Recently, I received an email from someone asking about the safety of using Canola Oil in the dog treats that Sammy’s Gourmet offers on our web site. I figured I would post the answer so that others will know the truth about using Canola Oil in dog treats. Maybe this will help debunk the bad rap that Canola Oil has been getting.
I realize that there is so much information out there about dog nutrition. Some of it being mis-leading or altogether incorrect. Someone can give the wrong information and when it comes to your dogs health it can sometimes be dangerous.
That’s what I went through when researching the proper diet for our Sammy. I ONLY trust Veterinarian Colleges and Vet Nutritionists for any information when it comes to the health of an animal, no-one else. I ended up making my own dog food for Sammy here at home. Making sure that what she was going to eat was healthy and going to help her in her elder years keep weight on without adverse effects. With my Vets approval every step of they way.
First, I would like to say that here at Sammy’s Gourmet, we do not make our own dog treats. We support small women owned business’s that create gourmet dog treats that are healthy for your dog. We are strictly a retail operation. We thoughtfully screen the treats that we offer online and make sure that they are nutritious for your dog. Even making sure that there is a wheat free option for dogs with allergies to wheat and gluten.
It contains Lineolic acid (omega 6), an unsaturated essential fatty acid that plays an important role in the regulation and functioning of every organ and cell in the body. Linoleic acid also helps to balance and heal the immune system as well as reduce inflammatory reactions such as those seen in arthritis and allergic reactions.
Canola oil is pressed from tiny canola seeds produced by beautiful yellow flowering plants of the Brassica family. Cabbages and cauliflower are also part of the same botanical family!
Canola was bred naturally from its parent rapeseed in the early 1970s. Canola, however, is NOT rapeseed – their nutritional profiles are very different. Along with olive oil, it is one of the most beneficial oils in its effect on good and bad cholesterol. Most of this info is from the Snopes article debunking the myth of Canola’s toxicity. See the related link below.
Olive oil is sometimes less costly and is definitely healthier for non-baking. But, Canola oil is better for baking than olive oil.
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/canola.asp
Here also is a link to UC Davis Veterinarian Medicine Dept. for more facts about nutrition for your dog.
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmth/small_animal/nutrition/faq.cfm
I hope this helps clear up any misconceptions that are out there about using Canola Oil in baked dog treats.
With your permission, I am going to post this question / answer on my blog and web site to help others that may have the same question.
Thanks again for contacting us and keep the questions coming. It keeps me on my toes!
Afterthought; Canola Oil is also low in saturated fat and has no trans fats.
Apparently, there is also some discussions going on at the FDA regarding this very subject. As soon as I know more I will let everyone know any additional information that I receive.
Remember, feed your dog with love and a wise heart.
