Seed oils are defined as oil extracted from the seeds of various plants. These oils are commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. Examples of seed oils include sunflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed oil. 

Vegetable oil is a general term that refers to oils extracted from various plants' seeds, fruits, nuts, or other parts. While all seed oils are vegetable oils, not all vegetable oils are seed oils. The term "vegetable oil" is broader and includes oils from various plant parts, whereas "seed oils" specifically refer to oils extracted from seeds. Examples of vegetable oils include olive, palm, avocado, coconut, peanut, almond, and walnut.

Many vegetable oils have a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. An excess of omega-6 fatty acids without adequate omega-3s can lead to increased inflammation. Balancing the ratio with omega-3 sources like small fatty fish is essential.

Seed and Vegetable Oils Used in Commercial Dog Kibble

Commercial dog kibble often includes various seed and vegetable oils to provide essential fatty acids and other nutrients. Commonly used oils include soybean, canola, sunflower, corn, hempseed, flaxseed, coconut, and borage oil.

Hill's Pet Nutrition products contain sunflower and canola oils. Purina products contain canola, flaxseed, and Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil. Royal Canin products contain soya, sunflower, and borage oils. The MCT, flaxseed, and hempseed oils are recommended for fresh food dog food diets. 

Dog food manufacturers use seed and vegetable oils to provide essential fatty acids. The ideal balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in a dog's diet is necessary for maintaining optimal health and preventing inflammatory conditions. Research suggests that the ratio significantly impacts various aspects of health, including skin condition, joint health, and overall inflammation.

The ideal ratio for omega fatty acids varies widely. While the National Research Council suggests a range of 2.6:1 to 26:1 for omega-6:omega-3, AAFCO guidelines recommend a maximum ratio of 30:1. However, aligning with the natural prey consumed by wild canines, the preferred ratio stands at 4:1 to 5:1 omega-6:omega-3. 

For conditions like osteoarthritis, a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, such as 1:1 to 4:1, has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve clinical signs. A study on canine atopic dermatitis indicated improvement with a ratio of around 5.5:1.

Reasons to Avoid Seed and Vegetable Oils for Your Dog

While canola, soybean, safflower, flaxseed, corn, camelina, hempseed, flaxseed, coconut, borage oil, and sunflower oils are used in dog diets, they may have adverse effects such as oxidative stress, kidney function decline, immune response changes, inflammatory response alterations, and fatty acid imbalances. 

Canola oil: Like other oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, canola oil can be prone to oxidation, which may lead to oxidative stress in dogs. This oxidative stress can affect liver function and overall health. Canola oil has a relatively balanced ratio of approximately 2:1, making it one of the better choices for a balanced intake of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Soybean oil: Soybean oil can negatively impact kidney function; high levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil can lead to a decline in kidney function, particularly when compared to omega-3. Additionally, soybean oil has been associated with hyperlipidemia, which can cause elevated cholesterol levels and potentially contribute to cardiovascular issues. Chronic exposure to oxidized soybean oil has also been shown to cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, affecting various organs and systems, including the liver and gastrointestinal tract. 

Soybean oil has a more balanced ratio of about 7:1, providing a moderate level of omega-3 fatty acids compared to many other seed oils.

Safflower oil: Safflower oil, which is high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been associated with several health concerns in dogs. A decline in kidney function, especially when compared to omega-3 PUFAs, hyperlipidemia, which can cause elevated cholesterol levels and potentially contribute to cardiovascular issues, and negatively affect the immune system by altering the immune response and modulating inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 have all been observed when dogs are fed safflower oil. Like sunflower oil, safflower oil also has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, often exceeding 77:1, as it is rich in linoleic acid and contains negligible amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed Oil: Although flaxseed oil is often considered beneficial for dogs, owners should be aware of several potential risks. Research has shown that flaxseed oil can change how specific inflammation-related genes behave. For instance, a study found that flaxseed oil reduced the activity of genes associated with inflammation in greyhounds but did not have the same effect in beagles, suggesting that different breeds might react differently to flaxseed oil.

Another issue is how flaxseed oil can affect body fat and metabolism. A pregnant dog consuming flaxseed oil while nursing can change her puppies' body fat and how their bodies handle sugar as they grow. For example, male puppies were found to have more belly fat and higher fat levels in their blood, while female puppies showed signs of difficulty managing blood sugar.

