Unc(oil)ing the Truth About Natural Oils for our Pets

We all know the power of natural oils for humans, but what about our dogs? What are the benefits of incorporating oils into our dogs diet or skincare regimen? Are there any risks? How much oil do I feed? This article has got you covered! Read on to understand everything there is to know about Coconut oil, Olive oil, Fish oil and CBD oil for your canine friends!

Olive Oil

• Helps treat dry skin from the inside out or the outside in

Feeding your dog olive oil in their food tastes great and is a fantastic way to improve their skin and coat. If your dog needs a double treatment for extra dry skin, try adding some olive oil to your shampoo during their next bath. 

• With high levels of antioxidants, Olive oil helps boost your pet's immune system

 Antioxidants help defend cells from damage. Foods like Olive oil that are high in antioxidants can help reduce the risk of free radical caused diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

• Olive Oil contains mono saturated fats that could help your dog lose weight

Yes, you read that right: olive oil can help your dog lose weight! Mono saturated fats help mitochondria’s (where energy production occurs in our cells) burn calories more efficiently.

• The Oleic acid in Olive oil is believed to prevent cancer

Oleic acid helps lower bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol and could prevent cancer-causing genes from functioning within our cells.

1 Teaspoon per 20lbs of body weight per meal is the recommended dosage of olive oil in your dogs diet. Try this cold pressed, unfiltered, extra virgin olive oil.

Fish Oil

• EPA (an omega 3 fatty acid in fish oil) is an anti-inflammatory

EPA can help with anything that causes inflammation eg. Arthritis, inflammation of the heart, allergies and skin conditions.

• DHA (an omega 3 fatty acid in fish oil) is a great prenatal supplement

DHA is a very important ingredient in brain and eye development and function. Giving fish oil as a prenatal supplement will help puppies develop strong eyes and brains in the womb. 

• Fish Oil can reduce shedding 

By promoting a healthy coat and skin, fish oil can keep your dog's skin itch and flake free while also reducing shedding.

Your pup will love the taste of these fish oil soft chews that have a recommended serving size amount per 25lbs right on the label!

Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil is almost 90% saturated fat

Saturated fats are a super food. They can help improve digestion, support the immune system and promote thyroid health.

• Coconut oil contains Lauric acid which is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal

• MCT’s are a great source of energy 

MCT’s (medium chain triglycerides) are very efficiently metabolized in dogs. They provide immediate fuel and they help balance the thyroid which can help overweight dogs shed pounds quickly and safely. 

• Coconut oil is amazing for your dog's coat

Coconut oil can clear up eczema, contact dermatitis, itchy or dry skin. It minimizes odor, reduces allergic reactions and can treat yeast and fungal infections. You can even apply it topically to help heal wounds.

The recommended dosage for coconut oil is 1 teaspoon per 10lbs. You can buy cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil like this or try these coconut oil dog chews. 

CBD Oil

• CBD is not psychoactive

CBD oil is created from hemp not marijuana. This means that CBD contains VERY little to no THC. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana and without it, CBD is able to deliver all of the health benefits of hemp without making your dog see double ;)

• CBD can reduce anxiety

If your pet suffers from separation anxiety or any other kind of anxiety, CBD could help. By affecting the limbic and paralymbic parts of the brain, CBD can reduce stress and anxiety in pets (and people!)

• CBD can treat seizures and Epilepsy

If your dog suffers from seizures, prescription drugs like phenobarbital can help treat the seizures but they pose a serious risk to your dog’s liver and kidney health. CBD is a healthy alternative that is proven to help reduce seizures and manage epileptic symptoms in humans and dogs.

• There are very few, very mild side effects of CBD

CBD side effects in dogs include dry mouth and drowsiness.

1-5mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight is the recommended dosage for CBD oil. If you are treating seizures or epilepsy, ask your vet for a more personalized CBD dosage regiment. 

To get the best of both worlds, try this CBD infused coconut oil from Honest Paws.

Or, use the special code for ComPETibility Matters readers: type ILoveMyDog at checkout to get 15% off of your first order from The Anxious Pet.

 

Adding a natural oil like olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil or CBD oil to your pet’s diet will help them stay healthy from the inside out. Try out these different oils to find out what works best for your pet and always consult your vet if any negative side affects arise.