Of course, you’ve heard about the buzz surrounding the various oils for dogs. Five of the most common are MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, fish oil and hemp seed oil. 

So what is all the buzz about and how can they help your dog?

1) MCT Oil for Dogs

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are made from coconut oil and palm kernel oil. The medium-chain triglycerides are removed from the original oil by a process called fractionation, leaving only MCT behind. 

The medium-chain triglycerides in MCT oil are easier for your dog to digest and more bioavailable than oils with larger molecules, like long-chain triglycerides. Because of this, the body can absorb nutrients better and use energy from molecules more quickly.

There are many benefits of MCT oil, including:

• Brain support: MCT oil produces ketones to support brain health and function.

• Digestive health: MCTs do not require digestive enzymes to be broken down, resulting in faster digestion. 

• Obesity: MCT contains hormones that keep our dogs feeling fuller longer.

• Maintaining blood sugar: MCT increases fat burning while reducing fat storage, resulting in the ability to maintain blood sugar levels.

• Reduced inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of MCT oil reduce inflammation within the body. 

2) Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil contains both medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and long-chain triglycerides (LCT), whereas MCT oil only has the medium-chain molecules. MCT oil and coconut oil are very similar, but coconut oil solidifies at room temperature because of its LCTs, while MCT stays liquid.

Holistic vets recommend using coconut oil to help your dog with any thyroid problems he or she may be having. For some dogs that are overweight, this could help them lose weight and keep it off, along with aiding with energy. Research has also discovered the following benefits:

• Digestion: Coconut oil can help counteract digestive disorders including colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome in dogs.

• Inflammation: The compounds found in coconut oil can reduce inflammation in the body, therefore reducing pain and discomfort.

• Joint health: Since coconut oil reduces inflammation, symptoms from joint disorders like arthritis can be reduced.

• Skin health: When applied topically, coconut oil can help moisturize your dog’s skin reducing itchiness and irritation.

Coconut oil is an oil to be used in moderation due to its high concentrations of saturated fats.

3) Olive Oil for Dogs

Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, and it's no wonder why: it's healthy for humans and can be just as good for your four-legged friends. 

Actually, olive oil is one of the most beneficial oils for dogs. It's a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your dog's coat and immune system. It’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. 

The benefits of olive oil include:

• Immune health: Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals that cause aging and disease.

• Skin and coat health: One of the most important benefits of olive oil for dogs is its ability to moisturize their coats and keep them shiny and smooth. In addition to feeding your dog olive oil, you can also use it topically. It can be used as a natural shampoo for dogs, which will help them keep their hair clean without stripping away all of the natural oils from their skin or fur.

• Flea repellant: If you have fleas in your home, olive oil can be used as a natural flea repellent. Simply rub a teaspoon of olive oil over your dog's fur and allow it to soak in for several hours before washing it out with soap and water. This will leave behind an odor that fleas don't like.

Olive oil is safe for dogs to consume in small doses, but it should not be given as a substitute for their regular food. Only use it as an occasional supplement in their diet, and always make sure that you get high-quality olive oil that has been cold pressed.

4) Fish Oil for Dogs

Salmon oil for dogs has been gaining in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. Salmon oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and joints. Salmon oil also contains other nutrients that are good for your dog's overall health.

However, it's not just salmon oil that contains these nutrients; other fish oils also do. So why should you use salmon oil for dogs? Salmon oil has higher levels of the important omega-3s, EPA and DHA, than other types of fish oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and support joint mobility. Salmon oil can be used as a supplement to a dog's diet by either adding it to their food or giving it directly to the dog as an edible treat.

Additional benefits of salmon oil include:

• Muscle health: Salmon oil is also high in protein, which can help support muscle growth and repair in older or injured dogs.

• Allergies: Since salmon oil reduces inflammation, dogs suffering from allergies may benefit. 

• Protection from the sun: Salmon contains astaxanthin, which is a carotenoid pigment that gives the fish their orange-red color and helps protect them from sun damage while they're underwater. This makes it an especially good option if your dog spends time outside in the sun or near water as well as indoors.

• Digestion: Salmon oil contains fatty acids that are easily digested by dogs. This makes it one of the easiest oils to give your dog in terms of digestion and absorption.

5) Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs

Hemp oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant and has a wide range of vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs). 

It contains all nine essential amino acids (EFA) that your dog needs, including arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan. 

The EFAs are important because they help support healthy cell function in your dog's skin and coat.

Hemp seed oil is one of the top sources of essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are also known as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These EFAs are important for dogs because they help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin and coat.

Hemp seed oil also offers the following benefits:

• Skin health: Hemp seed oil can reduce skin problems and allergies by regulating the endocannabinoid system.

• Anxiety and Stress: Hemp seed oil can be used to treat anxiety or stress in your dog caused by loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, or car rides.

• Immune health:  Hemp seed oil contains vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as iron, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients can help to keep your dog's immune system strong.

How to Choose the Right Supplement for Your Dog

As you can see, each of these oils offers benefits to your dog. But, providing them individually can be quite a hassle. 

Canine Cush was created by two veterinarians and a PhD nutritionist to offer your dog all of the benefits listed above. It also has eggshell membrane that is easily absorbed by the body, providing a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.

While each oil above will have slightly different effects, Canine Cush is a great option for reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural processes in one delicious, easy-to-feed soft chew. 

Read More:

Efficacy of Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil Dietary Supplementation in Reducing Seizure Frequency in Dogs 

Palatability Testing of a Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Supplement (MCT) in a Cohort of Healthy Dogs

Hemp Seed Cake as a Novel Ingredient for Dog's Diet

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Research Says It's Fantastic!

The Benefits of Virgin Olive Oil for Dogs

Using Distinct Salmon Oil Sources in Healthy Dogs

Analysis of Healthy Beagle Dogs Receiving Different Diets

Photo by Fulvio Ciccolo on Unsplash