Which Oil is best for the Dog?
For all dog owners who prepare the dog food for their pet, it is important to know which oil is best for the dog and how much oil the dog should get.
Even when feeding commercial ready-mady dog food you can add a little good oil and thus enhance the dog meal.
Most of the oil for the dog consists of fats and is usually extracted either from plants or from fish.
Dogs need fat as an important source of energy. The fatty acids are essential for the dog, the dogs body can not produce them by itself. The dogs organism needs them to produce hormones or to use the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Fatty acids provide a lot of energy, support the immune system and protect the dog’s brain.
There are saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids are found mainly in meat, unsaturated especially in vegetable oil or fish oil.
Dogs need saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with low levels of saturated fatty acids, reduce the risk of heart disease.
The unsaturated fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 serve as building blocks for body cells, and are used by the immune system to fight diseases.
While omega 6 is usually abundant in many foods, omega 3 is less common and there is an imbalance.
A lack of essential fatty acids in the dog can lead to dry and flaky skin, hair loss, weakening of the immune system or growth disorders.
So it is very important that the dog always gets enough oil with his meals.
Which Oils are good for Dogs?
These different types of oil for dogs contain a lot of good, valuable ingredients and are therefore well suited for a balanced feeding.
Caution: The oil must not be heated or otherwise treated, because it loses its effects and remains to be actually just fat.
Therefore, make sure that “extra virgin” or “cold pressed” is labeled on the oil for your dog. It is important that the oil is not heated and still contains all its good active ingredients.
Linseed oil
Linseed oil is one of the few types of oil in which the omega 3 content is higher than that of omega 6. Therefore, the oil is well suited to meet the omega 3 needs. It is often given to the dog food and makes a shiny, soft coat.
Hemp oil
Hemp seeds have no intoxicating effect, but they contain particularly valuable amount of omega 3. The omega 3 fatty acids in hemp oil have a positive effect on the skin and coat of the dog and are good for the blood circulation.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid. This acid has an antibacterial effect and combats fungi and viruses. In addition, lauric acid is a natural insect repellent.
The coconut oil can be fed to the dog and used for various other purposes → Coconut oil for Dogs
Safflower oil
Safflower oil is extracted from the safflower thistle. The oil contains a lot of omega 6 and vitamin E for the dog. This is good for a shiny dog coat, takes care for strong claws and helps with skin problems and inflammation. The vitamin E contained in the oil is good for the skin and strengthens the immune system.
The contained linoleic acid is important for the cell renewal and the nervous system of the dog. Because of the high content of omega 6, the oil is used less frequently for the dog.
Borage oil
Borage oil has high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. This is good for the dog’s skin and coat and helps with arthritis. Dry coat, skin irritation and hair loss in the dog can be treated with borage oil.
Salmon oil
Salmon oil contains a lot of Omega 3, which makes it a very popular oil for dogs. It is the liquid fat of salmon and is made from fish leftovers from salmon and other fish.
Unfortunately, salmon from fish farms contain so many toxins that this salmon has become one of the most toxic foods we eat today.
Drug residues and heavy metals are stored in the fat and because the salmon is an extremely greasy fish, it contains a lot of it. These toxins outweigh the benefits of salmon oil for the dog.
Krill oil
Krill oil also contains a lot of Omega 3. It is made from krill, which are very tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans from the sea. Since these animals are so small, much less toxins accumulate than in salmon oil.
Krill oil is often used instead of salmon oil. However, because krill fishing threatens the fragile ecosystem in the Antarctic, linseed oil or other plant sources such as algae should be chosen to meet omega 3 needs.
Evening primrose oil
The evening primrose oil contains large amounts of linoleic acid, which has a positive effect on the skin and coat of the dog. It is used externally for allergies, licking or scratching, hair loss and flaky, dry skin. For grooming, apply a few drops of oil to the brush and brush the dog regularly.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Antioxidants catch the free radicals that attack the dog’s body. This prevents cell aging and keeps the dog young and healthy.
Grape seed oil contains many antioxidants, vitamin E, resveratrol and procyanidins (OPCs). The procyanidin in the oil acts as an antioxidant much stronger than vitamin C or vitamin E.
Olive oil
Olive oil as a remedy has been used since thousands of years against skin diseases and inflammation. Olive oil contains Oleocanthal which has an extremely strong anti-inflammatory effect.
It is good for the dog’s cardiovascular system and protects against vascular disease.
Unfortunately, you get olive oil by the high demand rather rare in really good quality. These are recognized by a slight green color and a pleasant, fruity taste. If the oil is almost tasteless or bitter, the quality is not good.
Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil has a high content of vitamin E and is therefore known as healthy. It should be fed to the dog, however, only rarely. Wheat germ contains certain substances (lectins) that inhibit the absorption of nutrients and can trigger an inflammatory reaction.
Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil for the dog is oil that mostly comes from cod fish liver. It contains a lot of vitamin A and should only be given to the dog over a period of 6-8 weeks.
Cod liver oil also contains vitamins D and E, iodine and phosphorus as well as a lot of omega 3. This is why cod liver oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens the immune system and is good for the eyes.
Because of its vitamin D content, cod liver oil has a growth-promoting and bone-strengthening effect and helps to strengthen weak puppies.
How much Oil does my Dog need per day?
Dogs should get about 1-2 teaspoons of oil per 10 kg of body weight a day.
It is best for the dog to change the different types of oil regularly. Each oil contains other vitamins, minerals and trace elements for the dog, so you should always buy only a small bottle.
Many types of oil spoil very easily and become rancid. If the oil is spoiled, it can hinder the effect of the vitamins already present in the dog’s body and thus harm the dog.
Therefore, please only ever break one bottle of oil for the dog and keep it away from light in the fridge.
Which Oil do you give to your Dog?
Which is your favorite oil for the dog? Write us something about oil for dogs. If you liked the post about which oil for dogs, share it with your friends!
