How do I Feed Canola Oil to a Dog?

Canola oil can be added to a dog's diet to promote consumption of essential fatty acids. This light and tasteless oil provides certain fatty acids that improve an animal's coat and skin. Dogs do not require much oil in their diet, but they do benefit from occasional supplements -- particularly if their main diet is dry food. Canola oil comes both in fluid and capsule form. Though many dogs will not easily accept foods foreign to them, there are several ways to administer the canola oil.

Things You'll Need

  • Canola oil
  • Table or similar work surface (optional)
  • Assistant (optional)
  • Blanket
  • Dog Treats
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Instructions

  1. Using Canola Oil in the Dog's Food

    • 1

      Ask your veterinarian if your dog would benefit from canola oil supplements.

    • 2

      Administer the canola oil in small quantities. Initially, use half of the recommended dose until you can gauge how your dog responds to the oil.

    • 3

      Store opened bottles of oil in the refrigerator. Never offer your dog sour smelling oil.

    • 4

      Add the oil directly to the dog's food. Pour a small quantity of canola oil over the dog's regular food rations. Mix the oil into the food to ensure it's eaten. Dogs that have not been offered canola oil before might not accept it at first.

    Disguising a Canola Capsule in a Treat

    • 5

      Place the capsule into a favorite treat, such as sausage or piece of cheese.

    • 6

      Offer a clean treat first. Thereafter, offer the treat that contains the capsule.

    • 7

      As soon as the dog accepts the treated food, offer another clean treat to encourage the dog to swallow quickly and expect the next piece.

    Administering Canola Oil Capsules to Large Dogs

    • 8

      Request that the dog sit near a table and place the capsule on the table. Stand behind the animal and allow it to push back into your legs.

    • 9

      Reach down with your left hand and place your hand under the dog's lower jaw and tilt its head up. Take hold of the dog's top jaw with you right hand and open the mouth.

    • 10

      Retrieve the capsule with you left hand and place it as far back on the animal's tongue as possible. Close the dog's mouth but keep the nose elevated.

    • 11

      Rub the dog's throat to encourage it to swallow. Enlist the help of an assistant who can rub the animal's throat while you hold the mouth closed.

    • 12

      Make sure the capsule has in fact been swallowed. Praise the dog immediately after you have administered the capsule.

    Administering Canola Oil Capsules to Small Dogs

    • 13

      Put a blanket on a table or similar elevated surface. Put the capsule on the table.

    • 14

      Place the dog on the blanket and request that it sits.

    • 15

      Place your left hand over the dog's upper jaw and pry it open. Retrieve the capsule and place it as far back on the dog's tongue as possible.

    • 16

      Close the dog's mouth and tilt the nose up. Stroke the animal's throat to encourage the swallowing reflex.

    • 17

      Make sure that the dog does not spit the capsule out. Praise the animal.