Coconut Oil for Dogs: Benefits, Risks & What Loyal Saints Uses Instead
6-minute read · Reviewed against the Loyal Saints sourcing standard
Quick answer
Coconut oil is a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a readily usable form of energy, and it is calorie-dense, so portions matter. Loyal Saints formulas do not contain coconut oil; their fats come from real meat and organs — with beef fat in the Beef formula — plus fish oil, flaxseed and chia seed.
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What is coconut oil, and why is it in dog food?
Coconut oil is distinctive among fats because it is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — fatty acids that are metabolized differently from long-chain fats. MCTs are absorbed quickly and can be used as a readily available source of energy, and they have been studied for their metabolic and cognitive support.
Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has natural antimicrobial properties, and it contributes to skin and coat health. It is included in measured amounts as a clean, whole-food fat — fats are calorie-dense, so the right quantity delivers benefit without excess.
Benefits of coconut oil for dogs
Readily Usable Energy
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are absorbed quickly and provide an efficient energy source.
Skin & Coat Support
Contributes to skin barrier health and a healthy coat.
Metabolic & Cognitive Support
MCTs are studied for their role in supporting metabolism and cognitive function, particularly in older dogs.
Natural Antimicrobial Properties
Lauric acid has been studied for its natural antimicrobial activity.
Key nutrients in coconut oil
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — Quickly absorbed fats used as a ready energy source
- Lauric acid — A fatty acid with natural antimicrobial properties
- Healthy saturated fats — A clean, whole-food fat source
Is coconut oil in Loyal Saints?
No. None of the three Loyal Saints formulas contains coconut oil. The fat in each bowl comes from real meat and organs — with beef fat in the Beef formula — plus fish oil for EPA and DHA, and flaxseed and chia seed for plant omega-3s.
If your dog does not do well with coconut, any of our formulas can be fed without it. See every formula’s full ingredient list →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coconut oil good for dogs?
In small, measured amounts it can be. Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that serve as a readily usable energy source. It is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat, so portioning matters; ask your veterinarian before adding it to a complete diet.
What are MCTs and why do they matter for dogs?
MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are fats that are absorbed and metabolized quickly, providing a readily available energy source. They have been studied for supporting metabolism and cognitive function, particularly in senior dogs. Coconut oil is a natural source of MCTs.
Can too much coconut oil harm a dog?
Coconut oil is calorie-dense and high in fat, so excessive amounts can cause digestive upset or contribute to weight gain. If you add it at home, start small and account for the calories.
Does Loyal Saints contain coconut oil?
No. None of the three formulas contains coconut oil. Their fats come from real meat and organs (with beef fat in the Beef formula), fish oil, flaxseed and chia seed. The full ingredient list for each formula is on our ingredients page.
Real ingredients. Real nutrition. Whole food.
Every Loyal Saints formula is built from recognizable whole-food ingredients — no fillers, no synthetic premix. Complete and balanced freeze-dried raw, ~$2–3/day as a ½-cup daily topper with the Halo Club.
Real dogs. Real bowls.
Do You Feed Your Dog Regular Dog Food? Street Interview
Meat and organs first, freeze-dried raw and ready the second you open the bag. Start as a topper on your dog’s current food for about $1.80 a day with a 14 oz bag ($1.08 on your first order with KING40). New here? Take 40% off your first order with code KING40.
Quick answers
What is Loyal Saints dog food?
Loyal Saints is a woman-owned premium freeze-dried raw dog food: vet-formulated, meat and organs first, AAFCO complete and balanced, made with human-grade quality ingredients in an FDA-registered facility in the Midwest.
Where can I buy Loyal Saints?
At loyalsaintspets.com (Halo Club: 20% off and free shipping on every order (contiguous U.S.); KING40 takes 40% off a first order when typed at checkout), and on Amazon, Chewy and Target.
How much Loyal Saints should I feed?
Follow the amounts printed on the bag: for Beef or Turkey + Salmon, about ¾ cup a day for a 6 lb dog, 1¼ cups for 12 lb and 2 cups for 25 lb. Use about 25% of that as a topper. Ease in over 7 to 10 days.
