Can Dogs Have Sunflower Oil?
Yes. Sunflower oil isn’t unsafe for dogs to digest, in theory, depending on the amount and regularity that they are given it. However, the real question is this: is it really the most effective oil you can give your dog long-term..?
How Much Sunflower Oil Can A Dog Have?
A little sunflower oil here and there isn’t a bad thing. A squirt once to twice a week may be a good thing – 1 teaspoon for a medium-sized dog gives about 5-8 grams of Omega 6. But, if you’re looking to support your dog’s immune system and skin and coat health with omega oils, a pre-formulated fish-based oil that is rich in both Omega 3 & 6 may be the best way forward. Remember, always look to a trusted, reputable brand for supplemental products!
Omega 6 oil is already present in whole grains, organ meats, other oils, and poultry fat so really, as a pet parent, you should be prioritizing supplementing with Omega 3 oils (most commonly and effectively derived from fish) or finding a formulated oil that is made up of both and made with the more ideal ratio.
Are Sunflower Seeds Good for Dogs?
Sunflower seeds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber and essential nutrients for dogs, including vitamin E, B6 and magnesium.
“They’re beneficial for canines’ overall health and well-being […], and sunflower seeds are considered significant for their skin and coat,” says Schechter.
One study found that dogs whose diets were supplemented with sunflower seeds experienced improvements in their skin and coat health compared to dogs that didn’t have sunflower seeds added to their diet. The boost appears to be linked to higher levels of healthy fats called polyunsaturated fatty acids.
If you’ve heard about health benefits linked to sunflower seeds, it’s tempting to assume the pros mean you should sprinkle them onto your dog’s food regularly. “Many of us think, ‘if it’s good for me, I need to feed it to my pet,’” says Welborn. “But if a little bit is a good thing, a lot doesn’t always mean better.”
Benefits of Sunflower Oil in your dog’s food
Sunflower seeds are a summer staple for people and a popular mix-in for bird feed. Whether your dog’s begging for you to share your snack or has broken into a bagful of sunflower seeds, you’re probably wondering: are sunflower seeds okay for dogs?
The short answer is yes, sunflower seeds are safe for dogs to eat. However, that doesn’t mean you should pour them right into your dog’s bowl of kibble or ignore a puppy who’s gotten into shelled or roasted sunflower seeds.
In some cases, sunflower seeds and products can be bad for dogs. And if you’re worried about your dog’s well-being or see signs of distress (like vomiting or diarrhea) after he’s gotten into something, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian for help.
Here, we’ll share the potential health benefits and risks associated with feeding dogs sunflower seeds, and whether dogs can have other sunflower seed-based products like sunflower seed oil and sunflower butter.
Yes! “Sunflower seeds are safe to feed to dogs,” says Dr. Nancy Welborn, an assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge. That said, dog-friendly sunflower seeds are probably not the kind you regularly buy.
“They have to have the husk off, you can only feed them the kernel, and they need to be unsalted because [salted sunflower seeds] can be way too much extra sodium for a dog to eat,” says Welborn.
If sunflower seeds are okay for dogs, you might also be curious about other sunflower seed products like sunbutter and sunflower oil.
Oil pressed from sunflower seeds isn’t dangerous for dogs to eat, but it’s not a good idea either. Like sunflower butter, it’s high in calories and most pet parents should be concerned with weight maintenance for dogs, not packing on more pounds.
Unless your veterinarian recommends sunflower oil as a supplement to your pup’s diet, keeping this cooking oil on the “no” list for your dog is best.
If you’re looking to fill up a treat toy for a hungry boy, you’re in luck: Sunbutter can be a safe alternative to peanut butter in households where someone has a peanut allergy.
“Sunflower butter can be safely consumed by dogs as long as the amount isn’t excessive,” says Alex Schechter, a Detroit-based veterinarian. “However, sunflower butter is exceptionally high in calories, so it should only be given as a special treat.”