[Shawna]

Hi Scared D,

I’m not suggesting in any way that an excess of, even healthy, fats in the diet of a dog that isn’t used to higher amounts of dietary fat can not cause an issue. Heck changing the diet at all in a dog that is not used to dietary change can cause stool issues.

“It is not digested by pancreatic enzymes so much of the fat simply passes through the GI.” I am however saying this statement is partially incorrect. You are correct in that the majority of coconut oil is not digested by pancreatic enzymes however it does not simply pass through the GI as it is mostly digested and absorbed in the stomach. From there it, the medium chain triglycerides, goes to the liver where it is converted to ketone bodies and used as energy. I am also suggesting that lots of dogs have coconut oil added to their diets without issue, including puppies. Puppies have a higher dietary requirement for fats than do adult dogs as shown by the AAFCO nutrient profiles.

I’m not suggesting that the coconut oil wasn’t the issue with Jeff’s dog but I am saying that added coconut oil, in appropriate amounts, is well tolerated by many dogs.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 7 months ago by Shawna.