Beneficial oils for dogs
Oils and fats are essential components of a diet. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 should be supplied through a balanced diet. High-quality, healthy oils for dogs will provide a good source of fat and thus offer a huge benefit for a balanced diet.
Good oils for dogs - a nutritional bonus
Oils and fats provide energy, almost twice as much as carbohydrates and proteins.
Oils and fats that are not utilised directly, they act as energy stores that can be used during more active times.
Oils aid the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Oils play a crucial role as structural building blocks in the formation of membranes.
Oils and fats are used for thermal insulation
Oil and grease provide mechanical protection, such as in the event of an accident or a bite attack and it also reduces inflammation.
Oils are converted by the body into hormones or substances that have an hormonal effect
Animal fats for dogs when Raw feeding
Dogs should have a certain amount of animal fat in their diet, as fat provides pure energy. High-quality oils can be added to meals as a single feed, thus increasing the proportion of animal fat. An average of 15-25% fat is recommended based on the proportion of muscle meat. If energy cannot be obtained from fat, (because fat is not fed sufficiently) proteins must be used to generate energy. Proteins can also provide energy, but unfortunately only about half as much as fat. Good oils for dogs can be added in a species-appropriate dry food. Canis Plus® cold pressed dry food contains a substantial proportion of salmon oil and, in some cases, coconut oil in order to provide a moderate proportion of fat. With raw feeding, the owner must pay attention to the right amount and used if using good oils for dogs. Raw feeders often call us for advice, they find that they are strictly following the guidelines and yet their dog seems to be getting thinner and thinner and more dissatisfied with the portion fed. Here again the prejudice against fats becomes apparent, because many read the contents declaration on the feed and tend to buy the feed that has a lower fat content, or they cut the “bad” fat away from the edges of the meat or generally buy leaner meat. The correct percentage of fat is very important when it comes to raw feeding. Trust your eyes – the ideal meat to feed should have a white, greasy edge and be streaky, this is the best for your dog. If the meat has no recognisable evidence of fat, it may be unsuitable.
Naturavetal Tip
If you know what the fat content of the meat is, but find it is too low, you can increase it by adding pure, animal fat. Follow our example below to see how it is calculated.
Calculating the fat ration
Today turkey breast is on the menu. According to the label, 100g turkey breast has a fat content of 13.5%. The dogs daily food ration is 181.5g.
181.5g x 13.5% = 24.5g
However, your dog is very active, and you want to optimise the fat content to 20%.
181.5g x 20% = 36.3g
Currently there is 24.5g, and 36.3 g is required. How much fat is missing?
36.3 g - 24.5 g = 11.8 g
The amount of fat you add must be deducted from the lean meat portion.
181.5g - 11.8g = 169.7g
The daily menu would therefore contain 169.7 g turkey breast and 11.8 g pure, animal fat.
(Counter sample: 169.7 g x 13.5% + 11.8 g = 34.71 g → 34.71 g / 169.7 g ~ 20.45% fat content)
Naturavetal Information
It is important to use exact numbers for the calculation example. In reality, it is not necessary to weigh the fat or oil, like the other ingredients, to the gram every day. With increasing experience, you develop a sense of proportion for the individual ingredients and feed a little more meat one day and a little more vegetable the next. The result is a balanced and varied feeding programme that provides the dog with everything that is needed. If you would like to find out more about how to calculate the BARF ration for dogs, then take a look at our guide “First steps to BARF with dogs“.
BARF – suitable vegetable fats
While animal fats can provide many omega-6 fatty acids, the addition of vegetable oils ensures a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. With vegetable oils, the same principle applies as with animal fats. The higher quality the vegetable oil source and the gentler the manufacturing process – the more valuable the resulting oil.
How do I know if my dog is not getting enough fat?
The signs are varied, a steady loss of weight despite an adequate amount of food, reduced performance, a very dull coat or abnormalities in the area of wound healing are just a few examples. Furthermore, there can be a vitamin deficiency (because, as described above, there are fat-soluble vitamins), which can cause completely different problems.
