Safflower Oil for Dogs: Does Your Pet Really Need It?

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People use safflower oil for dogs as the absence of healthy fats in dogs’ nutrition may lead to irritated skin and dandruff. Puppies that have low-fats diets are more prone to skin problems; they scratch themselves and may catch a skin infection. Safflower oil contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Healthy fats are important for keeping dogs’ health. They are essential for the heart system, healthy joints and shiny coat.

Who lacks omega-6?

Reputable dog foods usually contain high amounts of nutrients and sufficient amount of essential fatty acids to keep a healthy skin and a glossy coat, as Dawn Logas, a member of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology says.

However, dogs that eat low-quality dog foods or home-made food improperly balanced — for example, a dog eats chicken mostly – can feel lack of nutrients for the healthy body functioning and as a result for a healthy coat.

Low-fats diets are harmful as well. When dogs are on a low-fat diet they may receive not enough essential fatty acids.

Safflower oil for dogs

As most dog foods are very rich in omega-6 essential fatty acids dogs that eat good dog food don’t need extra amount of them. The large prevalence of omega-6s to other fatty acids can be even harmful.

Safflower oil is a source of omega-6 fatty acids as well. So it is beneficial only for dogs that lack unsaturated fats because of their poor nutrition. Compare safflower oil with flaxseed oil for dogs because flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3s. If your pet suffers from seborrhea or keratinization disorders it may benefit from linoleic acid present in safflower oil.

Vitamin E present in safflower oil acts as an antioxidant and should be given to all dogs with the immune diseases and skin problems, states Dog Paw Licking. Vitamin E also helps prevent cancer and improve oxygen circulation.