Dogs tend to like human foods. We humans often love to cook with different types of oils. My personal favorites are olive oil and coconut oil. Oils usually provide health benefits for humans, such as enhanced food flavoring and Omega-3 fats for our hearts. However, what about your dog? Are oils good or bad for dogs?
You may wonder if your canine can consume oil safely without getting sick and get the same benefits that humans do. Let’s find out!
Can dogs eat peanut oil?
Yes! Peanut oil is usually safe for canines to eat. However, you must check the type of peanut oil your dog consumes first before offering it to your pooch. The reason behind this is that different types of peanut oils are made from different processes and may have different compositions.
Firstly, there’s hydrogenated peanut oil which also contains harmful trans fats. Trans fats could potentially increase blood cholesterol levels in dogs, which could lead to heart disease. This type of peanut oil should not be consumed by dogs at all!
Then there’s refined peanut oil which does not contain trans-fat but still has high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which could potentially cause oxidative damage in the liver when taken excessively.
Lastly, there’s cold-pressed or cold-extracted peanut oil which is safer to eat. Cold-pressed oils are not exposed to any external heat or chemical processes during production, making them safe for canines. This type of oil is perfect for your dogs as they are rich in protein, fatty acids, Vitamin E & A, and dietary fibers.
So, if you’re wondering if your dog can safely consume small amounts of peanut oil without worrying about its health condition, then you can go ahead with offering peanut oil to them. However, moderation is always key! Giving too much peanut oil will make your dog’s body fats increase gradually, resulting in obesity issues later on. So remember to only offer a tsp of peanut oil per 10lbs of weight.
What happens if my dog eats peanut oil?
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs that have consumed a lot of peanut oil may suffer from some gastrointestinal upset such as nausea and vomiting. However, if your dog only takes a small amount of oil, then it would be alright. Just perform frequent water intake with your canine to help it get rid of the excess fat from the oil from its body system.
If you still think that your dog has serious reactions after consuming peanut oil, consult your vet immediately. Do not wait for too long before checking up on your dog, as taking sudden action is very important in reducing the damage to its liver and heart.
Moderate consumption may help your dog experience a fitter body. However, just ensure that you only feed your dog with the best peanut oil to avoid risks of gastrointestinal upset and obesity problems in the long run.
Weight gain is also another issue that can occur due to excessive oil intake.
The American Kennel Club also claims that there are some serious consequences if your dog accidentally consumes some peanut oil. Dogs that have allergies to peanuts, nuts, and legumes will experience a more severe reaction, especially if they eat the unrefined type of oil. Some dogs may even develop pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, or anaphylactic shock after consuming too much of this type of oil.
Is peanut butter oil good for dogs?
Peanut butter oil is also considered to be beneficial for canines. It has the same composition as peanut oil, which means that it is good for dogs too. Dogs can eat it in moderate amounts to receive its nutritional benefits.
Most types of peanut butter are safe enough for pet consumption as long as they are not overly processed or mixed with other harmful ingredients. Ensure that you only purchase high-quality peanut butter made from natural peanuts instead of one that contains artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
They’re cholesterol-free, which is great news, especially if your dog’s diet mainly consists of meat products such as poultry or red meat. Peanut butter oils are also rich in Vitamin E, folate & niacin, which are essential nutrients for your dog’s body.
Just remember not to feed your dogs with too much peanut butter oil as this might contribute to weight gain problems. Also, ensure that you purchase fresh peanut butter from reputable brands. Melted peanut butter should never be given to your canine friend as it doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits at all.
But before giving peanuts or nut butter to your pet, make sure that they are free of salts, sugar, and unhealthy fats first!
What kind of oil is safe for dogs?
We’ve listed some of the common types of vegetable oils that you can feed your canine friend. They are generally considered safe for dogs but remember to only give in moderate amounts per serving.
Sunflower oil is rich in Omega 6, which promotes healthy skin and coats.
Canola oil is not toxic to canines and also contains Omega 6 fatty acids, Vitamin E & K. However, there are healthier oils to give your dog.
Fish oil helps improve your dog’s cardiovascular and brain functions.
Soybean oil helps promote weight gain in small breeds, and it is good for active dogs with normal body systems.
Olive oil is another type of plant-based oil that is beneficial for our canine friends. It is said to help prevent hairballs, especially when your dog still eats kibbles instead of being on a raw food diet.
Coconut oil can help improve your dog’s skin & coat, increase energy levels and promote healthy body systems despite being high in fat. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, which means that it might be effective in curing certain illnesses.
Peanut butter oil is another type of plant-based oil that benefits our four-legged friends. It helps prevent hairballs when mixed with their kibbles or when given before brushing sessions. However, always purchase fresh peanut butter without artificial preservatives added into the mix.
Wheat germ oil can be beneficial for your dog’s coat & skin. Wheat germ is a high-quality source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have several benefits for maintaining your dog’s health. Benefits include reducing dry, itching skin; boosting the immune system; and aiding in the treatment of allergies, asthma, and inflammatory diseases.
Sesame oil is not toxic to dogs. So your pup can consume this in very small amounts, but there are better oils to use.
Which Oils Should I Avoid Feeding My Dog?
Vegetable shortening is rich in Omega 6 but also contains trans fats which are harmful to your canine friend. So you may want to avoid feeding your dog with this type of oil.
How About Butter?
Butter is typically not good for your dog as it contains too many saturated fats. You can feed them with grass-fed butter occasionally though and they’ll still reap the benefits of Vitamin K, E & A.
What Is The Best Way To Give Oil To My Dog?
There are two ways to give your dog these beneficial oils. You can mix them with their kibbles, mix the oil with their meals or simply give them to your dogs by spoon. Most owners prefer the spoon method because they have to monitor the amount of oils that are given to their canine companions.
You can give your dog small amounts of oil (1 tablespoon) and mix it with their food. But make sure to give oil in moderation if you don’t want your dog consuming too much of this fatty acid.
Is there oil in dog food or treats?
There is oil in most dog food and treats. The majority of commercial kibbles and canned foods contain Omega 6 and fatty acids to keep their coats healthy. If your furry friend has a dry coat or dandruff, dog food oil will help improve their skin. The same goes for treats. They often contain these oils to improve the health of your dog’s coat.
You can even make your dog food or dog treats and add your preferred healthy oils.