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Canola Oil in Dog Food Guide

by | Last updated Sep 28, 2022 | Dog, Food

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Canola oil is a plant-based oil that is often used in cooking and baking. It is also a popular ingredient in many commercial dog food recipes.

This vegetable oil is harvested from seeds of GMO rapeseed plants and is low in erucic acid (less than 2% erucic acid). USDA also defines Canola as being low in glucosinolates which are sulfur-containing compounds.

What is Canola Oil?

Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil that’s extracted from the seeds of the rapeseed plant. It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog’s coat and skin. However, some experts believe that canola oil may not be the best choice for your pet.

Where did the name come from?

As mentioned on Rapeseed Oil’s Wikipedia page, Canola was first bred in the early 1970s by Keith Downey and Baldur Stefansson at the University of Manitoba in Canada.In fact, canola was originally a trademark name of the Rapeseed Association of Canada, and the name was a condensation of “Can” from Canada and “OLA ” meaning “Oil, low acid.

According to the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, 87% of the canola grown in the US was genetically modified in 2005 season. It is fair to say that most canola grown in the US are GMOs with certain nutritional profile that includes;

  1. Low erucic acid: The traditional rapeseed contains high levels of erucic acid, which is thought to be detrimental to human health. Canola oil has been bred to have low levels of erucic acid.
  2. High oleic acid: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that’s associated with health benefits like reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

A maximum of 2 percent erucic acid by weight is allowed in Canola oil in the US and EU, with additional rules for infant food. These low levels of erucic acid do not pose a health risk to humans.

Canola Canada Council is still taking the lead in Canola oil research and development and has listed several benefits here.

Why is Canola oil a controversial ingredient in dog food:

There are a few reasons why canola oil may not be the best choice for your dog.

First, it’s a highly processed oil that’s extracted using harsh chemicals and high temperatures. This processing can damage the omega-3 fatty acids in the oil, making them less effective. Additionally, some dogs may be allergic to canola oil, and it has been linked to health problems like digestive issues, skin problems, and joint pain.

Omega-9 fatty acids include erucic acid and oleic acid, two forms of Omega-9 fatty acid. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are required dietary components because the dog’s body cannot create them, but Omega -9 fatty acids are not essential in the diet of dogs or people. In reality, omega-9 fats may reduce both blood and skin levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6. For this reason, some people believe that too much canola oil in the diet may actually be harmful to dogs.

Canola oil has a high sulfur content and rapidly goes rancid. Canola oil baked products quickly develop mold. During the deodorizing procedure, omega-3 fatty acids in processed canola oil are transformed into TRANS fatty acids, much like those found in margarine and possibly more harmful.

A study done recently showed that canola oil, known for being “heart healthy”, actually causes a vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E is necessary for a strong cardiovascular system. Other research indicates that even low erucic-acid canola oil ingested regularly leads to heart lesions, especially when the diet does not contain enough saturated fat.

What are the best alternatives to Canola oil?

There are a few different oils that you can use as an alternative to canola oil in your dog’s food. Coconut oil, fish oil, and olive oil are all good choices. Coconut oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Fish oil is another good option, as it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and can help improve your dog’s coat and skin health. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and can help protect your dog’s cells from damage. Flaxseed oil is also a good choice, as it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Why use Canola oil in dog food?

  • Low in Saturated fat: Canola oil is low in saturated fatty acids (7%) and higher in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), especially oleic acids (60%). Saturated fat is linked with cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. Oleic acids, on the other hand, can help to lower cholesterol levels.
  • High in Omega-3: Canola oil is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are important for many bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin and coat, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain and heart health.

While canola oil has many benefits, it is important to remember that it is still a fat and should be used in moderation. Too much fat in the diet can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

When adding canola oil to your dog’s food, start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed. As always, consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Benefits of Canola Oil in Dog Food

Canola oil is high in healthy unsaturated fats, including both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, as well as supporting cognitive health and joint function.

