately if you see itching, rashes, or hives.
So is Fish Oil or Coconut Oil Better for Dogs?
Is fish oil vs coconut oil better for dogs? We think fish oil is the better choice for most pets because it’s a proven remedy for hip and joint pain. Most dogs are happy to eat food containing fish oil, while many dogs will turn their noses up at coconut oil.
Overall, fish oil is a better choice for dog parents. When we compare fish oil vs coconut oil for dogs, we find that fish oil has a much longer track record and more veterinary support.
Is There Room for Both in Your Pet’s Regimen?
Yes, but with caution. Both fish and coconut oils are made entirely of calorie-dense fats. Obesity is a major problem in dogs and can lead to many other health issues.
Too much fat in your dog’s diet can lead to vomiting and loose stools. In the worst case, your dog may have an attack of pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes fatal disease.
Use small amounts of both, maybe ¼ of the usual dose, until you see how your dog tolerates the combination. Then increase the amounts gradually until you’re up to a 50% dose of each oil. That will help you avoid the risk of complications.
That said, you really only need to give your pet one - and it’s fish oil. Look no further than Mighty Munch for the best fish oil supplement for dogs in all of Australia!
Provide Your Pet the Best Joint Support Possible at Mighty Munch
Pet parents in Australia and worldwide trust Mighty Munch dog supplements, and our fish oil formulation is second to none. We go above and beyond by bringing together fish oil with salmon oil and flaxseed oil for the most comprehensive support.
This means your pet is getting more than just joint care through omega-3s and omega-6s, they’re also getting support for their coat through flaxseed’s hydrating properties. Pets with allergies love our supplement.
Like all our supplements, it’s made in a human-grade facility here in Australia, so you can rest assured you’re giving your pet the best of the best. They deserve nothing less, after all. Plus, it’s so easy to use. Simply pump the oil over your dog’s food and watch them devour it!
Many pet owners recommend collagen for dogs with arthritis, while others prefer glucosamine. But with Mighty Munch’s Joint Supplement for Dogs, you don’t have to choose between collagen vs glucosamine. We use both to soothe your dog’s aching joints and give them better mobility.
Mighty Munch puts your dog’s care and comfort first and foremost. We offer a 90-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk. Depend on us for all your dog’s supplement needs. Your dog will thank you, and you’ll thank us.
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Coconut Oil vs Fish Oil for Dogs
And this wraps up our examination of fish oil vs coconut oil for dogs. While coconut oil is certainly an option, we have concerns about its long-term safety and efficacy. Pet parents have long used fish oil as a safe, effective remedy for hip and joint pain and other common issues.
Fish oil is one of the best joint supplements for dogs. The jury is still out on coconut oil’s benefit to dogs, and the high fat content can lead to upset stomachs and other issues.
Whatever your pet’s needs, you can count on Mighty Munch to provide the best dog supplements. Happier, healthier, more mobile dogs make for happier owners. Give your older pet a more comfortable life with Mighty Much Fish Oil for Dogs.
