Which oil for dogs? Salmon oil, linseed oil & Co. in check

It is no longer just BARFers who regularly feed their dogs oil! The blob of oil is also becoming increasingly popular over dry or wet food. This is not surprising, after all, many oils contain large amounts of vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. This makes salmon oil, olive oil, safflower oil and co. real energy suppliers for your dog.

But which oil is the right one for my dog and how do I dose it correctly? Are there perhaps even oils that could harm the dog? It's not so easy to keep track! 

Why oil for dogs?

Oils are usually made up of a large proportion of fatty acids. These are particularly important for the health of your furry friend. In particular, the so-called polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are contained in some oils, are essential. Of course, the food or raw meat you feed your dog also contains important fatty acids. Therefore, not everything has to be covered by oils. However, they are a useful addition to the diet. By the way, the true heroes among the fatty acids are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are even essential for your furry friend's survival. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly abundant in fish oils, such as salmon oil. Feeding high quality oils also provides more energy and healthy coat and skin. Many oils also provide vitamins.

How much oil is healthy for your dog?

The correct dosage is particularly important when adding oils. Special oils for feeding to dogs therefore contain a dosage instruction. The rule of thumb is: one teaspoon of oil per ten kg of body weight per day. If your dog weighs 20 kg, you should feed him two teaspoons a day. If you are unsure, you should ask the manufacturer, your vet or a pet nutritionist. However, you should avoid the principle of more-is-more, as some oils contain a lot of vitamin A and D. There is a risk of overdosing. There is a danger of overdosing. Additional tip: It's all in the mix. It's best to have several types of oil on hand and change them every now and then when feeding.

Identifying and storing high-quality oils

You probably know this yourself: You stand in front of the supermarket shelf full of oils and wonder which is the right one. It's actually quite easy: high-quality feed oils should be cold-pressed. This means that the oil has only been heated to low temperatures and thus much fewer nutrients are lost. This is especially good for the omega fatty acids, which are very sensitive to heat. When buying, also make sure not to buy too large bottles, because cold-pressed oils usually do not keep for more than a few months. In addition, the oil should be packed in a dark bottle. The oils can then best be stored in the refrigerator - this way they stay fresh for a long time.

Oils for BARF for dogs

Whoever feeds their dog according to the principle of raw meat feeding, BARF, should always add oil to the food, as meat alone does not cover the dog's important need for omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty acid must be taken in through the food, as the dog cannot produce it itself and can only store it poorly. Supplementing meat meals with high-quality oils such as linseed oil, safflower oil, salmon oil and the like is therefore particularly important in BARF.

Which oils for dogs?

The list of possible oils for feeding is long and ranges from fish oils, such as salmon oil or cod liver oil, to vegetable oils, such as olive oil or safflower oil. All these oils have one thing in common: they are healthy for your dog! We have summarised the most important oils for feeding here and provide an overview:

Salmon oil

Salmon oil provides your dog with omega-3 fatty acids - and without side effects. These ensure healthy & shiny coat, healthy bones and great skin. Salmon oil for dogs also has a positive effect on the dog's metabolism and can help lower blood pressure. In addition, the fishy oil tastes great to most four-legged friends - which makes it easier to feed. 

Flax oil

This oil is extracted from linseed and also contains particularly high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The anti-inflammatory effect of the oil is noticeable in cases of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, for example. This oil is also really good for the dog's skin and relieves allergy symptoms, for example.

Safflower oil

Safflower oil is bursting with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids and ensures a shiny, healthy coat and strong claws. This oil also has a positive effect on skin problems such as inflammation. Safflower oil contains a lot of linoleic acid, which is important for cell renewal. However, thistle oil must be dosed with caution so that not too much omega-6 is supplied. The daily allowance should never be exceeded.

Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a very high-quality oil and contains lots of amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins. According to experts, it even prevents worm infestation when administered regularly. The oil also counteracts brittle fur and supports kidney and bladder health.

Olive oil

Unlike some other oils, olive oil is slightly less nutrient-dense because it contains few unsaturated fatty acids. However, it is still good to feed to dogs: So dogs are allowed to eat olive oil. Olive oil is good for cell structure and has a positive effect on the dog's blood. Besides, it is available in almost every household.

Liver oil

Lebertran is a special fish oil. It is extracted from the liver of cod or haddock and has almost fallen into oblivion in recent times. Quite wrongly! Cod liver oil contains lots of vitamins A, D and E. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. However, caution is advised when it comes to dosage, as there is always a risk of overdosing with vitamins A and D.

Borage oil

This oil from the borage plant is still little known, but that may soon change. Borage oil is often used temporarily and medicinally for skin diseases, as it is said to have an itch-relieving effect. The oil can also help your four-legged friend with rheumatism. It also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid. A few drops a day are usually enough for dogs.

Overnight primrose oil

Overnight primrose oil consists largely of polyunsaturated linoleic acid. Dogs cannot produce linoleic acid on their own, which is why it must be ingested through food. Linoleic acid is one of the essential - i.e. necessary for life - fatty acids.

Overnight primrose oil is especially known for skin care for dogs, as it helps regulate the water balance in the skin. With regular intake of evening primrose oil, your four-legged friend can benefit from a soft and shiny coat. It is also said to help with itching and dry skin.

Black cumin oil

Black cumin oil contains many polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are needed by the organism to build muscle tissue and support the immune system. In addition, black cumin oil is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C and E. It also has a high magnesium content. It is also high in magnesium and selenium.

Secret tip: Black cumin oil is known to prevent flea infestations and ticks. This is because it has a high content of essential oils, which neither ticks nor fleas like and thus avoid.

CBD OIL

The oil extracted from hemp is said to help dogs with anxiety and stress. The oil is now also found in some treats and may even be helpful in treating arthritis. By the way, it does not get Bello "high" - there are no psychoactive ingredients here.

Oil for dogs - this is what you should look out for

You should not feed your dog oils that are not cold-pressed. After feeding oil, your dog may have digestive problems or diarrhoea. In this case, you should leave the oil and not give him any more. If your dog suffers from kidney disease or particularly oily skin, it is better not to use oils and to check with your vet first. This also applies to puppies and pregnant dogs.