If you love dogs and cats, today I bring you a comprehensive guide on the four most important oils in the diet of pets. Whether you feed your dog or cat kibble or a natural diet, these oils are essential and extremely beneficial. Oils are essential fats in the diet of our dogs and cats, playing a crucial role in the absorption of vitamins. They are an immediate source of energy and provide omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acids. Let’s explore these oils one by one: salmon oil, oregano oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Salmon Oil: Liquid Gold for Your Pet’s Coat
Salmon oil is perhaps the most well-known and widely used oil for pets, and for good reason. This oil is a highly concentrated natural source of omega 3 and other essential fatty acids. It is an exceptional supplement for your dog or cat’s diet, providing multiple benefits:
- Improves skin and coat health: Salmon oil is known to make your pet’s coat shine and become softer. If your dog or cat has dull or dry fur, adding salmon oil to their diet can make a big difference.
- Joint benefits: Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for pets with joint problems or arthritis.
- Support for brain development: DHA, a component of salmon oil, is crucial for the brain development of puppies.
How to Administer It
For cats, a teaspoon is sufficient, while for dogs, especially larger ones, a tablespoon mixed with their daily food is ideal. Salmon oil is also prescribed as a supplement to treat allergy and skin problems, working spectacularly as support to medication.
Oregano Oil: Antibiotic Gold
Oregano oil is another oil that deserves a place in your pets’ diet. Known for its potent antibiotic and antifungal properties, it is a true natural treasure:
- Natural antibiotic: Kills fungi and bacteria, and is much more potent than other natural remedies like garlic or green tea.
- Powerful antioxidant: Helps combat urinary and respiratory infections.
- Immune booster: Enhances the body’s ability to fight off diseases.
How to Administer It
It is recommended to use oregano oil a couple of times a week, always mixed with food. A teaspoon for cats or small dogs, and a tablespoon for larger dogs is sufficient.
Coconut Oil: Gold for Hydrating Your Pet’s Coat
Coconut oil is another wonderful oil that can work wonders for your pets’ health:
- Natural moisturizer: Ideal for dogs and cats with dry, brittle fur. It helps hydrate and revitalize the coat, leaving it soft and shiny.
- Antiviral and antimicrobial properties: Fights viruses and microbes, and has a high concentration of vitamins E and K.
- Immune booster: Improves the overall health of our pets and strengthens their immune system.
How to Administer It
Coconut oil usually comes in a solid form, so you can heat it slightly in the microwave to turn it into a liquid. Mix a tablespoon with your pet’s food. It doesn’t need to be used every day; you can do an intensive week-long treatment if the coat is very dry, or use it sporadically once every two weeks. You can also apply coconut oil directly to the skin with a cotton ball to treat wounds or dry areas.
Olive Oil: Gold for Preventing Digestive Issues and Constipation
Extra virgin olive oil is an essential component in the diet of older pets or those with digestive issues:
- Prevents digestive issues and constipation: Olive oil helps improve digestion and prevent constipation.
- Satiating: Ideal for overweight pets, as it helps them feel full with less food.
- Additional benefits: It can also be used to treat mange and otitis. For mange, apply olive oil to the skin with a cotton ball, and for otitis, clean the inside of the ear with a gauze soaked in olive oil.
How to Administer It
A small amount of olive oil, about a teaspoon mixed with food, is enough to reap its digestive benefits. For specific treatments like mange or otitis, follow the instructions mentioned above.
The important oils in the diet of pets
Oils are essential in our pets’ diet due to their high content of healthy fats, which are crucial for the absorption of vitamins and as an immediate source of energy. Additionally, the omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9 fatty acids found in these oils provide multiple health benefits for our pets, from healthy skin and coat to better joint and immune system function.
Each of these oils offers unique and valuable benefits for our pets’ health. If I had to choose one, I would stick with salmon oil, as it is indispensable as a supplement to our pets’ diet. However, incorporating a variety of these oils into your dog or cat’s diet can provide a comprehensive approach to improving their health and well-being.
I hope this post has provided valuable information on how oils can benefit your pets’ diet. Feel free to comment and share your experiences. What other oils have you tried and what results have you seen? We would love to hear your opinion and continue learning together for the well-being of our beloved pets. See you next time!