A benefit of flaxseed oil is its extremely low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, around 0.3:1, due to its high alpha-linolenic acid content, making it a vital source of omega-3 fatty acid. 

Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil has been shown to influence the production of inflammatory mediators and to affect lipid metabolism, potentially leading to increased body weight and changes in lipid profiles in the blood, which could negatively impact overall health. Additionally, sunflower oil has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, typically around 40:1 or higher, due to its high linoleic acid content and deficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Corn oil: Corn oil is predominantly composed of omega-6 fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid, with minimal omega-3 fatty acids. The typical omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in corn oil is approximately 46:1. A study on dogs with osteoarthritis found that while corn oil reduced oxidative stress markers, corn oil supplementation significantly increased glucose and cholesterol levels, suggesting that corn oil might contribute to hyperlipidemia and potentially other metabolic issues if used excessively.

Hempseed oil: Hempseed oil, derived from the hemp plant seeds, offers several potential benefits for dogs due to its rich nutritional profile. It is high in essential fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-3, in an ideal ratio of approximately 3:1, which supports a healthy inflammatory response, skin health, and coat condition. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) further enhances its anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting dogs with arthritis or inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, hemp seed oil contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is popular among dog parents for its potential health benefits, primarily due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, which have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding coconut oil to a dog's diet can help improve skin and coat health, aid digestion, and improve overall gut health by balancing the gut microbiome. Coconut oil has been shown to support cognitive function in older dogs, providing an alternative energy source that can benefit brain health. Additionally, its use as a topical treatment can help heal wounds, reduce infections, and manage hotspots and minor skin irritations.

Coconut oil has a very low content of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 1:0. Its primary nutritional contribution comes from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) rather than these essential fatty acids.

Borage oil: Borage oil has a very high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of around 1000:1, indicating it is predominantly composed of omega-6 fatty acids with minimal omega-3 content. This imbalance can exacerbate existing health issues or create new ones. However, borage oil is different from other sources of omega-6 fatty acids because it is high in a particular type called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Most omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation, but GLA takes a different path in the body that leads to producing anti-inflammatory molecules. GLA also helps the immune system by controlling immune cells and reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals, helping to manage long-term inflammation and support overall health.

Olive oil: Olive oil contains oleic acid and antioxidants, such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It can act as a mild laxative, helping to relieve constipation and improve overall digestive health in dogs. However, olive oil has an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 10:1 to 13:1 and is high in calories, so it should be used sparingly. 

Seed and vegetable oil extraction methods can vary but typically involve either mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. While processing methods can affect the nutrient content of seed and vegetable oils, cold pressing and expeller pressing tend to preserve the most nutrients. More intensive processes like solvent extraction and refining can lead to more significant nutrient loss, particularly heat-sensitive compounds like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. To retain the highest nutrient levels, choosing minimally processed oils, such as cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils, is advisable.

Several steps in the seed oil manufacturing process can lead to nutrient loss. The initial step of crushing the seeds generally does not cause significant nutrient loss but sets the stage for other steps where nutrients can be degraded. Hot pressing, which involves heating the seeds, can lead to the degradation of heat-sensitive nutrients such as specific vitamins and antioxidants. In contrast, cold pressing preserves more of these nutrients due to the absence of heat. Solvent extraction uses solvents like hexane to increase oil yield and involves heating to remove the solvent. This heating process can further degrade heat-sensitive nutrients.

The refining process is where the most significant nutrient loss occurs. Degumming removes gums that contain beneficial phospholipids and other nutrients. Neutralizing, which uses alkaline substances, can strip away some beneficial fatty acids and nutrients. The bleaching process, aimed at removing color pigments, also removes natural antioxidants and nutrients. Deodorizing, which involves high temperatures and steam, can degrade vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. While refining is necessary to produce stable, clear, and odor-free oil, it also strips away many beneficial nutrients. Cold-pressed and minimally refined oils tend to retain more of their natural nutrients compared to heavily refined oils.

One goal of creating fresh-food meals is to ensure your dog has a healthy balance of omega-3 fatty acids. Whole foods like fatty fish, shellfish, plankton, and seaweed provide high omega-3 fatty acids, while chicken and eggs are excellent sources of omega-6.