Naturavetal Tip
Is Your Dog Too Thin? Perhaps you have picked up a malnourished rescue/stray dog or puppy, your senior dog seems to be consistently losing weight, your dog is already very slim, but still continues to lose weight or do you have an extremely active and athletic dog? Then a “meat diet” with valuable animal fats could be very beneficial.
Canis Plus pure meat pots, meat rolls and complete meals are ideally suited for a short-term fix, in addition to the normal amount of food. This will give your dog a boost in times of special needs (e.g. in winter, higher energy is required to maintain the body temperature), to be able to offer that bit extra when required. To do this, feed 100g per 10kg body weight per day in an extra meal in addition to the normal amount of food.
If your dog is very thin, loses weight quickly or is dependent on an extra portion of fat due to an extremely high level of activity, we advise that you to feed our Canis Plus® Beef from the dry food range. It contains an extra portion of beef fat and provides active dogs with the extra energy they need. So Canis Plus® Beef can be used as a bolster for dogs that are requied to gain weight quickly.
Which are the best oils for dogs?
- supports the metabolism
- ensures a shiny coat, healthy skin and firm claws
- promotes healthy joints
- increases appetite
- supports the immune system and helps with allergies
- 100% pure medicinal cod liver oil
- source of vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids
- important for a strong skeletal system, a healthy immune system, a stable cardiovascular system and for healthy skin and a shiny coat
- vitamin D plays an important role in puppy growth as it helps calcium to be better incorporated into the bones
- supports older dogs who have problems with their joints, muscles and bones
- vitamin A is particularly important for healthy eyes, strong eyesight and harmonious growth, and it also promotes healthy skin
Canis Extra Fish and Hemp Oil:
- high-quality mixed oil from 7 types of fish and healthy hemp oil, for a complex, rich addition to meat meals
- targeted supplementation of oils for raw feeders (BARF)
- provides omega -3, -6 and -9 fatty acids
- high-quality energy source for sporty dogs, pregnant dogs and dogs that are prone to weight loss
- good ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
- promotes healthy skin and can be applied to dry, flaky skin as well as itchy skin, thus contributing to a healthy complexion and shiny coat
- promotes cell structure, the joints and the immune system
- pleasant taste and therefore high acceptance with fussy dogs
Canis Extra Organic Coconut Oil:
- high quality source of fat with a high proportion of saturated, medium-chain fatty acids
- can be fed to young animals when they start to eat and thus support the defence against worms, ticks or fleas
- when applied externally, it promotes the defence against parasites
- quick energy release for sporty dogs
- apply externally – to care for dry, scabbed areas of skin and for a shiny coat
- increases concentration and stamina
- improves the texture of the skin
- ensures a shiny coat
- promotes performance and strength
- strengthens the organism against allergies and infections
- stabilizes the cardiovascular function
- reduces stress and signs of aging
- fights free radicals
- supports the normal function of the eyes
Canis Extra Organic Egyption Black Cumin Oil:
- supports the immune system and increases the body’s defences
- supports the intestine in the cleansing of fungi and waste products
- rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids
- supports in the care of the joints, ligaments and tendons
- helpful in protecting against endo- and ectoparasites such as ticks
- can be mixed into feed or drinking water for a short period from the age of 4 months. Black seed oil contains essential oils and should be fed in small quantities and only in phases.
Conclusion
Oils and fats are an important part of a dog’s diet. Problems can arise when too much fat is absorbed, this is then stored as fat deposits. As long as a fat deposits are not a medical cause, the problem can usually be dealt with by optimising the feed. If you would like to find out more about obesity in dogs, take a look at our advisory article “Food for overweight dogs or When is a dog too fat?” Conversely, an undersupply can lead to a bad coat and a loss of strength and weight.
Our team of experts will be happy to help with all your questions. You can reach us Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm on 020 8531 7804 or by email to: info@naturavetal.co.uk
