Most people have vegetable oil in their homes for cooking and to fry or bake. Whether they use it a lot or just a little, it’s usually hanging around in the kitchen.
You may or may not know that it is not the optimal choice for cooking oils when it comes to health. However, it seems like we can handle it in moderation. But what about our dogs? Can they eat foods containing vegetable oil too?
A lot of people have heard that a bit of vegetable oil mixed in your dog’s kibbles and bits can make their coat shiny and moisturized. Is that true?
Stay tuned to find the answers to these questions and to understand the properties of vegetable oil and if it can hurt your dog.
Can Dogs Have Vegetable Oil?
While vegetable oil is not the best choice for your dog or humans for that matter, products or foods that have vegetable oil in them do not cause death in dogs.
So, in short, yes, dogs can have vegetable oil to an extent. BUT, just because your furry friend won’t die doesn’t mean that they won’t get sick. All in all, you should not give your dog vegetable oil regularly, but it is not toxic when consumed in moderation.
Is Vegetable Oil Good for Dogs?
Vegetable oil is a low tier selection in the realm of cooking oils. There are much better alternatives that don’t contain such low-quality fats that can make your dog gain weight rapidly.
Also, make sure you know about your dog’s allergies, as there may be triggers present in vegetable oil. Food products such as soybean or corn products are typically found in vegetable oil.
If you were trying to make homemade dog treats and the recipe included vegetable oil, try these healthier choices instead:
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Flaxseed Oil
Still have your mind set on vegetable oil, try giving your dog a small taste first, especially if she’s never tried it before. This way, you can ensure that she doesn’t have any type of allergic reaction.
Vegetable Oil Uses For Dogs
Some pet moms and dads also like to mix vegetable oil with their dog’s food for the following purposes:
- To promote softer skin
- To give them a smooth coat
- To help with itching
- To help their dog pass blockages
- To soften their dog’s stools
If you’re sold on putting the oil in your dog’s bowl, try one teaspoon for smaller breeds and one tablespoonful for the big dogs.
If your dog needs help passing a blockage so that they can poop, remember to call the vet first and ask for suggestions. Using vegetable oil is only a temporary quick-fix. It shouldn’t be your go-to move every time your dog gets constipated. Vegetable oil should not get substituted as a laxative.
Can Dogs Eat Vegetable Oil in Large Quantities?
Generally speaking, a majority of dogs can eat a little vegetable oil. They should still be ok. You should keep in mind that if you give your dog high doses of vegetable oil to encourage softer stools, it leads to diarrhea.
That is the likely outcome if somehow your dog managed to get a bottle, and drank as much as it could. Moreover, it could also cause stinky gas and vomiting.
If your dog consumes more than a small amount of vegetable oil, be sure to contact your veterinarian to receive their instruction on what to do. However, understand that you will have a big mess to clean up.
Another kind of oil that you want to be on the lookout for is oil that has overheated, like the kind in deep fryers. When your dog consumes heated oils and fats, it can expose them to acrolein. Acrolein is the liquid that forms when oils get heated at high temperatures.
Although it’s not unheard of to put oil into your dog’s kibble, you wouldn’t want to do this with oils that have already been used.
Furthermore, if your dog is overweight or has family members with Pancreatitis, you’d want to be especially careful when using vegetable oils because it can cause it to reoccur. Also, simply giving your dog too much oil could cause obesity and Pancreatitis.
Related:
Vegetable Oil and Dog Skin: Is it Good or Bad?
Another application for vegetable oil is to use it for moisturization. By rubbing the oil into their skin, the vegetable oil will moisturize them similarly to more expensive oils.
Using vegetable oil for your dog’s skin is beneficial for:
- Making their coat softer
- Reducing itch
- Making their coat shinier
As is the case with all oils, be sure not to oversaturate their coat. Too much oil will only leave you with an overly oily and greasy dog that’s going to fight you on until cleanup. Just try to rub in the perfect amount to penetrate the skin and their coat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who’s considering feeding your dog vegetable oil, you should keep in mind that they can only consume small amounts in their dog food. Moreover, there are benefits when applied to their skin which is moisturization and reducing any itching. When consumed it can loosen your dog’s stools when they are constipated.
So again, can dogs eat oil? The short answer is yes, but this comes with a serious caveat. Giving your dog oil must be done in small amounts because giving too much will result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Furthermore, keep in mind that you should never give your dog oil or fat that was previously heated, as these liquids can be toxic to your dog, especially to your puppy.
Simply put, a small amount of oil is unlikely to harm your dog in any way. Adding a little bit to a treat or a recipe is typically just fine. However, remember that there are healthier options to choose from that will allow you to substitute vegetable oil altogether.
