Types of Oils for Dogs - 7 Popular Oils for Dogs

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22 May 2023, 22:54 GMT+10

People have been using a variety of therapeutic oils for centuries to boost their health. And thanks to our technology, we can now study which oils are best for our health and why. But it's not just our health that oils can support.

From fish oil to CBD oil, more and more pet parents are giving their best furbuddies oils for their health. Today, we are taking a deep dive into the most popular oils we can give to our dogs, to help their health stay in tip-top shape.

Let's not waste any more time, because our dogs' health is on the line.

1. Fish Oil / Omega Fatty Acid Oil

Let's kick the list off with the tried-and-true fish oil. Fish oil contains essential omega-3 fatty acids whose benefits have been extensively researched. There is likely no other oil on our list with more positive research backing their health benefits. So let's get to them already!

Fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as green lip mussel oil, have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits while additionally supporting cardiovascular (heart) health.

Thanks to often enjoying many of the foods we eat, like us, our dogs take in an abnormally high amount of omega-6 fatty acids. While they are beneficial and essential too, the linoleic acid (LA) version of the omega-6 tends to promote inflammation and disrupt healthy cellular function. Fortunately, Omega-3s are able to nullify that!

There are many omega-3 supplements out there, some of which aren't fish based as you saw above. So which one is best for your pup and your wallet?

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), cod oil is specific fish oil for omega-3 supplementation that's popular to give to our dogs. But even more popular is wild Alaskan salmon oil.

Salmon is praised for its absurdly high omega-3 content, which is mostly in the form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - the two most beneficial! On average, 100 grams of wild-caught salmon contains around 1.5-2.5 grams of omega-3 fatty. When it comes to cod, per 100 grams, it only contains 0.1 to 0.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids on average. Environmental factors affect the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and this is one of the reasons Alaskan caught is so popular.

What does this mean for you? Well, basically, while you want fish oil with high amounts of EPA and DHA, you're going to find yourself paying more for it. Price wise that can make things a bit of a wash. Fish oil is notoriously known for spoiling fast, known as oxidation, when it's not properly manufactured. So regardless of the type of omega-3 supplement you go with, always make sure to check out the reviews on quality for it, as they are just as important, if not more so.

2. CBD Oil

Meet the newest big dog in town. Pardon us, as we just had to go for that pun!

In only a few short years, CBD has made an incredible name for itself, going from an expensive and esoteric oil to one, if not the most popular, oil to give to our dogs and take for ourselves. It's pretty easy to see how this happened too. By supporting the endocannabinoid system, a mother regulatory system, CBD is able to bless the body with an incredible list of health benefits.

With the ability to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and pain, while supporting better digestion, sleep, energy, and more, many find CBD is essential in their lives. While coming from a type of cannabis plant, CBD oil is largely free from the compound that gives the marijuana variety its high. This makes it perfectly safe to give to our pets. And any pet with an endocannabinoid system, which is basically every animal out there, will likely see the same benefits from CBD oil.

While named after a single compound found in cannabis, most CBD oils contain hundreds of unique compounds that are all derived from the plant. These individual compounds can be taken away from the mixture, however, giving us three main CBD oils: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum contains all those compounds and is the most popular version by far, thanks to all those compounds having their own health benefits.

CBD oil for dogs affiliate program provides a unique opportunity for pet lovers and health-conscious individuals to promote the benefits of CBD for canine well-being. By partnering with reputable CBD companies, affiliates can educate pet owners about the potential therapeutic effects of CBD oil, such as anxiety relief, pain management, and overall wellness support for dogs.

Affiliates can create informative content, share success stories, and recommend high-quality CBD products specifically formulated for dogs. With the increasing popularity of CBD as a natural alternative, dog CBD oil affiliate programs offer a rewarding pathway for advocates to earn commissions while making a positive impact on the lives of furry companions.

3. Coconut Oil

This versatile oil is a treasure trove of benefits for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Coconut oil is packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which aid in digestion by supporting a healthy gut and enhancing nutrient absorption. If your dog is feeling a little backed up, it can help get things moving.

Its nourishing properties extend to your pup's coat and skin, promoting a lustrous and glossy appearance while alleviating dryness and itching.

Then, to top it all off, coconut oil has antimicrobial agents that fight bacterial and fungal infections. Oh wait, we still aren't done! Finally, and we mean it this time, coconut oil also supports cognitive health and brain function in dogs.

From promoting better skin and coat to improving cognitive health, coconut oil can have a world of benefits that can make your dog both look and feel great. Just watch out for all those extra calories!

4. Linseed / Flaxseed Oil

Meet linseed oil, more commonly known as flaxseed oil. Packed with a rich concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), this oil can offer a whole lot to your pupper.

Like the omega-3s you'll find in fish oil, the omega-3s in flaxseed oil work wonders for your pup's well-being by helping to reduce inflammation, supporting joint health, and alleviating discomfort. Not only does this contribute to a healthy coat and skin, preventing dryness and itchiness, but it also strengthens the immune system, providing a powerful shield against infections and diseases.

Incorporating flaxseed oil into your fur buddy's diet is a brilliant way to ensure they receive the essential nutrients needed for optimal health. From their wagging tail to their boundless energy, flaxseed oil is an amazing tool for unlocking a happier and healthier life for your best furnugget.

Now you might be wondering about ALA vs. EPA and DHA, which you'll find in sea-based animals. While ALA brings along its own unique benefits, it's not essential for the body, in the same way EPA and DHA are, as mammals are able to produce small quantities of it.

Then these omega-3s are most often found in plants vs. fish, so it's more common for your dog to come across ALA. As such, if you had to only choose one type of omega-3 supplementation, it should probably be high in EPA and DHA.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote better digestive health. Additionally, the antioxidants in olive oil give it anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and inflammation, benefiting dogs with arthritis or mobility issues.

One of our favorite things about giving our dogs olive oil is how easy it is! Enhance their mealtime experience by drizzling a touch of olive oil on their regular food and watch as your furry friend goes nuts for it.

6. Sunflower Oil

While both coconut oil and sunflower oil are both popular plant-based oils commonly taken for their health benefits, they are on the opposite side of the spectrum. Where coconut oil is nearly 100% saturated fats, sunflower oil is on the other side, by being mostly made up of monounsaturated fats.

While they have the same amount of calories (9 calories/gram), monounsaturated fats are considered healthier, alongside polyunsaturated fats. As well, sunflower oil will bring along an abundance of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a very attractive ratio that has a lot of benefits.

However, while technically the healthier oil, for the best results, pet parents may want to give their dog both oils because while the omega fatty acids and antioxidants from sunflower are the better options for skincare, coconut oil may ultimately help their coat out more.

7. Essential Oils

Unlike the previously mentioned oils, essential oils are most often used in aromatherapy and are not orally consumed. That doesn't mean they can pack a wallop of benefits for your dog, however.

There is a long list of essential oils like catnip oil out there to help with many different health issues, from the use of lavender oil to help calm and relax to citronella oil that can keep mosquitoes at bay.

However, our dogs aren't able to take advantage of all the essential oils we can due to some being toxic to dogs. So always make sure you thoroughly research the essential oil before using it around your dog.

Dog-safe essential oils include: