Trying to keep your canine’s coat in tip-top shape? Well, maybe it’s time to add some healthy oils to their daily food routine! Supplementing their diets with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (given in specific, safe ratios) can help pups suffering from skin conditions like flaking or dull coats, and can even help inflammation diseases and allergies.
There are a variety of supplements that your dog can take – check with your vet to see which one might be the best fit for your dog, but here are a few of our suggestions:
Fish Oil
Fish oil is highly recommended by vets because it’s packed with two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are great for easing inflammation in your pup due to allergies, which means less itchy skin, dandruff and hot spots. It also helps soothe arthritis, allergies, and can even improve fido’s memory. And the supplements make their coat healthy, shiny and perfect for lots of cuddles.
Luckily, it’s easy to give to your pooch as a pill, or as liquid poured on top of their kibble.
See this chart for dosing tips.
Coconut Oil
Your dog suffering from digestion issues? Coconut oil just may be the thing to save the day! Not only that, it also improves their coat (and helps flaky, itchy skin), may benefit your dog’s cognitive function, and even makes that stinky breath a little bit sweeter.
Look for the organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil – your dog will love it!
See this post for more on safety tips and coconut oil servings (which should be quite small).
Flaxseed Oil
Like many of the other healthy oils, flaxseed oil also helps with mobility for arthritic dogs, and can also help with both blood pressure and kidney function. Flaxseed is great as a substitute supplement for fish oil (for dogs who have allergies to fish) – and still helps reduce inflammation and bring allergy relief to sneez-y dogs.
Just make sure to research the correct portion for your dog, since too much can cause diarrhea, yikes.
Olive Oil
This one is easy to find – there are plenty of olive oil options at your local grocery store (though we recommend sticking with 100-percent olive oil rather than a mixed oil). Olive oil is wonderful for dogs’ overall health because it keeps their coats moisturized and shiny, improves their immune systems and helps prevent and lessen the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Great for pups whose systems aren’t able to digest the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids well.
Sunflower Oil
Want your four-legged friend to have an extra-shiny coat? Then this is the oil for you. A wonderful source of Omega-6 fatty acids, this supplement keeps that skin moisturized, gives your best buddy energy, and keeps their hearts healthy.
As always, make sure to check with your veterinarian before you give your dog supplements, and make sure to start small. For most dogs, this means just a few drops to a spoonful with their kibble. Too much of any oil can give your pup a case of the runs (oh no!).
Also, make sure to store fish oil and olive oils in dark, cool areas to prevent them from going rancid.
