Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vegetable oil supplements linked to food allergies in dogs
By Maina, Elisa & Cox, Eric·Published in BMC veterinary research·2025·Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Exploring the potential link between vegetable oil supplementation and adverse food reactions in dogs: a preliminary study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with skin problems, particularly those suffering from adverse food reactions (AFR), were found to have a higher rate of vegetable oil supplementation in their diets. In this study, 459 dogs were analyzed, and it was noted that 14% had been given oils, mostly extra-virgin olive oil. Dogs with AFR were more likely to receive these oils compared to those with other skin conditions. While the study suggests a link between vegetable oil supplementation and AFR, more research is needed to determine if the oils actually contribute to these food allergies.
People also search for: dog skin problems vegetable oil · adverse food reactions in dogs · dog diet for skin allergies
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adverse food reactions (AFR) are a common cause of skin diseases in dogs, with a prevalence of up to 24%. Research in humans and mice has shown that a high intake of vegetable oils rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) can increase the risk and severity of allergic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between AFR and the supplementation of vegetable oils in the canine diet. RESULTS: A total of 459 dogs were analyzed, with atopic dermatitis (22.66%) and adverse food reactions (AFR) (8.06%) being the most common diagnoses. Oil supplementation was recorded in 14.16% of dogs, with extra-virgin olive oil being the most common (70.77%). Dogs with AFR and concurrent AFR and CAD showed significantly higher oil supplementation rates compared to other conditions (P < 0.05; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between oil type and diagnosis (P = 0.563). After excluding EFA-supplemented dogs and those on prescription dermo diets, oil supplementation was still more prevalent in dogs with AFR compared to other conditions (29.31% vs. 10.10%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vegetable oil supplementation was more frequent in dogs with AFR than in those with other dermatological conditions. This is the first study to evaluate the relationship between vegetable oil supplementation and AFR in dogs. While vegetable oil supplementation is associated with AFR, further studies are needed to establish causality and better understand the role of n-6 PUFA in the development of food allergies in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40229833/