Grass-fed beef has significantly less monounsaturated fat than grain-fed beef and up to five times as much Omega-3. Grass-fed beef contains about twice as much conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) as grain-fed beef. Grain-fed beef often has a higher content of omega-6 essential fatty acids, but excessive intake of omega-6s relative to omega-3s can lead to an imbalance associated with inflammation. 

Fish oils are an alternative to whole food sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, like seed oils, fish oil can oxidize and become rancid. Fish oil capsules are easier to dose than liquid oil, which is prone to oxidize more rapidly when stored in a pump bottle due to exposure to air. 

When selecting fish oil, choosing a product with a single ingredient is essential, as many fish oils are made from a mix of fish and contain fillers. A preferable option would list a single source, such as wild salmon oil. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid oils from farm-raised fish, which may contain antibiotics or other contaminants. Minimally processed oils are also recommended, as ultra-processed oils have different bioavailability, meaning the body may not absorb them as efficiently.

Coconut, flax seed, and hemp seed oils can be helpful in your dog's meals. The key is to discover what your dog will willingly eat and correctly use those foods to balance omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

In conclusion, seed and vegetable oils can be suitable for dogs when used in moderation and balanced with other sources of fatty acids. It is essential to choose high-quality oils. The quality of the oil is crucial. Oils that are heavily processed or contaminated can pose health risks. Choosing high-quality, cold-pressed, and minimally processed oils is vital to ensure safety and nutritional value.

Many seed oils have a negative impact on your dog's health. Avoid those with high omega-6 to omega-3 ratios.

Choose oils with minimal processing, cold pressing, and expeller pressing to preserve the most nutrients.

Whole-food options for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are healthier, as minimal processing is involved. Ensuring the correct ratio will balance your dog's inflammation.

A blinded, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of borage seed oil and fish oil in the management of canine atopy 

Acute and sub-chronic 90-day oral toxicity study of Perilla seed oil in rodents and Beagle dogs   

Flaxseed oil supplementation alters the expression of inflammatory-related genes in dogs 

Effects of dietary camelina, flaxseed, and canola oil supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers, transepidermal water loss, and coat quality in healthy adult dogs 

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Dietary Lipid Sources on Dogs' Faecal Microbial Population and Activities 

119 Change in Serum Total Lipid Profiles in Dogs Supplemented with Camelina, Flaxseed, or Canola oil for 16 Weeks - PMC  

Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in early renal insufficiency in dogs  

Experimental canine atherosclerosis and its prevention. The dietary induction of severe coronary, cerebral, aortic, and iliac atherosclerosis and its prevention by safflower oil  

Effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on in vivo production of inflammatory mediators in clinically normal dogs  

Effects of oral sunflower oil and olive oil on serum and cutaneous fatty acid concentrations in dogs 

Effect of sunflower oil supplementation in feed on body weight and hematobiochemical parameters in mice | Progressive Agriculture    

The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids 

A Possible Approach for Maintaining Effective Omega-6/ Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio from Mixed Vegetable Oils | Journal of Environmental Science and Natural Resources 

Dietary modulation of omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios in patients with breast cancer  

Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases  

Effect of dietary fish oil and vitamin E supplementation on hematologic and serum biochemical analytes and oxidative status in young dogs  

Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs  

Effect of an omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid-containing commercial lamb and rice diet on pruritus in atopic dogs: results of a single-blinded study   

Responses of dogs to dietary omega-3 fatty acids  

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis  

Maternal flaxseed oil intake during lactation changes body fat, inflammatory markers, and glucose homeostasis in the adult progeny: role of gender dimorphism  

A Possible Approach for Maintaining Effective Omega-6/ Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio from Mixed Vegetable Oils  

The history of seed oils for food spans thousands of years, beginning with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Chinese, who first cultivated seeds like sesame, flax, and hemp for their oil. These oils were used not only for cooking but also for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. As time progressed, the use of seed oils expanded across Europe and Asia, with rapeseed and other locally available seeds becoming important sources of oil, particularly during shortages when animal fats were scarce.

