Hi abby13 –
The type of walnut oil that you buy from the health food store isn’t toxic to dogs. However, if you’re going to supplement your dog’s diet with an oil I would go with an animal-based fat. Walnut oil contains omega 3’s and omega 9’s – omega 9’s are not an essential fat for dogs and aren’t of much use and the omega 3’s found in plant-based oils are in the form of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Dogs lack the enzyme necessary to convert ALA into a form that their bodies can utilize – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish oils, krill oil and squid oil are all high in omega 3’s in the form a EPA and DHA so they are in a form that can be utilized by the dog. If you want to add a plant-based oil in addition to an animal-based oil, coconut oil would be a good choice – it’s high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) comprised of lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. The lauric acid component has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. MCTs are also metabolized quicker than other fats to provide your dog with quick energy. Coconut oil is also great for the skin and coat.
