Mary Allen
Again and again one hears that linseed oil has many positive effects on dogs. In this article, you will find out exactly what these are, how you should dose linseed oil and which product recommendations we have for you.
A dog’s body can only function optimally and healthily if it receives additional oil that is rich in essential and unsaturated fatty acids. Since a four-legged friend cannot produce this itself, it has to be fed. Often the dog food itself already contains a lot of oils. However, if this is not the case, we advise feeding it in addition, paying particular attention to linseed oil.
Effect of Linseed Oil for Dogs – That’s What it’s Good for
With linseed oil, you can improve the skin and coat problems of your four-legged friend. This is a vegetable oil made from flaxseed and rich in alpha-linolenic acid, from which the important omega-3 fatty acid is derived. Among the vegetable oils, linseed oil has the highest content of these fatty acids and is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, linseed oil contains a high proportion of linoleic acid and vitamins B and E. Linoleic acid makes an important contribution to membrane stability and consequently to the skin’s defences.
In addition, it helps many four-legged friends with digestive problems and eczema and ulcers heal better.
The Right Dosage of Linseed Oil for Dogs
Even if dogs generally tolerate linseed oil well, care should be taken to ensure a suitable dosage. Basically, you should of course always look first and foremost at the packaging and the feeding recommendation there.
As a recommendation, however, the rule of thumb applies: per 10 kg of body weight, about 5 ml of linseed oil. A teaspoon is approximately ml of linseed oil. For example, if your dog weighs 19 kilograms, you should mix around two teaspoons of linseed oil into his food every day.
Buy Linseed Oil for Dogs – Product Recommendations
If you want to buy linseed oil for your dog, you should pay particular attention to the quality, because it always has to be cold-pressed. A high-quality oil has a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can tell good quality by the golden yellow color.
More Vitamin-Rich Oils at a Glance
Salmon Oil – Popular dietary supplement
Salmon oil is one of the best-known dietary supplements for dogs, as it is not only tasty but also extremely healthy for your four-legged friend thanks to the high level of essential fatty acids. It has positive effects on the musculoskeletal system, the immune system as well as skin and hair. According to studies, salmon oil even helps with kidney failure and inflammation. But it is also important to pay attention to the quality when buying. Since farmed salmon is often found to have a high level of antibiotics, it can make sense to use wild salmon oil.
Cod liver oil – the winter miracle weapon
Cod liver oil is usually obtained from cod or cod and is best known for its high concentration of vitamin A and sunshine vitamin D. For this reason, it is fed particularly often in winter, ideally two to three times a week. But be careful not to give your dog too much cod liver oil, because an oversupply can be harmful to your four-legged friend. If you are unsure, it is best to ask your trusted veterinarian what amount of feeding is appropriate for your furry friend.
Coconut Oil – For outside and inside
Coconut oil can be used on your furry friend in two ways. It is particularly suitable for paw care in winter when there is ice and snow. On the one hand, you can rub your dog with it and care for the coat with it. On the other hand, coconut oil is considered a natural remedy for worms and other parasites such as ticks. When buying coconut oil, make sure it is of good quality, in the best case you decide on unrefined, cold-pressed oil.
Black cumin oil – for the immune system and vitality
Another oil that makes a good supplement for your dog is black seed oil. When applied externally, its aesthetic oils can be considered a natural parasite deterrent. If you also add it to the dog food, it promotes the immune system and vitality of your furry friend. It also has anti-inflammatory, blood-lowering and pain-relieving effects. Be careful with the dosage: You should only use black oil drop by drop. Black cumin oil should not be used in pregnant dogs and four-legged friends with liver problems.
Evening primrose oil – miracle cure for skin and coat problems
Evening primrose oil is considered a true miracle cure when dogs have skin and coat problems such as itching, redness, inflammation, eczema and hair loss. You can comb the oil directly into the fur or add it drop by drop to the food with tweezers because small amounts are enough. However, caution is advised if your four-legged friend suffers from chronic diseases or epilepsy. Then you should first consult your veterinarian, as there may be interactions with other medications.
* Disclaimer: This post contains so-called affiliate links. If you make a purchase via these links, we receive a small percentage of commission from the respective shop. Of course, there are no additional costs for you and you help us to continue producing content for you. Many thanks for your support!
Hemp and CBD Oil – Edible oils made from hemp seeds
Hemp oil is an edible oil obtained from hemp seeds. It has an extremely high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants and can therefore be used optimally as a dietary supplement for dogs. It supports, for example, the immune system, digestion and fat health. Cannabidiol, or CBD oil for short, is a beneficial active ingredient in female hemp. In contrast to THC, however, it does not have an intoxicating effect on humans, but rather has an analgesic, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effect. However, this effect has not yet been proven in the veterinary context, but it is assumed that the effect is the same. But be careful: Give your dog CBD oil only in consultation with your veterinarian.
Sesame Oil for Dogs – Against Toxins
Most dogs tolerate sesame oil very well, which has positive effects on blood lipid levels. You just have to be careful not to give your four-legged friend too much of it, as the omega-6 content is very high, which can lead to problems – especially if the dog is fed. In addition, however, sesame oil for dogs has the positive effect of being able to release toxins from the fatty tissue.
Borage Oil – Beneficial for the skin
Borage oil has a particularly good effect on your dog’s skin and coat, is also rich in omega-6 fats and can have a beneficial effect on inflammatory processes in the body. But caution is required when barfing. Because borage oil is a particularly good source of gamma-linolenic acid, which is also ingested during BARF, care should be taken when feeding.
Olive Oil – Good for blood and cell structure
Olive oil is not only good for us humans, it is also good for our four-legged best friends. Even if this oil contains less unsaturated fatty acids, it has a positive effect on blood and cell structure and slightly thins the blood. However, you should be particularly economical with the dosage here: It is sufficient to pour the olive oil over the feed from time to time, it should not be used all the time. Also, pay attention to the quality of the oil.