Can You Give Dogs Oil?

Can you add oil to your dog’s food? In many human recipes, cooking begins with a drizzle of olive oil in a hot pan — it’s a staple in the kitchen and packed with nutrients that benefit our hair, skin, and overall health. With all the advantages oils offer us, it’s natural to wonder if they could provide similar benefits for our dogs.

But is it safe for dogs to eat oil? What oils (if any) are good for dogs? And, what about essential oils — are they safe around dogs? From the oils we use in cooking to specialized options like coconut oil and fish oil, there are many questions and considerations. 

So, with the help of DFA’s nutritionist, Laura Ward, we’ve put together an article to help you understand the benefits and risks of various oils for dogs.

Can you add oils to your dog’s diet?

Yes, some oils can indeed be good for dogs. They contain healthy fats and nutrients that support weight management, allergies, skin conditions, and overall health. However, if you’re already feeding your dog a suitable dog food that is complete and balanced, they should be getting all the necessary nutrients so adding oil isn’t essential. As always, before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet, speak to your veterinarian. 

Benefits of adding oil to dogs’ diets

Oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids can have many benefits, including:

• Joint pain: Omega-3s can help dogs with arthritis improve their physical ability and reduce lameness. 

• Heart health: Omega-3s can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can lower the risk of heart disease. 

• Skin and coat: Omega-3s can help modify inflammatory and immune responses in dogs.

Other oils, such as coconut oil, CDB oil and olive oil may also have benefits for your dog. These are discussed later on.

Negatives of adding oil to dogs’ diets

“Generally dogs do well with oils and fats in their diets, they use them well as an energy source — especially working dogs,” says Laura. “Oils tend to increase palatability, are good for skin and coat health, and dependent on the oil, can help to reduce inflammation. 

“However, the one key negative is weight gain. Oils and fats are a rich energy source, so adding even a small amount increases their calorie intake and can lead to weight gain.

“Some dogs are particularly sensitive to excess fats and are susceptible to pancreatitis, which is exacerbated by dietary fats. A higher oil intake also brings an increased risk for oxidation/rancidity of the food.”

Can dogs have fish oil?

Fish oil is one of the best supplements to add to your dog’s diet. It’s derived from cold-water fish, usually salmon, and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). To read more about fatty acids and their benefits, check out our article: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/canine-nutrition/healthy-fats-for-dogs/ 

Is fish oil good for dogs?

The benefits of fish oil for dogs include:

• Supports heart health
• Protects from dry skin and coarse coat
• Supports kidney function
• Joint aid or pain relief
• Supports brain function
• Lowers triglycerides in the blood
• Supports immune system

Should I give my dog fish oil?

Most complete and balanced dog foods contain animal fats, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids and some omega-3s (although expensive, so usually at a minimum). Therefore, supplementing omega-3s can be a cost-effective way to give your dog a health boost.

“You can mix fish oil with your dog’s regular food, or give them a liquid or capsule without food. You will find dosage instructions and guidelines on the label, so just make sure to read beforehand,” says Laura. ¹. 

There are of course foods that naturally contain fish oil, such as salmon, sardines, and some anchovies which your dog might enjoy as a tasty treat (when given in moderation).  

Finally, “there is a maximum ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s permitted, which is 30:1. AAFCO DOG AND CAT FOOD so just be careful and check with your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet,” Laura adds.

Can fish oil be bad for dogs?

Like many supplements, it’s possible that your dog might not tolerate fish oil. A high dosage may cause diarrhea or general digestive issues. There is no minimum requirement for fish oil by the AAFCO, but there is a maximum ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s permitted. Therefore, it’s important not to give your dog too much oil, and if you do wish to supplement it, speak to your vet and gradually introduce it to their diet.

Can dogs eat coconut oil?

Coconut oil is safe for dogs in small quantities and has several benefits.

Coconut oil is made from the meat of coconuts that grow on coconut palm trees. Half of coconut oil is lauric acid (a medium chain-length saturated fatty acid).

