Healthy Oils for a Dog’s Diet

Feb 20, 2012 by Rosemary

Coconut Oil- Though mostly a saturated fat, the health benefits of coconut oil make it well worth including in any healthy diet. I like giving coconut oil daily as a part of Gracie’s raw diet to promote shiny fur and soft, healthy skin. Additionally coconut oil is known to help maintain cholesterol levels, support a strong immune system, help with proper digestion and metabolism, help provide relief from kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and their properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial for soothing relief.

Fish Oil- Studies show that omega-3 from fish oils lowers triglycerides, reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease. Fish oil also slows the buildup of plaque (“hardening of the arteries”), and lowers blood pressure slightly. I like to give Gracie fish oil for joint health and for its role in cancer prevention.

Olive Oil- EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is known to contain stronger concentrations of phytonutrients (plant nutrients), especially polyphenols, that have well-known anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil works like an antioxidant to support our blood vessels. Olive oil also provides our blood vessels with unique molecules like hydroxytyrosol, HT, that actually work at a genetic level to help the cellular walls of the blood vessels remain strong.

Flax Oil- Just a teaspoon of flax oil per day in Gracie’s breakfast starts her off right. Benefits of flax oil include lower cholesterol, protection against heart disease and control high blood pressure, anti-inflammatory benefits for joints and soft tissues, kidneys and bowels, helping to soothe and reduce discomfort. Flax oil is also great for skin to keep it healthy and soft, reducing redness and irritations, burns and itchiness. For Gracie’s shiny coat I count on flax oil’s benefit for healthy hair and fur. People enjoy flax oil for anti-aging properties, helping to prevent nerve damage and support the endocrine system, helping to balance hormones in men and women (or dogs and cats).

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