Is sea buckthorn oil safe for dogs?

Sea buckthorn oil is making waves in the human wellness scene, but is it canine-friendly? Today, we explore whether sea buckthorn oil is safe for our pups and the potential benefits it could offer them. Hop aboard as we set sail for answers!

What is sea buckthorn oil?

Despite the name, sea buckthorn oil doesn’t come from the ocean! We actually get it from the tiny, bright orange berries of the sea buckthorn plant. Producers cold-press these tart and tangy bundles of sunshine to extract the precious oil within. The result is like liquid gold – a reddish oil full of nutrients that can support your furry friend’s wellbeing.

Sea buckthorn oil’s unique nutritional profile

What makes sea buckthorn oil super special is the combination of nutrients it contains.(1) It’s especially rich in omega-7, but also provides omega-3, -6, and -9, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. Sea buckthorn oil is bursting with carotenoids like beta-carotene too, plus flavonoids such as quercetin. And these all play important roles in keeping your pup fit and well.

For example, several of the bioactive compounds in sea buckthorn oil have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This means the ingredient can help reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation – two things that we definitely don’t want to see in our beloved pets.

Meanwhile, vitamin C helps to support your pooch’s immune system and synthesise collagen. Collagen benefits joint health because it’s vital for maintaining your canine companion’s tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. And interestingly, quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to ease allergy symptoms.

That’s a lot of goodness in one small berry!

Is sea buckthorn oil safe for dogs?

So, we know sea buckthorn oil contains lots of nutrients that your mutt requires to be happy and healthy. But is the ingredient itself safe for our pups? Happily, the answer to that is yes – experts consider sea buckthorn oil to be safe for dogs. This is true both if you use it topically and if you add it to food (in the correct quantity).

Is sea buckthorn oil safe for dogs with health conditions? This will depend on the specifics, so chat to your vet if your pooch has a medical issue or is on medication. For example, it may not be suitable for mutts with pancreatitis because of its high fat content. It’s also best not to give the ingredient to animals who are pregnant or lactating.

Is sea buckthorn oil safe for puppies?

While some people say you can give sea buckthorn oil to puppies, we don’t recommend it. Not without talking to your vet first, anyway. And you have to be extremely careful not to feed them too much of the ingredient. To be clear, because of its potency, our sea buckthorn oil is for grown-up pups only.

Is sea buckthorn oil good for dogs?

Not only is sea buckthorn oil safe for dogs, but it also offers them several potential health benefits. Here are four ways the ingredient could support your pet’s wellbeing.

Skin health

One of the most common reasons people use sea buckthorn oil on their dogs is to care for their skin. The ingredient is rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and linoleic acid (omega-6), which act as deep moisturisers. They hydrate the skin, helping to alleviate dryness and reduce flakiness. In addition, these fatty acids can soothe irritation and lessen itchiness from allergies and conditions like dermatitis.

What’s more, sea buckthorn oil protects skin cells from free radical damage and decreases inflammation. It could also help to repair the skin barrier, further preventing moisture loss, and speed up skin regeneration. The ingredient is especially beneficial for dry or cracked paw pads, keeping them supple and ensuring that your pooch doesn't lick and chew them as much!

Coat health

The condition of your pup’s skin and fur are very closely linked, so it’s no surprise that sea buckthorn oil helps look after both. It nourishes your dog’s follicles, helping promote a thicker, shinier, and healthier coat. Again, this is partly thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil might also contribute to the repair of damaged hair and give the strands a softer feel.

Sea buckthorn oil may even be able to reduce shedding and hair loss through its positive effects on skin health. Furthermore, by supporting eye health (see below), the oil can decrease tear staining and subsequent fur discolouration in that area. Although bear in mind it might also temporarily add an orange hue to your mutt’s coat if their fur is light in colour!

Eye health

Interestingly, sea buckthorn oil could be beneficial for your pup’s peepers too. One reason for this is that it’s chock-full of beta-carotene, which your pooch’s body converts to vitamin A. This is vital for the health of their retinas, plus supports their vision in dim light and at night.(2) Perfect if you like to walk your pet in the early morning or in the evening!

In addition, the oil is rich in antioxidants. Research shows that these help enhance visual function in dogs and delay age-related visual impairment.(3) Sea buckthorn oil’s high omega-7 content is advantageous for canine eye health as well. As a potent moisturiser, it nourishes the mucous membranes and eases the symptoms of dry eyes.(4) At the same time, sea buckthorn oil also reduces symptoms of watery eyes, like sticky discharge. Now that’s impressive!

Digestive health

The magic of omega-7 continues with its ability to support canine gut health. It can reduce inflammation in the digestive system and enable your pooch to absorb more nutrients from their food. And the antioxidants in sea buckthorn oil protect the cells there from free radical damage. This is hugely beneficial because the condition of your pet’s gut affects everything from their immune system to their brain.

