Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Sarah Wilson, BScH, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
If you’ve ever flipped over a dog food package and seen “sunflower oil” or “seed oil” on the label and paused — you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get is: “Wait… aren’t seed oils bad?”
We get it. There’s been a lot of noise online about seed oils lately. But the truth is, humans and dogs are not the same, and when used in the right way and amount, certain seed oils play a key role in your dog’s health. Here’s everything you need to know straight from our Board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist.
First Things First: What Are Essential Fatty Acids?
Just like us, dogs need fats to thrive — but not just any fats. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are nutrients your dog’s body can’t make on its own. That means they have to come from food. The two most important ones are:
- Omega-3s (like EPA and DHA): Found in fish oil, these are anti-inflammatory and support heart, brain, and joint health.
- Omega-6s (like linoleic acid): Vital for skin and coat health, cell function, immune support, and growth.
Yes, Omega-6s get a bad rep online -like Taylor Swift in 2017- but let’s set the record straight: linoleic acid is an essential nutrient for dogs. Without it, they can develop serious issues like dry, flaky skin, poor coat quality, and reproductive challenges.
Where Do Seed and Sunflower Oils Come In?
Seed oils like sunflower and safflower are some of the best natural sources of linoleic acid. That’s why they’re commonly used in vet-developed pet food. At The Pets Table, we use measured amounts of high-linoleic sunflower oil in some of our recipes to ensure your dog gets exactly what they need. No more, no less.
Other oils you might’ve heard about (like olive or coconut) might sound like good alternatives for humans, but they’re not high enough in linoleic acid to do the job for dogs. And don’t worry, we steer clear of oils like grapeseed, which can be unsafe for dogs due to tartaric acid toxicity — the same compound found in grapes, a well-known danger for pups. Learn more about fruits dogs should avoid here.
“But Aren’t Seed Oils Inflammatory?”
That’s one of the biggest myths — and it comes from human nutrition, where excess Omega-6 from ultra-processed foods can cause imbalance.
But here’s the thing: our meals are developed with board-certified veterinary nutritionists who know how to balance fatty acids the right way. That means our recipes always maintain a healthy Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio using a mix of seed oils and fish oils to support your pup’s skin, coat, joints, and immune system.
We also run regular nutrient testing to ensure every meal:
- Is complete and balanced for all life stages.
- So every meal is safe for your pup to consume.
- Provides a beneficial ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids to avoid unnecessary inflammatory excess.
AAFCO Standards and “Complete & Balanced” Meals
Every recipe from The Pets Table is formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for dogs of all life stages, even large-breed puppies. “Complete and balanced” isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the foundation of what we do. We make sure your dog gets everything they need: protein, vitamins, minerals, and yes, the right fats, in the right amounts.
Final Woof
We know how overwhelming pet nutrition can feel. Especially with so much misinformation online. But when it comes to seed and sunflower oils, you can feel confident: these ingredients are here for a reason.
- They provide essential fatty acids
- They support skin, coat, immune, and brain health
- Every drop is measured, reviewed, and tested by vets
- They’re part of why our meals are both delicious and deeply nutritious
Still curious? Check out more of our blog for expert-backed articles on everything from fresh vs. air-dried food to common feeding mistakes. You can start with a 2-week trial box at 50% OFF — complete with a money-back guarantee. Take our quiz to build your dog’s personalized plan, and explore more on our blog to keep learning! Because your dog’s food should be as thoughtful as the love you give them.