Ensuring your dog is getting sufficient nutrients from their diet is important in raising a healthy and happy pet. Your pet may not properly absorb the fatty acids or may have allergies to certain foods that prevent them from getting proper nourishment.
You’ve definitely already thought about using more olive oil, coconut oil, and fish oil if you’re looking for natural ways to improve your health. But may certain oils also be beneficial for your dog’s wellness routine? A great way to ensure your dog has a well-balanced and complete diet is to add necessary supplements to their diet.
Oils are often used to supplement or add fatty acids to a pet’s diet as they offer a lot of benefits. It’s one of the easiest ways to add nutrients to dogs’ diets as oils are somewhat discrete in food.
Let’s discuss the eight oils for dogs that are most frequently discussed, along with their advantages.
Top 5 Oils for Dogs and Their Benefits
Fish oil
Two important fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid, are abundant in fish oil (DHA). These two fatty acids reduce inflammation brought on by itchiness, dandruff, hot spots, and allergies.
Be aware that medications including doxorubicin, anticoagulants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may interact with fish oil (NSAIDs). Before considering use in dogs with diarrhea, diabetes, or pancreatitis, it is essential to see your veterinarian.
The most popular and readily absorbed triglyceride oil is natural. The highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids are found in fats derived from fish further up on the food chain, such as albacore tuna, salmon, herring, and sardines.
Olive oil
Due to its high content of polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, olive oil has strong antioxidant properties. It works well to minimize the signs of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and to strengthen the immune system.
Pets with digestive or intestinal problems that make it difficult for them to tolerate omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids benefit from the use of olive oil. It is also excellent for young animals that have difficulty digesting the high fatty acid content of other oils.
Additionally, Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are not found in great abundance in olive oil. It does help your dog consume more calories, but it is not the best option for increasing their consumption of fatty acids. Per teaspoon, there are roughly 40 calories. For dogs who are active or have weight issues, this is advantageous.
Hemp Oil
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, are all abundant in hemp oil. It supports a healthy metabolism, weight, because of its veterinarian-approved mix, premium ingredients, and CBD for dogs active helps support the immune system and treat some infections.
Hemp oil not only has remarkable health advantages for your pets, but because of a better-balanced metabolism, it also relieves pain and anxiety. Hemp is a fantastic natural cure for joint or muscular pain in dogs.
Additionally, hemp oil is beneficial for relaxing your pet’s nerves; it works well for dogs who have separation anxiety or overall tension. CBD oil for dogs will soothe their nerves and make them feel more at ease when they are left alone if your dog has a tendency to become anxious and chew your furniture while you are away.
Look for organic goods with certificates of analysis for the safety of your dog (which indicates that the product has been evaluated by a laboratory for potency, ingredients, and the presence of contaminants).
Coconut oil
Dogs can safely consume coconut oil in moderation or apply it topically. It may assist in improving digestion, reduce inflammation, help control certain parasites, promote cognitive function, support skin health, and more. Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are “healthy” saturated fats with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects, are found in coconut oil.
Although coconut oils are for dogs, there haven’t been many studies done especially on dogs, evidence indicates coconut oil can help moisturize dry, itchy skin and may even improve the health of hair. That can imply a shinier coat and an end to frequent skin problems like hot spots for your dog.
MCT Oil
Similar to coconut oil, MCT oil for dogs may assist their overall health because it contains good fats that improve cognitive function.
According to Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian in New Jersey, new research shows that MCT oil for dogs may help reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and may be an alternate treatment for puppies who have seizures that are resistant to medication.
Possibly because it acts as an alternate fuel source for the aging brain, MCT oil also shows promise in reducing the signs of canine cognitive deterioration.
FAQ
What kind of oils for dogs aren’t safe or effective?
Even though they are natural, some oils are dangerous or ineffective for dogs because of their potency. What you should know about popular oils that may not be cost-effective or may not be dog-friendly is provided below.
Flaxseed Oil
For allergic dogs, flaxseed oil is a great supplement. It improves blood pressure, kidney function, inflammation, movement in arthritic pets, and allergy alleviation. Additionally, it provides fiber to support a healthy digestive system.
The healthiest and safest form of flaxseed for your pet is ground because whole flaxseed does not absorb well.
Krill Oil
Although krill oil contains good fats like omega-3 fatty acids, it takes twice as much of it to help human health as ordinary fish oil, and it’s unclear whether the same holds true for dogs. Additionally, several environmental organizations assert that the Antarctic food chain is seriously threatened by the krill fishing business.
Essential oils
Essential oils hazardous to dogs include those from tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang. Without specific direction from your veterinarian regarding dilution and application, you shouldn’t use essential oils on your dog.
Conclusion
Your dog’s activity level, allergies and sensitivities, age, nutrition, and nutrient shortages are just a few of the factors to take into account when selecting the best oil and supplement for them.
Choosing the right oil for your dog might be difficult with so many possibilities. We advise always speaking with your pet’s doctor about your alternatives because they will have the most appropriate response depending on your pet’s requirements.
