Omega fatty acids are a cornerstone of a healthy diet for dogs. These essential fats play a critical role in maintaining your dog’s immune system, regulating hormones, and supporting a balanced inflammatory response.

Without these healthy fats, your dog’s overall health can be compromised, increasing the risk of illness and chronic conditions.

While there are plenty of omega sources available, one that’s gaining attention is ahiflower oil. Packed with a unique blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, ahiflower oil is emerging as a comprehensive and sustainable option to support your dog’s well-being.

Let's take a closer look at why ahiflower oil stands out, its nutritional benefits, and how it compares to other popular omega sources.

What Is Ahiflower Oil?

Ahiflower oil comes from the seeds of a plant called Buglossoides arvensis, a flowering species native to the United Kingdom but now cultivated in regions like Prince Edward Island, Canada. This plant has a long history, dating back to its first recorded mention in the English countryside in 1597. Its common names include stoneseed and corn gromwell, though it’s most widely recognized today for its remarkable health properties.

Each small ahiflower bloom produces up to four seeds, which are harvested and cold-pressed to extract the oil. This process ensures a high-quality, omega-rich oil that’s both natural and environmentally friendly.

Not only does ahiflower oil provide an unparalleled mix of omega fatty acids, but it’s also a sustainable choice, making it a win for both pets and the planet. But why exactly is it so good for your dog?

Why Is Ahiflower Oil Good For Dogs?

Fats, especially omega fatty acids, are vital for your dog’s health. They’re involved in everything from energy production and cell growth to maintaining a silky coat and healthy skin.

Beyond that, omega fats help regulate your dog’s immune response, support joint health and healthy inflammatory response, and support the function of hormones. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to play a protective role against chronic illnesses, including heart disease and even cancer.

Dogs require both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. Key omega-3s include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which support brain, eye, and heart health, while alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) are vital precursors that convert to EPA and DHA.

Omega-6s like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA) help maintain skin health and hormone balance. Ahiflower oil delivers an optimal balance of these fatty acids, ensuring your dog gets everything they need to thrive.

What Makes Ahiflower Oil Stand Out?

Ahiflower oil is a game-changer when it comes to omega fatty acids for dogs.

What sets it apart from other sources is its exceptionally high content of stearidonic acid (SDA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA):

• SDA is particularly valuable because it converts to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—a powerful anti-inflammatory—at a rate far more efficient than other plant-based oils like flaxseed.
• Meanwhile, GLA supports healthy skin, coat, and hormone function, making it a vital nutrient that most other omega oils simply don’t provide.

Ahiflower oil combines these advantages into a single source, offering a robust omega profile that supports your dog’s overall health. Its unique combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids makes it a more balanced and comprehensive option compared to traditional oils.

Ahiflower Oil Vs Other Best Omega Sources For Dogs

When it comes to omega oils for dogs, ahiflower oil leads the pack.

Here’s how it stacks up against other popular choices:

• Fish/Krill Oil: While fish and krill oil are rich in EPA and DHA, they lack GLA entirely, leaving a gap in your dog’s omega needs. Additionally, fish oil comes with concerns about overfishing, heavy metals, and toxic contaminants, while krill oil raises ethical questions about harvesting marine life critical to the ocean’s ecosystem. Ahiflower oil avoids all these issues, offering a sustainable, vegan alternative.
• Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but it has no SDA, making it far less efficient at converting to EPA. In fact, ahiflower oil is up to 400% more effective at producing EPA, delivering a stronger anti-inflammatory response for your dog.
• Hempseed Oil, Chia Oil, and Microalgae Oil: While these oils have their benefits, none offer the balanced omega profile of ahiflower oil. For example, hempseed oil has significantly less SDA, while chia and microalgae oils lack GLA entirely. Ahiflower oil delivers both SDA and GLA in high concentrations, making it a superior choice.

With its unparalleled omega content and efficiency, ahiflower oil outperforms its competitors, providing more of the nutrients your dog needs in every drop.

Sustainability And Environmental Impact

Ahiflower oil isn’t just better for your dog; it’s better for the planet too.

Unlike fish oil, which depletes marine ecosystems by harvesting anchovies, sardines, and other small fish, ahiflower is a regenerative crop. A single hectare of ahiflower produces omega nutrients equivalent to 320,000 anchovies, all while enriching the soil and promoting biodiversity.

Growing ahiflower supports pollinator populations, which are essential for the health of many other plants. In contrast, fish oil production disrupts the delicate balance of the ocean’s ecosystem.

So by choosing ahiflower oil, you’re making a sustainable choice that supports both your pet’s health and the environment.

How to Use Ahiflower Oil For Dogs

Incorporating ahiflower oil into your dog’s diet is simple and safe.

• For a liquid option, use ¼ teaspoon for every 20-25 pounds of body weight, and mix it into your dog’s wet or dry food.
• Softgel capsules are another convenient choice, with a general guideline of one 750 mg capsule per 15 pounds of body weight.

Store liquid ahiflower oil in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness, and always follow recommended dosages.

With its mild, earthy flavor, most dogs have no trouble accepting it in their meals. Best of all, there are no known side effects, making ahiflower oil a worry-free addition to your dog’s daily routine.

FAQ

Can dogs have ahiflower oil? Yes, dogs can have ahiflower oil for dogs as it’s a safe and natural source of omega fatty acids that support healthy skin, the immune system, and overall dog's health. Its high content of gamma linolenic acid and SDA makes it a superior plant-based omega source for your dog's diet.

What is ahiflower oil used for? Ahiflower oil is used to provide essential omega fatty acids that support joint health, skin health, and the immune system in dogs. Its unique blend of omega-6 fatty acids and SDA offers a wide range of health benefits.

Can you use sunflower oil on dogs? While sunflower oil can provide omega-6 fatty acids, it lacks the health benefits of ahiflower oil for dogs, such as its balanced omega profile and superior conversion to EPA. For better skin health and overall dog's health, ahiflower oil is a more complete choice.

What is the best oil for dogs with allergies? The best oil for dogs with allergies is one that supports healthy skin and reduces inflammation, like ahiflower oil. Unlike fish oils, it’s a sustainable, plant-based omega source rich in gamma linolenic acid, making it ideal for sensitive dogs.