Suitable foods for dogs - oils

In the second part of our series "Suitable foods for dogs", we look at "oil" as an important source of energy and as a supplier of essential fatty acids, especially in vegan dog food. You can read the basics about the structure, functions and examples of suitable oils for dogs here

Fats are compounds of individual fatty acids and glycerine. Depending on whether there are double bonds between the carbon atoms or not, they are referred to as "unsaturated" (z.B. vegetable oil) or "saturated" fatty acids (z.B. butter). The double bonds are relatively sensitive to external influences. They should therefore be protected from light and oxygen in order to reduce oxidation, as this leads to rancidity. The quantity of carbon atoms varies and leads to the classification into short, medium and long-chain fatty acids. Basically, the more carbon atoms and the more double bonds a fatty acid has, the more sensitive it is. Oil has a wide variety of functions for the body. On the one hand, oil is an excellent source of energy. You can significantly increase the energy content of the ration with this food without unbalancing the nutrient ratio. If your dog tolerates oil well, you can also add a little oil to the ready-made food. You don't have to worry that the nutrients are no longer present in the right proportions. The amount of oil should be individually adjusted to the animal. Caution is advised in the case of some diseases, z.B. dogs that already suffer from pancreatitis. These animals should be fed as low a fat diet as possible. In these cases, please ask your vet for advice!

Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and α-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) are essential for dogs, d.h. these should be added to the diet. Linoleic acid is important for healthy skin and a beautiful coat, which is why deficiency symptoms can manifest themselves in hair loss and a dull coat. The healing of wounds can also be impaired. Dogs can produce arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, a precursor for certain messenger substances (z.B. Thromboxanes). From α-linolenic acid (e.g. in linseed oil), the dog itself produces DHA and EPA to a certain extent, which play an important role in the development of the nervous system and retina as well as in inflammatory processes. DHA is also important for learning ability. As it is not known to what extent dogs can synthesize EPA/DHA themselves, we recommend regular supplementation with algae oil. This is why VEGDOG offers VISH OIL , an oil combining hemp, algae and linseed oil, to ensure the most balanced diet possible.

The positive properties of oils are only preserved when stored properly, otherwise the fat becomes rancid and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes sense to store oils in small, opaque bottles in a cool place. You should screw the lids on tightly to reduce oxidation with oxygen.

Examples of oils containing omega-6 and omega-3:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: e.g. linseed, algae and chia oil
• Omega-6 fatty acids: e.g. flaxseed, algae and chia oil
• . Sunflower, safflower, corn oil, wheat germ oil
• Combined oils (omega-6> omega-3 FS): walnut, soybean, hemp oil
• Olive oil is less suitable for your fur nose

If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact our experts attierarzt@vegdog.de an.

Essential oils should be used with caution as they can be toxic to your pet. Toxic essential oils are for example

• Teebaumöl
• Eukalyptusöl
• Pennyroyal
• Wintergrün
• Kiefernöle
• Schwarzkümmelöl

Zudem undiluted contact between dog skin and essential oils can lead to skin irritation and, in the worst case, even drowsiness or death. They have no health benefits. Essential oils should therefore not be used for dogs.