To maintain health of body and mind dogs and cats require fat in their daily diet. Whether you are feeding your dog a processed commercial food; a raw commercial food; or a homemade food - it is important to supplement with at least one good-source animal fat and one good-source plant based fat (oil). Appropriate good-quality plant-based oils support the immune system, provide protection from inflammatory diseases and ailments, support heart health, optimal joint, bone and brain function, coat, skin and more. The following eight plant based oils are excellent sources of essential fatty acids (EFAs). For maximum benefit choose one to three of these oils to add to the daily diet. When purchasing any of these oils make sure you buy cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin oil. Go organic if you can afford to do so.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent source of Omega-6 fatty acids - it is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antioxidant and anti-viral. Coconut aids digestion - of particular importance if your dog is on a processed dry food diet; supports the health of bones, the immune system and metabolism; supports the maintenance of skin and fur health and is a natural treatment for skin conditions. Coconut oil also supports the maintenance of good oral health and can be used to treat oral health issues. Coconut oil also supports optimal brain function, helps to stave off dementia and contributes to overall longevity of life. If you are introducing coconut oil to your pet's diet start with ¼ of the daily recommended dosage and build-up slowly. Add directly to the food in your dog's or cat's food bowl at meal time. Daily dosage is ½ tsp/.5ml for every 10 pounds of body weight. My dogs and cats all enjoy and benefit from having coconut oil in their daily diet.
Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil is a good source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, is rich in manganese, magnesium and vitamin B1 (thiamine) and tryptophan. Flax oil offers excellent anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect and maintain optimal functioning of the cardiovascular system and the brain. The anti-inflammatory properties of flax seed oil aid in the fight against a multitude of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, bone disease, cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, metabolic and endocrine syndrome (obesity). Heating destroys this oil's antioxidant value so if you heat your dog's or cat's food add the flax oil after removing the food from heat. Typical daily dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight. Make sure you purchase cold-pressed, unrefined flax oil that has been kept refrigerated.
Hemp Seed Oil
If you are a vegan and do not want to give your dog or cat fish-based oil, hemp oil is a perfect solution. For those of you that may be concerned when you see the word 'hemp' - hemp seed oil does not contain THC. Hemp seed oil offers a close-to-perfect balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 essential fatty acids and, unlike other plant-based oils - hemp seed oil contains vitamin D. If your dog or cat does not spend much time out side, hemp oil is an excellent choice for your pet. Hemp Seed oil is also very high in vitamin E, chlorophyll (hence the oil's green colour) and is highly digestible. Heating destroys this oil's antioxidant value so if you heat your dog's or cat's food add the hemp seed oil after removing food from heat. Typical daily dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight. Purchase cold pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil that has been kept refrigerated.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a very good choice for your dog's and cat's daily Omega-6 EFA intake. Oleocanthal - the phytonutrient in olive oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil is also an excellent source of anti-oxidants - in particular vitamin E. Olive oil helps the body stave off inflammatory disease (asthma, bone health, cancer, diabetes, dementia, heart disease, metabolic and endocrine syndrome - obesity, etc.). Typical daily dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight. My dogs and cats all enjoy and benefit from having olive oil in their daily diet.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic that also offers support for heart health, mobility health and urinary tract health. If you are looking to boost your dog's or cat's intake of beta carotene and /or lutein, pumpkin seed oil is a great choice for Omega-6 EFAs. Typical daily dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight. My dogs' and cats' daily diet includes finely ground raw pumpkin seeds.
Sesame Seed Oil, Tahini and Sesame Butter
Sesame seed oil has a high resistance to rancidity and a taste that most dogs love - as my own dogs can attest. Sesame seeds are a rich source of multiple nutrients - omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, vitamin B1 and zinc. This great tasting oil supports bone health, cancer prevention, heart health, respiratory health and more. Typical daily dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower oil is a very good source of vitamin E. Vitamin E plays a critical role in neutralizing health destroying free-radicals and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Sunflower oil is also high in magnesium - important for those that suffer from asthma and for calming stress. In addition, magnesium assists with bone health, maintenance of normal energy levels and is necessary for regulating the use of calcium in the body. Also, as a good source of selenium, pumpkin oil provides detox and anti-carcinogenic support. Sunflower oil is an Omega-6 EFA. Typical daily dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil provides a rich source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and E - making this Omega-6 EFA an excellent choice for digestive health, heart health, prevention of bad cholesterol (LDL), immune system health and promotion of calm energy. Sweet almond oil also contains sulphur - a mosquito repelling compound. Typical daily ingested dosage is 1 tsp/1ml for every 10 lbs of body weight. You can use sweet almond oil in combination with the following as a natural mosquito repellent for your dog or cat. Combine 1 cup of water, 2 cups of organic apple cider vinegar, 2 tbs of sweet almond oil, 2 tbs of fresh lemon juice (do not use lemon oil!). Mix together, pour into a spray bottle, shake and spritz (don't drench your animal), and avoid spraying the eyes. Re-apply every few hours or after your animal gets wet.
