Mary Allen
Open the feed bag or can and put it in the bowl – that’s it. Until recently, this was the daily food for most domestic dogs. At the latest since more and more dog owners are allowed to eat or are generally more concerned with the nutrition of their four-legged friends, food supplements for dogs are also increasingly in demand.
The following is about oils as a dietary supplement for dogs. I’ll also tell you what to look out for when buying and what side effects can occur.
Why vegetable oil?
Dogs are not pure carnivores. You need the fats found primarily in vegetable oils, as well as those found in meat. Barfers in particular therefore relies on a healthy mixture of fresh meat and various vegetable oils to give their dog the best possible nutrition.
The fat from vegetable oils helps your dog get certain vitamins. Vitamin A, D, E, and K are fat soluble. Without fat, your dog cannot digest them. Your dog also needs fats to produce hormones. They also support your immune system. In addition to vegetable oils, there are also fish oils that also support your dog’s health.
Which oils are suitable for my dog?
You can choose from many different oils. They have different active ingredients and also taste different. It is quite possible that your four-legged friend will wrinkle his nose in disgust at an oil. He may not be able to get enough of someone else for that. Feel free to try different oils to see which ones suit his taste. Oils that are good supplements for your dog include:
- borage oil
- safflower oil
- coconut oil
- hemp oil
- linseed oil
- fish oil
- krill oil
- olive oil
- grapeseed oil
- cod liver oil
- wheat germ oil
- evening primrose oil
- rapeseed oil
- walnut oil
- black seed oil
Phew, that’s a lot. You can find out which oil you can use for which problems further down in the text.
Manufacturing differences
When choosing the right oil, you should make sure that it is cold-pressed. Although more oil is extracted from warm pressing, the temperature also destroys many valuable ingredients. Fatty acids and vitamins are not heat resistant and are quickly lost. As a result, the oil also loses its potency.
Cold-pressed oils are more expensive but more effective. It is, therefore, better to dig a little deeper into your pocket when it comes to choosing the right oil. It is also important that the oil is unrefined. In this case, refining means cleaning. There are still substances in the hot-pressed oil that should be filtered out. Chemicals are also used. These ensure that the oil has a longer shelf life.
However, they also destroy vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids and deprive the oil of its unique taste. Therefore, make sure that you only buy cold-pressed, native oils for your dog. Of course, you must not heat them up, otherwise, they lose some of their effectiveness.
So that you don’t spoil them, choose small bottles and pay attention to the correct storage. Oils like it cool and dark. Direct sunlight, like heat, can lead to the loss of important ingredients.
Possible applications
The oils work in different areas. If your dog has a coat problem, they probably need a different oil supplement than a dog with digestive problems.
Oils for skin and coat
Oils rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help your dog’s skin. They also ensure a shiny, healthy coat. Flax, hemp, wheat germ, and fish oils are good if your dog has skin problems or a dull coat. Borage, safflower, krill, and evening primrose oil also have this positive effect.
Oils for injuries or illnesses
Oils are not only suitable as dietary supplements. External use can also be useful in some areas. Some oils have anti-inflammatory agents. This includes olive oil. It contains oleocanthal. This active ingredient can support healing. Rapeseed oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help with osteoarthritis, for example. In addition, cod liver oil is suitable for the treatment of injuries.
Antiparasitic oils
Lauric acid can protect your dog from fleas and ticks. The parasites don’t like the smell of this fatty acid at all. They quickly take to their heels if you mix the appropriate oils with your dog’s food or treat it externally. Coconut oil contains a lot of lauric acids. This oil also helps against worms and even fights fungi and viruses that want to make life difficult for your dog. The black seed oil also keeps ticks and fleas away.
Oils for allergies
Linoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that can help with allergies when applied topically. It is contained in evening primrose and walnut oil. Linseed oil and black cumin oil also help with allergies.
Rejuvenating oils
It sounds too good to be true, but it’s true: some oils counteract cell aging. They do this by scavenging free radicals, so the body cells are less exposed to oxidative stress. Grape seed, black cumin, and wheat germ oils are such miracle cures.
More applications
Cod liver oil has a growth-promoting and bone-strengthening effect. It is therefore particularly suitable for weakened puppies and young dogs. At the same time, it supports the immune system. Flaxseed oil can help with inflammation in the digestive tract. Black seed oil can reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures.
Dosage
Give your dog about 1-2 teaspoons of oil per 10kg body weight daily. It is best to change the oil used regularly. In this way, you ensure that your dog receives the full range of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.
Side effects
You can often attribute side effects to overdose. For example, weight gain can occur if you mix too much oil in your dog’s food over a long period of time. Some oils also inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients or can trigger inflammatory reactions. This is not the case with all dogs. You should therefore keep a close eye on your dog when trying out a new oil. Allergic reactions are also possible.
Conclusion
Oils are an integral part of our dog’s diet, especially when it comes to BARF. They provide our four-legged friends with vital nutrients, minerals, and vitamins and at the same time help in many areas of your dog’s life. They are generally well tolerated and have few side effects. Nevertheless, you should watch your dog, especially after it has been given a new oil. Allergic or other reactions to certain oils can occur. With a wide range of oils to choose from, you’re sure to find one that your dog tolerates and likes.