Safflower oil is one of the particularly healthy oils that are rich in unsaturated and important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
What is good and healthy for us can therefore not harm our dogs – right?
In the following guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Safflower oil for dogs regarding effects, dosage and side effects need to know.
What is safflower oil and why is it recommended for dogs?
Safflower oil is a vegetable oil derived from safflower and milk thistle.
The seed capsules of the two types of thistle are used here, the oil is obtained by cold pressing.
You can also find it in specialist shops under the name safflower oil if you are unsuccessful in your search for safflower oil.
It has countless positive properties and therefore has a positive effect on the health of humans and dogs.
The main focus here is on the skin, coat and claws as well as the dog’s metabolism, all of which can benefit from safflower oil.
This is mainly due to the following ingredients, which can also do a lot of good for the dog:
- Vitamin A contributes to skin renewal
- Vitamin E for an anti-inflammatory effect
- Linoleic acid for a healthy metabolism and cell renewal
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin & shiny coat
In addition, safflower oil is said to have an antibacterial effect.
In addition to linoleic acid and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, safflower oil contains other important unsaturated fatty acids such as stearic, palmitic and oleic acid.
It can also have a positive effect on cardiovascular problems, which dogs can also have.
What are the effects of safflower oil on dogs?
Safflower oil can be used for a number of complaints in dogs and has a positive effect on the health of your four-legged friend.
We will now explain exactly where it helps and what advantages it has.
Itching & skin eczema
Itching in dogs can be triggered by a variety of things.
These include skin fungus, bacteria and digestive problems, which can also affect the skin.
This is where safflower oil can provide positive support. This is where the vitamin A present in the oil intervenes, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and calms the itching.
Immune System & Nervous System
The vitamin E contained in safflower oil ensures a strong immune and nervous system. It protects against free radicals that would otherwise attack the immune system.
In addition, the vitamin has a neuroprotective effect, which means nothing else than that it protects the nerve cells.
metabolism
The linoleic acid contained in safflower oil ensures that the metabolism is properly boosted.
This can help dogs that are a little overweight in particular to shed the extra pounds.
In addition, this acid can prevent cardiovascular diseases and lower cholesterol levels.
Dry, dull coat & dry skin
Again, it is the linoleic acid that helps ensure your dog has healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Because it supports cell renewal and cell respiration. This of course also allows the skin cells to regenerate better, and the coat also benefits from this.
Joint problems, sprains & bruises
Here it is once again the vitamin E that can help with these complaints of the dog.
It has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help here both externally and internally, for example by applying it to sprains.
Dosage of safflower oil for dogs
So that the safflower oil can develop its optimal effect on your dog, you should of course pay attention to the correct safflower oil dosage for your dog.
Important
Please start with a small portion of safflower oil to make sure your dog can tolerate it. Then you can slowly increase the dosage.
For the safflower oil dosage in dogs, the following dosage recommendation applies: The dog gets 1 teaspoon of safflower oil per day for every 4.5 kilograms of body weight.
For a dog weighing 18 kilograms, that would be 4 teaspoons of safflower oil, which you mix with the food every day.
Alternatively, you can also dose the safflower oil as follows: measure 1 to 2 milliliters of safflower oil per kilogram of body weight.
This can be particularly helpful and sensible if it is a puppy or a small dog with a very low body weight.
Where can I buy safflower oil for dogs?
You can use safflower oil for dogs, among other things in drugstores, (online) pharmacies, online shops or in a special pet shop receive.
In some cases, the vet may also have this oil on hand.
You can also get high-quality safflower oil from animal naturopaths and nutritionists.
Important
Please make sure that it is high-quality, organic, cold-pressed safflower oil that is free of harmful additives.
Can puppies or older dogs eat safflower oil?
Puppies and older dogs can also consume safflower oil.
Especially with puppies, which are a lot smaller and lighter than adult dogs, you should adjust the recommended dosage accordingly.
It also makes sense to discuss the amount and duration of administration with the veterinarian.
Of course, this also applies to older dogs, who may already be suffering from some age-related diseases.
How long does it take to see improvements from adding safflower oil?
Enhancements Stimulated by Safflower Oil unfortunately does not happen from one day to the next.
The effect of safflower oil on the dog can actually be somewhat prolonged.
It usually takes a few weeks, sometimes even months, before you see the first visible or noticeable signs of improvement.
It is important that you continue with the correct dosage of safflower oil for the dog.
Are there any side effects from using safflower oil in dogs?
In general, there are no side effects with safflower oil for dogs.
However, every fur nose is an individual and can therefore react a little negatively to the safflower oil.
If a dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, it can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, among other things.
Because oil also has the effect of having a laxative effect from a certain amount. If your dog has digestive problems anyway, the oil may not be right for him.
In addition, some studies now want to have proven that safflower oil can be carcinogenic in dogs – a really serious side effect.
Linoleic acid, which makes up ¾ of the safflower oil, and vitamin E are said to be responsible for the fact that safflower oil can be carcinogenic for dogs.
As always, in moderation and not in bulk!
Can I also use safflower oil externally?
Yes, you can use the safflower oil Can also be used externally on your dog. For example, if he suffers from dry patches of skin and/or dandruff as well as skin eczema.
It can also help relieve and heal sprains, swelling and bruises.
Conclusion
Thanks to the high proportion of linoleic acid and important vitamins and fatty acids, safflower oil is considered a very health-promoting food supplement for dogs.
Safflower oil for the dog has one positive effect on skin, coat, immune and nervous systems as well as an anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition, safflower oil can lower cholesterol levels and counteract cardiovascular problems.
The oil can also be used externally, including for swelling and sprains.
However, safflower oil can cause side effects in dogs, including diarrhea, vomiting, and maybe even cancer.
Have you ever given your dog safflower oil? And if so, what for and did it help? We look forward to your exciting answers in our comments. 😊