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant turning point in the production of seed oils, with advances in extraction and refining techniques making oils like cottonseed and soybean oil more accessible and widely used. The 20th century saw a boom in the consumption of seed oils, driven by health trends that favored polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats and the development of new oils like canola. However, recent decades have brought renewed scrutiny of seed oils, with concerns about their high omega-6 content and the environmental impact of large-scale production, leading to a growing interest in less processed and more sustainable options.

Canola oil: Like other oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, canola oil can be prone to oxidation, which may lead to oxidative stress in dogs. This oxidative stress can affect liver function and overall health. Canola oil has a relatively balanced ratio of approximately 2:1, making it one of the better choices for a balanced intake of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Soybean oil: Soybean oil can negatively impact kidney function; high levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil can lead to a decline in kidney function, particularly when compared to omega-3. Additionally, soybean oil has been associated with hyperlipidemia, which can cause elevated cholesterol levels and potentially contribute to cardiovascular issues. Chronic exposure to oxidized soybean oil has also been shown to cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, affecting various organs and systems, including the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Safflower oil: Safflower oil, which is high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been associated with several health concerns in dogs. A decline in kidney function, especially when compared to omega-3 PUFAs, hyperlipidemia, which can cause elevated cholesterol levels and potentially contribute to cardiovascular issues, and negatively affect the immune system by altering the immune response and modulating inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 have all been observed when dogs are fed safflower oil. Like sunflower oil, safflower oil also has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, often exceeding 77:1, as it is rich in linoleic acid and contains negligible amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed Oil: Although flaxseed oil is often considered beneficial for dogs, owners should be aware of several potential risks. Research has shown that flaxseed oil can change how specific inflammation-related genes behave. For instance, a study found that flaxseed oil reduced the activity of genes associated with inflammation in greyhounds but did not have the same effect in beagles, suggesting that different breeds might react differently to flaxseed oil.

Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil has been shown to influence the production of inflammatory mediators and to affect lipid metabolism, potentially leading to increased body weight and changes in lipid profiles in the blood, which could negatively impact overall health. Additionally, sunflower oil has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, typically around 40:1 or higher, due to its high linoleic acid content and deficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Corn oil: Corn oil is predominantly composed of omega-6 fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid, with minimal omega-3 fatty acids. The typical omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in corn oil is approximately 46:1. A study on dogs with osteoarthritis found that while corn oil reduced oxidative stress markers, corn oil supplementation significantly increased glucose and cholesterol levels, suggesting that corn oil might contribute to hyperlipidemia and potentially other metabolic issues if used excessively.

Hempseed oil: Hempseed oil, derived from the hemp plant seeds, offers several potential benefits for dogs due to its rich nutritional profile. It is high in essential fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-3, in an ideal ratio of approximately 3:1, which supports a healthy inflammatory response, skin health, and coat condition. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) further enhances its anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting dogs with arthritis or inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, hemp seed oil contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is popular among dog parents for its potential health benefits, primarily due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, which have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding coconut oil to a dog's diet can help improve skin and coat health, aid digestion, and improve overall gut health by balancing the gut microbiome. Coconut oil has been shown to support cognitive function in older dogs, providing an alternative energy source that can benefit brain health. Additionally, its use as a topical treatment can help heal wounds, reduce infections, and manage hotspots and minor skin irritations.

Borage oil: Borage oil has a very high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of around 1000:1, indicating it is predominantly composed of omega-6 fatty acids with minimal omega-3 content. This imbalance can exacerbate existing health issues or create new ones. However, borage oil is different from other sources of omega-6 fatty acids because it is high in a particular type called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Most omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation, but GLA takes a different path in the body that leads to producing anti-inflammatory molecules. GLA also helps the immune system by controlling immune cells and reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals, helping to manage long-term inflammation and support overall health.

Olive oil: Olive oil contains oleic acid and antioxidants, such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It can act as a mild laxative, helping to relieve constipation and improve overall digestive health in dogs. However, olive oil has an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 10:1 to 13:1 and is high in calories, so it should be used sparingly.

Fish oils are an <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/alternatives-to-fresh-fish-for-dogs">alternative to whole food sources of omega-3 fatty acids</a>. However, like seed oils, fish oil can oxidize and become rancid. Fish oil capsules are easier to dose than liquid oil, which is prone to oxidize more rapidly when stored in a pump bottle due to exposure to air.

Should Dogs Be Fed Seed or Vegetable Oils?

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