Coconut oil is great for the whole family, whether that be mom and baby, or your dog or cat. But, did you know that you can also use coconut oil for horses? Keep reading, and we’ll highlight some of the best uses for horses that you might not have considered.

Hoof repair and relief

If your horse is suffering from cracked, dry hooves, coconut oil can help. Coconut oil contains vitamins C and E as well as capric acid and lauric acid which can help promote healthy hooves, skin, and hair. Rub coconut oil onto sore or dry spots of the hooves daily.

Try Skinny & Co.’s Pure Beauty Coconut Oil for external uses like these and a few of the ones to follow in this blog.

Bug bite relief

Coconut oil (such as Pure Beauty Coconut Oil) can provide bug bite relief for humans, but did you know it can also provide relief for horses who also experience the annoying itch after a bite? Simply rub a small amount of coconut oil on the spot of the but bite so your horse can experience the soothing relief; the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can also help prevent infection from entering the site of the bug bite as well.

Heal skin issues

As mentioned above, infections can negatively impact your horse through any number of origins. Fortunately, the antiviral and antifungal properties of coconut oil can help heal cuts, scrapes, and wounds and ultimately fight potential or existing skin infections. Coconut oil can even relieve and soothe mud fever.

Additionally, Skinny Paw Pet Shampoo is great for your horse’s coat and skin health and can be used regularly to wash your horse.

Internal benefits

By all means, feel free to feed your horse coconut oil! It’s completely edible and can provide some internal benefits when ingested. For example, you can give coconut oil to your horse (½ to 1 cup daily) in his or her food for a boost of energy. Once the coconut oil is digested, it promotes good gut health and can even assist in the healing of ulcers.

As a bonus, you can also use coconut oil just as you would with dogs or cats: to get a picky horse to take his supplements or medication!

We recommend Skinny Coconut Oil for internal needs such as these. (We even sell jars by the gallon for people who tend to go through coconut oil quicker than others, such as horse owners!)   

Final thoughts

You should always talk to your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist before changing your horse’s diet. A veterinarian will also be able to help with any larger issues that may be present. And, as is the case with any person or animal, if your horse develops any adverse reactions to coconut oil, discontinue use immediately.