What’s more, sea buckthorn oil helps maintain and repair the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines. In fact, research shows it could treat gastric ulcerations and erosions in dogs more effectively than some pharmaceutical medications.(5) However, if your mutt has a gastric ulcer or similar medical issue, speak to a vet before using the oil. This is to confirm it’s appropriate for their individual needs.

How to give your dog sea buckthorn oil: topical vs. dietary use

There are two ways for your pooch to get the benefits of sea buckthorn oil: topical use and dietary use. Fortunately, both options are really easy for us as pup parents!

To add sea buckthorn oil to your dog’s diet, you simply mix it into their normal wet food. This option is best for supporting digestive health and eye health. The correct amount to include will depend on the specific product you’re using and the size of your pooch. For our sea buckthorn oil, we recommend giving them one or two drops per 5kg of their body weight.

Using sea buckthorn oil on your dog topically is more effective for supporting the condition of their skin and fur. All you need to do is apply a small amount directly to the areas where they experience dry skin or irritation (e.g. their paw pads). You could also run a little bit through their coat. They might lick it off, so don’t use too much!

Sea buckthorn oil vs sea buckthorn powder

Sea buckthorn doesn’t only come in oil form. You can buy it as a powder too. This shares many of the same benefits, but there are some key differences. The most appropriate option for your pet will depend on the reasons you want to give them the ingredient.

For example, unlike the oil, sea buckthorn powder is rich in fibre. That makes it an especially good choice for nourishing the gut microbiome. Conversely, sea buckthorn oil is richer in omega fatty acids than the powder is. It’s also the only form you can apply topically, making it the better option for skin health.

As with the oil, you mix sea buckthorn powder into your mutt’s usual meals. For ours, we recommend between an eighth and a quarter of a teaspoon per 5kg of their body weight.

Are there any side effects of sea buckthorn oil for dogs?

Is sea buckthorn oil safe for dogs? Absolutely! However, there are a few mild side effects they may experience that you should be aware of. For example, it might cause tummy troubles like diarrhoea if they consume too much or you introduce it too suddenly. To reduce the risk of this, begin with a smaller dose and gradually increase the quantity you give your pup until you reach the recommended amount.

In addition, the oil’s vibrant orange hue may make an appearance! If you add the ingredient to your pet’s food, it could lead to orange-coloured stools. And if you use the oil topically, it can temporarily stain their skin or fur. Don’t worry though! The colour is from the high levels of carotenoids in the oil and is completely harmless.

How to choose good-quality sea buckthorn oil for dogs

None of us want to give our pets sub-par ingredients! And that’s especially important when it comes to functional foods. Not only is sea buckthorn oil safe for dogs, but it also provides them with an array of beneficial nutrients. However, for your pup to experience the benefits we’ve discussed above, you need to choose a high-quality oil.

What makes sea buckthorn oil top-notch? We recommend looking for one that’s crafted from the whole berry/pulp, not just the seeds, as this has greater nutritional value. In addition, it should be organic and made with 100% pure sea buckthorn. You don’t want any additives that will reduce its potency or even be harmful to your pooch. Finally, we suggest choosing a cold-pressed oil, because high temperatures and chemicals can damage the berry’s nutrients. Only the best for our furry friends!

How long until I see the benefits of giving my dog sea buckthorn oil?

Evidence shows that sea buckthorn oil offers several impressive benefits for our pups. These include supporting the health of their skin, fur, eyes, and gut. However, you’re unlikely to spot a change overnight! It will probably take between two and six weeks for the ingredient to make a noticeable difference to your pooch’s wellbeing. Remember that the effects are cumulative rather than immediate, so make the oil a regular part of your pet’s routine. Depending on the reason for using it, you might also find that combining topical and dietary use produces the best results. We’re sure you’ll be amazed by what this tiny orange berry can do!

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for dogs – sea buckthorn oil or fish oil?

Sea buckthorn oil and fish oil offer different, but equally impressive, benefits for canine health. Neither is better than the other – the right option for your pup depends on their individual needs. For example, fish oil is best for cognitive function, joint health, and heart health. On the other hand, sea buckthorn oil is best for looking after your pooch’s skin, fur, and eyes.

Can I use the same sea buckthorn oil I take on my dog?

Yes, you can share your sea buckthorn oil with your dog as long as it’s 100% pure. Those with additives or other extra ingredients may be harmful to our canine friends, so check the label carefully. Having said that, for peace of mind, we recommend choosing sea buckthorn oil specifically created for pets.

Is it safe to give my dog sea buckthorn oil every day?

Yes, experts consider it safe to give your dog sea buckthorn oil daily, whether it’s topically or in their food. However, you should never exceed the recommended dosage. Monitor your pooch for side effects and discontinue use if you notice any adverse reactions.

How do I store sea buckthorn oil?

You should store sea buckthorn oil for dogs (and humans!) in a cool dark place. Keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, as these can damage its nutrients and reduce its potency. Ensure you seal the bottle tightly to prevent oxidation.