A Guide To The Healthiest Oils for Your Dog (and those to Avoid)
When it comes to maintaining your dog’s health, understanding the role of dietary fats, and the healthiest oils, is crucial. Just like in humans, fats are essential for various bodily functions in dogs, including cell growth, organ protection, and nutrient absorption. However, not all fats are created equal, and the type of oil you include in your dog’s diet can have significant impacts on their overall health.
Here’s a breakdown of various oils, detailing their fat types, omega fatty acid content, vitamin and mineral composition, sustainability, and health benefits for dogs.
What are The Best Oils To Feed Dogs?
Algal Oil for Dogs
- Algal oil, derived from algae, is an exceptional source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is crucial for a dog’s cognitive development and eye health.
- Unlike fish oil, algal oil provides omega-3s in a more sustainable way, as it doesn’t contribute to overfishing and has a lower environmental impact.
- This oil is also beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to fish and fish-based products.
- Algal oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in managing conditions like arthritis in dogs.
- It’s a suitable addition to a dog’s diet, especially for enhancing brain function and maintaining a healthy coat.
- Since algal oil is typically used as a supplement or better still, directly included, it doesn’t have cooking applications but can be easily mixed into your dog’s regular meals or given as a separate supplement.
By including algal oil in your dog’s diet, you’re opting for a sustainable and highly beneficial source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which can have a significant impact on your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Olive Oil for Dogs
- Olive oil is highly beneficial for dogs due to its rich content of monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health.
- It contains oleic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat health in dogs.
- Olive oil is also a good source of polyphenols, antioxidants that provide immune system support.
- It’s rich in vitamin E and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and bone health.
- Although olive oil has a lower smoke point, making it less suitable for high-heat cooking, it’s excellent when drizzled over your dog’s regular meals.
- Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, retains more nutrients and is a healthier choice for dogs.
Rapeseed Oil (Canola Oil) for Dogs
- Rapeseed oil, commonly referred to as canola oil, is a popular oil that is low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice for dogs.
- It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for a dog’s skin and coat health, as well as for reducing inflammation.
- The oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, beneficial for cognitive and joint health in dogs.
- Rapeseed oil has a high smoke point, which makes it versatile for various cooking methods if you’re preparing homemade meals for your dog.
- It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports a dog’s immune system and overall health.
- However, there are concerns about the use of hexane in the extraction process of some commercial canola oils, and some pet owners may prefer to seek out cold-pressed or non-hexane-extracted varieties for a more natural and potentially safer option.
By including rapeseed (canola) oil in your dog’s diet, you can provide them with a beneficial source of healthy fats and essential fatty acids, contributing to their overall well-being, especially in terms of heart health, skin and coat condition, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Olive Oil Extract for Dogs
- Olive oil is highly beneficial for dogs due to its rich content of monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health.
- It contains oleic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin and coat health in dogs.
- Olive oil is also a good source of polyphenols, antioxidants that provide immune system support.
- It’s rich in vitamin E and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and bone health.
- Although olive oil has a lower smoke point, making it less suitable for high-heat cooking, it’s excellent when drizzled over your dog’s regular meals.
- Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, retains more nutrients and is a healthier choice for dogs.
Avocado Oil for Dogs
- Avocado oil is loaded with monounsaturated fats and is particularly beneficial for a dog’s heart health.
- It contains a high level of vitamin E, which is great for a dog’s skin and coat health, and boosts the immune system.
- Avocado oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help dogs with joint pain or skin conditions.
- Its high smoke point makes it versatile for various cooking methods if you prepare homemade dog food.
- However, ensure that your dog doesn’t consume the avocado pit or skin, as these can be harmful.
Flaxseed Oil for Dogs
- Flaxseed oil is an excellent plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is crucial for a dog’s cognitive function and joint health. (8)
- It also helps in maintaining a healthy coat and skin in dogs.
- Flaxseed oil can aid in reducing inflammation, beneficial for dogs with arthritis.
- It should be used cold, as heating can destroy its beneficial properties, and is perfect for mixing into your dog’s food.
Chia Seed Oil for Dogs
- Chia seed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially beneficial for dogs with inflammatory issues like arthritis. (7)
- It contains antioxidants, fibre, and minerals such as calcium, which are important for a dog’s overall health.
- Chia seed oil can improve skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and support heart and brain health in dogs.
- As it’s sensitive to heat, it’s best used as a supplement, added to your dog’s meal rather than used in cooking.
Walnut Oil for Dogs
- Walnut oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, which supports brain health and reduces inflammation in dogs. (6)
- It also contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help in preventing cellular damage.
- Walnut oil is beneficial for maintaining a healthy coat and skin in dogs.
- It should not be heated and is best used as a finishing oil over dog food.
Sesame Oil for Dogs
- Sesame oil, particularly rich in omega-6 fatty acids, can help maintain a healthy skin and coat.
- It has antioxidant properties that support the immune system and may help in reducing inflammation.
- Sesame oil also contains compounds that can benefit a dog’s joint health.
- It has a distinctive flavour and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking but should be used in moderation due to its strong taste.
Grapeseed Oil for Dogs
- Grapeseed oil is low in saturated fat and is a source of polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids.
- It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that’s beneficial for a dog’s skin, coat, and immune system.
- Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking dog meals.
- However, it should be used in moderation as it’s higher in omega-6, which needs to be balanced with omega-3 in a dog’s diet.
Sunflower Oil for Dogs
- Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and coat in dogs. (5)
- It helps to maintain a healthy immune system and can support heart health.
- Sunflower oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking.
- However, its high omega-6 content should be balanced with omega-3 sources in a dog’s diet.
Coconut Oil for Dogs
- Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which can aid in digestion and boost the immune system. (4)
- It can improve a dog’s coat and skin health, and may help in repelling parasites.
- Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, which can help in reducing yeast and bacterial infections in dogs.
- The Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) content in Coconut Oil has also been shown to be beneficial for enhancing dog’s cognitive development and slowing the decline in older dogs cognitive function
- However, due to its high saturated fat content, it should be used sparingly and balanced with other healthier oil options.
Palm Oil for Dogs
- Palm oil is a source of beta-carotene and vitamin E, which are beneficial for a dog’s immune system and skin health. (3)
- However, it’s high in saturated fats, which can be detrimental to a dog’s heart health if consumed in large amounts.
- The production of palm oil raises significant environmental and ethical concerns, including deforestation and habitat destruction.
- Due to these concerns and its saturated fat content, palm oil is not the best choice for a dog’s diet and should be used sparingly, if at all.
Salmon Oil for Dogs
- Salmon oil is highly regarded for its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are crucial for a dog’s cognitive function, joint health, and overall well-being.
- It’s known for its benefits in improving coat health, reducing itchy and flaky skin, and boosting the immune system.
- Salmon oil can also aid in reducing inflammation, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
- This oil supports heart health and has been noted for its potential to aid in cognitive function, especially in aging dogs.
However, there are some risks associated with salmon oil that pet owners should be aware of:
- Contaminants: Some sources of salmon oil may contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals or PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can be detrimental to a dog’s health. (2) It’s important to choose high-quality, purified salmon oil products that have been tested for these substances.
- Imbalance of Fatty Acids: While omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial, an excess can lead to an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a dog’s diet. This imbalance can potentially lead to health issues.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhoea or vomiting, when first introduced to salmon oil or if given in high doses.
- Caloric Density: Salmon oil is high in calories, and excessive use can contribute to weight gain in dogs, especially if not balanced with physical activity.
- Oxidation and Rancidity: Like many oils, salmon oil can oxidise and become rancid if not stored properly. Rancid oil can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided. It’s crucial to store salmon oil in a cool, dark place and use it within its freshness date.
Including salmon oil in your dog’s diet can offer numerous health benefits, particularly for their skin, coat, joint, and cognitive health. However, it is essential to be mindful of the quality of the product, the correct dosage, and the balance of fatty acids in your dog’s overall diet to avoid potential risks
It is important to note that the vast majority of oils contain Omega-3 that is ALA based. Dogs, like humans, do not convert ALA efficiently into the far more beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA and the less well known, DPA, which are by far the most beneficial of the Omega-3’s for dog (and human) health. (1)
It is important to ensure that the Omega-6 to Omega-3 balance in your dog’s diet is kept to between 1:1 – 4:1 to deliver the best support for their overall health and wellbeing. A ratio higher than this can be pro-inflammatory and potentially harmful to their health.
Bonza Superfoods and Ancient Grains formula, a plant-based dog food, contains the most healthful oils – Algal Oil extract, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil and Coconut oil, blended to ensure the optimal Omega-6: Omega-3 balance for your dogs health.
