Coconut oil

[hmarie186]

I've seen its been discussed before but no one has brought up the fact it contains high levels of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that has antimicrobial, antiprotazoal and antifungal properties. It converts to monolaurin In the body and disrupts the lipid membrane in viruses and harmful bacteria. Black soldier fly larvae are touted as having the benefit of lauric acid too, but I'm not sure the amount they contain. High quality coconut oil (organic, extra virgin, cold pressed) is supposed to contain roughly 7g per tablespoon. I'm sure a pea sized amount would be all that's needed for a dragon. Has anyone ever fed coconut oil for this reason? We are getting our baby dragon in September (waiting for eggs to hatch from the breeder now.. it's TORTURE!) and I just happened to come across this info. Obviously overdoing any oil in the diet can lead to runny poop but a pea sized amount drizzled on the daily salad shouldn't be a problem right? I'll be cooking with it myself so I figured if it's already on hand..

Any insight is appreciated!

 

[Taterbug]

This study has a detailed summary of bsfl including a fatty acid assay with lauric acid (51.2g/kg as fed) http://www.timberlinefisheries.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/finke_2012_complete%20nutrient%20content%20of%20four%20species%20of%20feeder%20insects.pdf

I can't say I would or wouldn't use it on their food, don't know enough about it personally. However, excess fat can also lead to metabolic problems including liver disease - if this also applies to coconut oil I'm not sure. I'd be interested to know if there is a "thereputic" level and if there are risks/side effects.

 

[hmarie186]

Thank you for the study- I love reading stuff like that! From all the info I've read about coconut oil it's a good fat that actually is good for cholesterol levels and hasn't been found to have any contributing effects to fatty liver disease or metabolic issues. I've only found this in relation to humans though so it could very well be different in reptiles? I'm very curious about a dose and frequency it can be given.