If Barkley doesn't get enough polyunsaturated fat in his diet, his coat can become dry, dull and lifeless. While it's important to watch your pooch's fat intake, corn oil shouldn't cause concern. It's a source of the right kind of fat that helps keep your dog and his coat healthy.
Good for All Coat Types
It's logical that dietary oil will benefit a dog with a dry coat. It's a healthy way to moisturize his skin and hair from the inside out. Using that same reasoning you might think that a dog with an oily coat should have less oil in his diet, but that's not the way it works. A dog with an oily coat may still lack sufficient oil in his food. Adding a teaspoon of corn oil to your dog's food each day -- or up to a tablespoon, depending on how large or small he is -- will bring balance back to Bowzer's coat, moisturizing dry hair or reducing oil from a greasy coat.
Canine Cooking With Corn Oil
If you home-make your dog's meals, you probably have a few recipes that call for vegetable oil or even margarine. Whether you're making a batch of dog cookies or cooking a supply of dog food, you can use corn oil any time a recipe for your dog requires a healthy fat. You'll see your dog's coat start to get shinier and healthier in as little as seven to 10 days.
Topical Corn Oil Uses
You can use corn oil to help your dog's coat outside as well as from inside. It's especially useful for helping to remove stubborn, sticky substances like tar from his fur. Thoroughly cover the sticky mess with corn oil and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. You may have to keep your dog busy so he doesn't try to lick the corn oil. Then just shampoo the oil and the mess out of your dog's hair.
Better Oil Alternatives
While corn oil is a useful source of linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fat for the health of your dog and his coat, other oils are better resources for these nutrients. Flaxseed and safflower oils are the best sources, and they are less allergenic than corn oil, a consideration if your dog has an allergy to corn. Fish oils and omega-3s are healthy oil sources, too. Not only do they help improve the condition of your dog's coat, they're good for his heart health, as well.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Writer Bio
Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. She began working in the fitness industry in 1987, and her experience includes editing and publishing a workout manual. She has an extended family of pets, including special needs animals. Jensen attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications.