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Rapeseed oil

A representation of Rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the rapeseed plant. It has a yellowish color and a mild taste. Rapeseed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your dog's health. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of rapeseed oil for dogs? And how much rapeseed oil should you give your dog? In this article, you'll find out more about this ingredient and how you can use it in your dog's diet.

What are the benefits of rapeseed oil for dogs?

Rapeseed oil has many positive effects on your dog's health. Here are some of them:

  • Rapeseed oil supports your dog's skin and coat health. It ensures a shiny and supple coat and can help with dry, flaky or irritated skin. It also stimulates hair growth and supports the shedding process.
  • Rapeseed oil promotes your dog's digestion. It helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from the food and can help with constipation or flatulence.
  • Rapeseed oil strengthens your dog's immune system. It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect cells from damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, allergies or skin problems.
  • Rapeseed oil provides energy for your dog. It is an important source of energy that is particularly suitable for active dogs. It also regulates your dog's heat balance and can protect him from the cold.

What are the disadvantages of rapeseed oil for dogs?

Although rapeseed oil is healthy for your dog, it should only be fed in moderation. Too much rapeseed oil can also have negative consequences. Here are some of them:

  • Rapeseed oil can trigger allergies. Some dogs are sensitive to vegetable oils and can develop skin rashes, itching or diarrhea. If you notice that your dog is showing such symptoms, you should stop the oil and consult a vet.
  • Rapeseed oil can cause obesity.Oils are very high in calories and can quickly lead to weight gain if they are fed too often or too much. Obesity is harmful to your dog's health and can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease or joint problems.
  • Rapeseed oil can go rancid. Oils are sensitive to light, air and heat and can quickly oxidize and become rancid. This not only reduces the taste and nutritional value of the oil, but can also be harmful to health. Rancid oil can cause gastrointestinal complaints or liver damage.

How much rapeseed oil should you give your dog?

The correct dosage of rapeseed oil depends on various factors, such as your dog's weight, age, activity level and state of health. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not feed more than one teaspoon per 10 kilograms of body weight per day. This means, for example, that a dog weighing 20 kilograms should be given a maximum of two teaspoons of rapeseed oil per day.

You should always add the oil fresh to the food and not cook or heat it, as otherwise the valuable fatty acids will be destroyed. You should also always store the oil in a cool, dark and dry place and observe the best-before date to avoid rancidity.

What quality should the rapeseed oil be?

Not all rapeseed oil is the same. There are different quality levels that differ in terms of production, purity and fatty acid content. For your dog, you should always look for high-quality rapeseed oil that meets the following criteria:

  • It should be cold-pressed. This means that the oil is pressed from the rapeseed without heat or chemical solvents. This preserves the valuable ingredients and the oil is purer and more natural.
  • It should be organic. This means that the rapeseed comes from organic cultivation and is grown without pesticides or genetic engineering. This means that the oil is free from harmful substances and better for the environment.
  • It should be virgin. This means that the oil is not refined or bleached. This way it retains its natural taste, color and smell.

Can you combine rapeseed oil with other oils?

Yes, you can combine rapeseed oil with other oils to make your dog's diet even more varied and healthy. However, you should make sure that you maintain the correct ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. The ideal ratio is between 1:5 and 1:10.

Rapeseed oil has a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids of around 1:2, which means that it contains more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids. This is good for your dog, as they usually consume more omega-6 fatty acids in their normal food.

You can mix rapeseed oil with the following oils, for example:

  • Fish oil: Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are particularly important for your dog's brain, eyes and heart. Fish oil has a very high ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids of around 7:1, which means that it contains much more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids. You can mix fish oil with rapeseed oil in a 1:1 ratio to achieve a balanced ratio of around 4:1.
  • Linseed oil: Linseed oil is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially ALA, which can be converted by the body into EPA and DHA. Linseed oil has a very high ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids of around 4:1, which means that it contains much more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids. You can mix linseed oil with rapeseed oil in a ratio of 1:2 to achieve a balanced ratio of around 2:1.

Rapeseed oil is a healthy oil for dogs that has many benefits for the skin, coat, digestion, immune system and anti-inflammation. However, it should only be fed in moderation to avoid allergies, obesity or rancidity. You should also pay attention to the quality of the oil and combine it with other oils.

Learn even more about Rapeseed oil

If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