In addition, canola oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help protect your dog’s cells from damage.

While canola oil provides many health benefits for dogs, it is important to choose a high-quality product that is free of toxins and other harmful chemicals. You should also avoid giving your dog too much canola oil, as it can lead to weight gain.

Overall, canola oil is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet and can provide many benefits for their health. Just be sure to choose a quality product and feed it in moderation.

Why Olive oil is preferred to canola oil in dog food

Olive oil is a healthier choice for dogs than canola oil.

Canola oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. Olive oil, on the other hand, is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, both of which can help to reduce inflammation.

In addition, olive oil contains more oleocanthal than canola oil. Oleocanthal is a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Finally, olive oil is a better source of vitamins E and K than canola oil. These vitamins are important for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting cognitive health.

Overall, olive oil is a healthier choice for dogs than canola oil. If you are looking for an oil to add to your dog’s diet, olive oil is a better option than canola oil.

Canola oil vs Sunflower oil in dog food

While both canola oil and sunflower oil are good sources of healthy unsaturated fats, sunflower oil is the better choice for dogs.

Sunflower oil is higher in omega-6 fatty acids than canola oil. Omega-6 fatty acids are important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, but too much can lead to inflammation.

Canola oil is also higher in saturated fat than sunflower oil. Saturated fat is linked with cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.

In addition, sunflower oil contains more vitamin E than canola oil. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect your dog’s cells from damage.

Finally, sunflower oil is a better choice for dogs with allergies, as it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than canola oil.

How to choose the best oil in your dog’s food:

When it comes to choosing the best oil for your dog’s food, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • First, make sure that the oil you choose is of high quality and hasn’t been damaged by processing.
  • Second, look for an oil that’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-9 fatty acids.
  • Finally, choose an oil that’s appropriate for your dog’s individual needs. If your dog has skin problems, for example, you might want to choose an oil that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What are the best canola-free dog foods?

If you’re interested in feeding your dog a food that doesn’t contain canola oil, there are plenty of options available. Here are some of the best canola-free dog foods on the market:

Are limited-ingredient diets best canola-free alternatives?

A good number of top dog food brands without canola oil are limited ingredient diets (LIDs). In fact, some brands have even created LID lines specifically to address allergies and sensitivities in dogs.

While there are benefits to feeding your dog an LID diet, it’s important to remember that not all LIDs are created equal. Some may still contain ingredients that your dog is sensitive to, so it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully.

Additionally, LID diets may not contain all of the nutrients your dog needs. For this reason, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making the switch to an LID diet.

Are limited-ingredient diets best canola-free alternatives?

A good number of top dog food brands without canola oil are limited ingredient diets (LIDs). In fact, some brands have even created LID lines specifically to address allergies and sensitivities in dogs.

While there are benefits to feeding your dog an LID diet, it’s important to remember that not all LIDs are created equal. Some may still contain ingredients that your dog is sensitive to, so it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully.

Additionally, LID diets may not contain all of the nutrients your dog needs. For this reason, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making the switch to an LID diet.

Best Dog food for Less Allergies:

Canola oil-free diets for dogs are less allergic than diets that contain canola oil. In fact, many top brands have created lines of food specifically for dogs with allergies.

Some of the best canola oil-free dog foods for less allergies include:

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of canola oil for dogs?

A: Canola oil is a good source of healthy unsaturated fats, including both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, as well as supporting cognitive health and joint function. In addition, canola oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help protect your dog’s cells from damage.

Q: How much canola oil should I give my dog?

A: When adding canola oil to your dog’s food, start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed. As always, consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Sources referenced:

  • Sauer, FD, et al, Nutrition Research, 1997, 17:2:259-269
  • Kramer, J K G, et al, Lip1982, 17:372-382;
  • Trenholm, H L, et al, Canadian Institute Food Science Technology Journal, 1979, 12:189-193

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