We assumed we knew the answer to this question. It turns out that we didn’t. We’re often surprised about what’s OK (or not OK) for dogs to eat, and we’ve written in the past about our pups eating plant leaves and even scrambled eggs with cheese! But what about something that we assumed must be toxic? Can dogs have grapeseed oil or not?
What is Grapeseed Oil?
Grapeseed oil is, unsurprisingly, an oil extracted from grape seeds. The flesh and skin are separated and used in winemaking, and the seeds are processed afterwards.
Grapeseed oil has several uses. Firstly, as a cooking oil because it has a high smoke point. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties make it suitable for the skin and help even out skin tone. It’s also used as a carrier oil to help people apply products like CBD oil directly onto the skin (essential oils are too strong to be put directly onto the body).
Can Dogs Have Grapeseed Oil?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are no recorded incidents where a dog’s health has been compromised due to grapeseed oil. The dangers of grapes appear to lie in the skin or the grape’s flesh rather than the seed.
So, grapeseed oil isn’t toxic to dogs, but it has a considerable antioxidant content to support the immune system. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which help digestive health. Although, be careful not to overdo it because too much omega-6 causes upset stomachs. It’s also used to promote a dog’s healthy skin and coat because it contains Linoleic acid and helps relieve arthritis in dogs.
So there you have it; grapeseed oil does not appear to be toxic to dogs. However, several other oils may be more suitable for your dog’s needs. Coconut oil, for example, is commonly used to help a dog’s coat look glossier. Flaxseed oil and olive oil are both popular oil too. As always, talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog anything that you’re unsure about.