It contains over 90% saturated fats, and the MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) content is around 55%. MCTs are also found in other foods such as palm kernel oil, butter, yogurt, milk, and cheese.

Although there isn’t extensive research on the benefits of coconut oil for dogs, some studies indicate that it may be helping a dog’s digestion, ² improving brain activity and mental function, ³ as well as helping with weight loss — when included within a designed weight loss diet. ⁴.

“MCTs are also showing actions of improving cognitive health,” says Laura. “For this function though, MCTs are usually concentrated from the original oils, as otherwise the fat content of the food can be increased greatly.

“However, the research isn’t quite enough to suggest all pet parents should run to feed their dogs coconut oil. It does have interesting benefits but, at the end of the day, it’s a saturated fat, so you don’t want to be increasing it hugely into your dog’s diet, as the energy won’t be expended.”

How to use coconut oil for dogs’ skin

Coconut oil is often used to hydrate a dog’s skin, reduce inflammation, and provide both antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is generally safe to use as a moisturizer or barrier for the skin/paws/nose as it is safe to consume if they lick it off unless the dog has pancreatitis.

However, studies around this topic are mostly on people, so there isn’t a huge amount of evidence supporting the benefits of coconut oil for use on dog skin. ⁵  

CBD oil for dogs

CBD oil is a topic the Dog Food Advisor has discussed in great detail. It’s an increasingly common product that pet parents use for reducing anxiety, joint pain, allergies, and digestive issues. 

Recreational cannabis can be toxic for dogs, whether ingested through edible products such as brownies or inhaled via second-hand smoke. Possible symptoms of cannabis toxicosis include incoordination, lethargy, and vomiting, although thankfully, it’s very rarely fatal.

However, if CBD is consumed as a medical product, there’s growing evidence to suggest it’s not only safe for pets but beneficial. However, it’s still a relatively new researched product and while there are lots of studies showing its benefits, this doesn’t mean it’s right for all dogs. 

Can dogs eat olive oil?

Yes, olive oil in moderation can potentially:

• Improve skin and coat
• Reduce itching from allergies
• Support digestive health
• Enhance disease prevention

Some risks associated with its use include:

• Weight gain/obesity
• Pancreatitis
• Gastrointestinal upset

It is generally safe to add a small amount of olive oil to your dog’s food — the size of your dog will determine how much to add. Smaller is always better and it’s a good idea to consult your vet before doing so.

Are essential oils safe for dogs?

For dogs, some essential oils, in some forms, can be used safely, while others are extremely toxic for dogs. If you would like to use essential oils in your home, you’ll need to be considerate of curious paws.

Ensure to keep ALL essential oils (whether considered toxic for dogs or not) well out of reach of your dog. If you’re using them in cleaning, do so only when your dog is not present and allow them to dry completely before allowing your pet to have any contact with the surfaces.

Which essential oils are toxic for dogs?

• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Hyssop
• Citrus
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Sweet birch
• Tea tree (melaleuca)
• Wintergreen
• Ylang ylang
• Lemongrass

If your dog is exposed to any of the above essential oils, they may experience gastrointestinal issues, liver issues, or worse, necessitating urgent attention from a vet.

Dog ear cleaning – is it safe to put oil in my dog’s ears?

Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog’s ear. Also, avoid poking around with cotton buds in the ear, you will only work any wax and debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum.

While certain oils may be safe to clean your dog’s ears, never put anything into them unless instructed to by your vet.

Should I add oil to my dog’s life?

If your dog’s regular food provides a complete and balanced diet, adding extra oils may not be necessary. Many dog foods already include beneficial oils, but if your dog’s favorite formula doesn’t, you can always consider adding a supplement as a topper — just be sure to consult your vet first. 

Besides dietary oils, topical options like coconut oil or CBD oil can support your dog’s skin and coat health, and even help manage anxiety. As always, do your research and check with your vet if you’re unsure. And if you use essential oils yourself, be cautious, as some can be harmful to your dog!