Dogs benefit from safflower oil in many ways. Some benefits include a healthier coat, better vision, improved blood circulation, immune system support, and joint lubrication. You should use only a small amount of safflower oil since it contains a lot of calories.
Our dogs deserve the best care, but how can we ensure the supplements we buy for them will actually keep them healthy? The answer is simple… we have to look at what’s already proven.
Oils are an excellent supplement for dogs. There are a number of excellent natural oils that offer many health benefits for your furry friends. Some of these oils include sunflower oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, safflower oil, etc. Let’s look at the latter in more detail and see how it can benefit your dog.
What You'll Learn
What is Safflower Oil?
The origin of this oil is in the word itself. It is derived from a tiny, Yellowhead plant called safflower and contains healthy Omega-6 Fatty Acids. Omega 6 contributes to your dog’s healthy skin, vision, blood sugar levels, and hormone balance.
It is also widely used in high-temperature cooking. Many health experts believe that deep frying, baking, and sauteing with safflower oil are better options than olive or avocado oils (which can produce free radicals when the oil reaches a specific temperature).
Is Safflower Oil Safe for Dogs?
Safflower oil is entirely safe for dogs! You just have to watch the dosage. Like anything else, too much of a good thing can cause an adverse effect and hurt rather than help.
Follow the exact dietary guidelines on the bottle. This will ensure that your dog gets the maximum benefit from this product.
One thing to keep in mind is that safflower oil is high in calories, so if your dog gains weight quickly, consider lowering the dosage or switching to a different type of oil.
The Benefits of Safflower Oil For Dogs
Healthy Coat
As briefly mentioned above, the “good” Omega-6 fats (found in fish oil as well) are responsible for healthy skin and a thick, shiny coat.
Like their two-legged counterparts, dogs want more “good hair days” and to parade their soft fur around the dog run. Pooch envy alert!
Improved Vision
The longer your dog’s eyes remain sharp, the better. The last thing you want is for your friend to literally bump into walls. Safflower oil is an excellent aid in preventing vision-related conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, which are very common as dogs reach their senior years of life.
Heart Health
Safflower oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (those Omega-6 fats we have discussed above), which prevent arteries from becoming clogged and allow the flow of blood unhindered throughout the body.
Diabetes Prevention
Safflower oil contains good fatty acids, which help regulate blood sugar levels. This can help prevent diabetes, which affects both people and dogs. If your dog ends up developing diabetes, it will have to be on supplements for the rest of its life. It’s better to prevent diabetes if possible.
Immune System Support
Safflower oil is beneficial for keeping your pup healthy for a long, happy life. As we already know, this oil contains fatty acids that help support the immune system and hormone-regulating properties. As a result, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure issues, and even cancer can be slowed down.
Joint Health Support
What is the condition of your dog’s joints? Does your pup suffer from arthritis? Safflower has flavonoids (which are antioxidants), which can significantly reduce joint inflammation and irritation.
Safflower Oil Side Effects
Allergies
There is no telling what your beloved friend may be allergic to, and safflower oil is no exception. Keep an eye out for any changes in its behavior or eating habits. If anything seems out of the ordinary, consult a veterinarian.
Surgery Complications
Safflower oil is known for its blood-thinning properties, so if your pet has either recently undergone surgery or has surgery coming up, it is best to stay away from the oil. You may cause your dog to lose too much blood if you continue to give him safflower oil before the surgery.
Weight Gain
Dogs struggling with weight control might not benefit from safflower oil. In fact, it can cause sudden weight gain and obesity. If that’s the case with your pet, consider feeding them lower-calorie food until they reach a healthy weight.
How to Choose the Right Safflower Oil Brand for my Dog?
These days, we have so many product options to choose from, both online and in-store, it is hard to decide which brand is the best. The first step is simple… speak to the veterinarian. They know all the good brands on the market and can guide you towards the right one.
The second step is to browse sites like Chewy.com, Petco.com, or Petsmart.com and compare prices. If they all have the product available, why pay more for the same thing?
The third step is to check the reviews on the brands you’re considering. Testimonials speak for themselves. If other pet parents vouch for the product, then it’s worth a try.
Look for labels like “organic,” “natural,” and “USDA approved” on the bottle. This indicates 100% pure safflower oil. Although they may be more expensive than some generic oil brands, investing in a product you can trust is worth it.
Safflower Oil is Great For Dogs
Safflower oil has many benefits for your precious pooch. Always consult a veterinarian before administering anything new to a pet. Veterinarians can help you choose the right brand and dosage and warn you of potential side effects.
As a good dog parent, you probably want to ensure that your pet stays healthy as it gets older. Safflower oil supplements can keep the dog active, energetic, and curious for years to come.
Along with the oil supplement, don’t forget to give your pup plenty of exercise, good-quality food, and lots of water.
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