7 healthy oils for dogs

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Surely you have heard of the good properties of certain oils and fats. Find out which oils are particularly good for our dogs and how to best dose and feed them.

07.09.2023

Salmon Oil or Fish Oil for Dogs

→Salmon oil or generally referred to as fish oil is probably the most well-known oil in dog nutrition. It provides your dog with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids and supports →skin and coat health. The high-quality fatty acids in salmon oil are also an important building block for the healthy heart function and joint movement of your four-legged friend, making it an optimal supplement to food for the →nutrition of older furry friends.

Of course, you can also secure Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids through the feeding of certain foods. →Sprats are, for example, a healthy and nutritious snack for your four-legged friend.

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Algae Oil - the Vegan "Fish Oil" for Dogs

If you focus on plant-based foods and feed your dog →vegan or →vegetarian, →algae oil is a good alternative to conventional salmon oil. It also contains the important Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and, as the name suggests, is made from algae. Especially for dogs with →allergies or intolerances, algae oil is an ideal supplement to food and can be added daily.

Flaxseed Oil for Dogs

Flaxseeds have long been considered a superfood, as they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins that support brain function and blood vessels. The →flaxseed oil derived from them is therefore also rich in polyunsaturated plant Omega-3 fatty acids as well as alpha-linolenic acid (min. 50%).

You can easily add a small splash of flaxseed oil to your dog's dry and wet food. Do you prefer fresh ingredients in the bowl? When BARFing, the healthy and vitalizing effect of flaxseed oil, together with our mineral mix, makes our fresh menus a complete and super-fresh meal for your four-legged friend. Give it a try!

Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs

→Hemp seed oil is characterized by a very good ratio of Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids and supports a healthy nervous and immune system function. It is rich in antioxidants, linoleic acid, as well as alpha-linolenic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamins B1 and B2, and many minerals. Thus, it naturally supports important metabolic functions of the body.

Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains no THC. Therefore, the daily administration of a high-quality hemp oil for dogs is completely safe.

Black Seed Oil for Dogs

→Black seed oil has earned its reputation as a natural →tick repellent for dogs. The particularly high content of →essential oils in black seed oil is said to create a smell and scent film on the coat that deters the little parasites. These oils can also support inflammation reduction in the body.

You can mix a small splash of black seed oil into your dog's food daily. However, note that it should only be used as a supplement to complete feed and not as the sole oil for BARFing. Additionally, dogs with liver problems should not receive black seed oil, as the essential oils are metabolized in the liver.

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Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil is also said to have a protective effect against ticks. The reason for this is the lauric acid contained in coconut oil, with a minimum content of 60%. For tick protection, it is recommended to apply the oil directly before the walk to the dog's body, such as legs, head, neck, etc. Whether this is a →myth or really works is up to each individual. Scientifically proven, however, the protective effect against ticks in dogs through coconut oil is not.

Additionally, when mixed into the food from time to time, coconut oil is said to have a positive effect on coat health. When feeding, however, make sure that it is pure, unrefined coconut oil.

Evening Primrose Oil for Dogs

Evening primrose oil also has a very high content of linoleic acid (over 70% even). It is also rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and vitamin E. Evening primrose oil is often used for dogs with skin problems and mixed into their food. It is said to help with →itching and irritations, as well as to provide relief for →allergies and support in case of a parasite infestation.

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Why are Oils So Important for My Dog?

To explain why healthy oils are so important for dogs, we need to delve a little deeper into the matter of fats. Any fat, whether "good" or "bad," is made up of different fatty acids. They are differentiated by their molecule size (short, medium, and long-chain fatty acids) and by their specific chemical bonds (saturated and unsaturated fatty acids).

- Saturated fatty acids are often referred to as the "bad fats." This includes all animal fats, palm kernel fat, and coconut fat. Excessive consumption can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels, diabetes, vascular calcifications, and cardiovascular diseases.

- Unsaturated fatty acids are further divided into monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and multiple unsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated and multiple unsaturated fatty acids are often labeled as "healthier." Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in olive oil, rapeseed oil, as well as in many nuts and seeds. They are not essential, meaning our dogs' bodies can produce them themselves. Multiple unsaturated fatty acids are found in salmon, algae, seeds, and nuts. These include the already mentioned Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Our dogs' bodies cannot produce these, which is why they are essential. This means they must be supplied to the body in sufficient quantities through food.

High-quality oils can also support skin and coat problems. However, it is important to take a look at the overall food. Often, an allergy or intolerance is the cause of recurring problems. If you are unsure which food is suitable for your dog, take a look at our products specifically for allergies and intolerances.

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Bei Haut- und Fellproblemen:

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What Happens with a Deficiency?

Now to the importance of healthy oils for dogs: A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to various deficiency symptoms and consequently to health limitations. These include, among other things, changes in the skin and coat, a higher susceptibility to infections, growth disorders, severe hair loss, or a lack of platelets.

Are you looking for a high-quality oil as a healthy and tasty upgrade in your four-legged friend's food? We have them all: from the rich salmon oil to the plant power of algae oil to the easily digestible hemp seed oil. Check out our high-quality oils for dogs**!

Kleiner Tropfen mit großer Wirkung - unsere Öle für Hunde

How Do I Recognize a Good Oil for Dogs?

Just drive to the supermarket, buy oil, and add it to the food? Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work that way, as not all oils you find in retail are high-quality and therefore a healthy addition for your furry friend. The key to a high-quality oil is the ratio of fatty acids to each other.

The rule is: The higher the proportion of Omega-3 fatty acids and the lower the proportion of Omega-6 fatty acids, the better the oil. An optimal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids should ideally be between 5:1 and a maximum of 10:1.

Undine Tackmann
Undine Tackmann