Can Dogs Eat Palm Oil? A Comprehensive Look

Maybe you're thinking about giving your dog palm oil and want to know if it's safe and healthy for them to eat. While palm oil is safe for dogs in moderation, it's not as healthy as other oils like fish or coconut oil. In addition, if your dog eats too much palm oil, they could experience digestive problems, pancreatitis, and nutritional deficiencies from eating palm oil instead of a more balanced diet.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the research and expert opinions on how palm oil affects dogs. We hope that by the end of this evidence-based analysis, you'll have a better understanding of whether or not you should be giving your dog palm oil and learn about other options that will help you meet your dog's dietary needs. Our goal is to give you the information you need to decide if and how to give your dog palm oil safely.

Potential Risks of Dogs Eating Palm Oil

Although palm oil is not toxic to dogs, there are several risks associated with dogs eating palm oil. According to Mokai Paws, the most common issue is digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and pancreatitis. Dogster notes that any fat, including palm oil, can cause these issues in dogs if they are not treated.

However, the most dangerous risk is when dogs eat congealed palm oil that has washed up on beaches, as noted by Holidays4Dogs and The Scotsman. This form of palm oil can cause blockages in the intestines, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. In addition, eating palm oil that has been contaminated with other substances can lead to more serious health issues, including kidney failure and liver failure.

According to Vets Now as cited by Dogster, puppies and older dogs are at a higher risk of experiencing negative side effects from eating palm oil due to their more sensitive digestive systems. Dogs should only eat palm oil in moderation, as overeating can lead to them eating less nutritious food and experiencing negative side effects. While palm oil is not toxic, it's important to ensure that your dog does not eat too much of it and to watch for any negative side effects after adding it to their diet. As long as you are cautious and feed your dog palm oil in moderation, the risks of palm oil can be avoided.

Environmental and Ethical Issues With Palm Oil

The palm oil industry has been linked to a number of environmental issues, most notably the destruction of rainforests and the loss of habitat for endangered animals. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the palm oil industry has been responsible for the mass deforestation of tropical rainforests, which has in turn caused the endangerment of orangutans, elephants, tigers, rhinos, and many other species that live in these environments.

In an effort to combat these issues, the WWF and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) have been working to improve the sustainability of the palm oil industry. As the RSPCA explains, the RSPO has created and enforced a set of standards for sustainable palm oil production, and has also been urging companies to use certified sustainable palm oil in their products.

In addition to the environmental issues, the animal welfare issues associated with palm oil production are also troubling. The RSPCA notes that the deforestation of tropical rainforests has caused orangutans to starve and lose their homes, and has also led to the illegal capture and trade of baby orangutans as pets.

As responsible pet parents, it’s important to understand the environmental and ethical issues associated with the products we buy for our dogs. By choosing to support companies that use certified sustainable palm oil or that offer palm oil-free products, we can help encourage positive change in the industry and protect the natural habitats of endangered animals.

What to Look for in Dog Food and Treats

Thankfully, there are many pet products that either don't contain palm oil or source it sustainably. ProductsWithoutPalmOil.com lists several companies that make palm oil-free dog shampoos, treats, and other products, such as Ethique, The Australian Natural Soap Company, and Veggie Paws.

Many of these companies use other oils, such as coconut, sunflower, or canola oil, which can be healthier for dogs and don't have the same environmental impact as palm oil. EthicalConsumer.org also lists companies like Lavera, Odylique, and Friendly Soap that use certified sustainable or organic palm oil in their pet products.

When it comes to dog food and treats, pet parents should be sure to read labels carefully and look for the terms "LAUR," "STEAR," "GYLC," and "PALM," which can indicate the presence of palm oil. PalmOilDetectives.com suggests that pet parents opt for locally made pet foods over mass-produced ones, as they are less likely to contain palm oil.

By choosing to support companies that are dedicated to sustainability and ethical sourcing, pet parents can help make a difference for the environment and animal welfare. With a little research, it's possible to find high-quality, palm oil-free products that will meet your dog's dietary needs.

How to Spot Palm Oil in Pet Products and Signs of Toxicity

Spotting palm oil in pet products can be difficult, especially since it can be listed under so many different names and derivatives. According to Ethical Consumer, some of the many names palm oil can be disguised as include "Acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol," "Ceteareth," "Cetyl alcohol," "Glycerin," "Laureth," and "Sodium lauryl sulfate," among more than 400 others.

In its solid form, palm oil is a "waxy, white, or yellow-coloured substance" with a "diesel fuel-like odor," according to Holidays4Dogs. This semi-solid state can be dangerous if eaten by dogs, as it can lead to intestinal blockages, which is a medical emergency.

If a dog has ingested palm oil, the Vets Now website explains that common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration. In more severe cases, pancreatitis can develop, and in the most serious cases, kidney or liver failure can occur. It is important to seek veterinary care immediately if a dog has ingested a large amount of palm oil or if the source of the palm oil is unknown.

Pet owners can better protect their dogs from palm oil by learning the many names it can be listed under and what it looks like in its solid form. This will help them avoid the substance in their dog's diet and environment. Being aware and acting quickly can help minimize the dangers of palm oil ingestion.

Efforts to Regulate and Certify Palm Oil in Pet Products

The regulations and certifications of palm oil in pet products are currently inconsistent around the world. For example, in the US, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) does not mandate that palm oil be listed as an ingredient, which means it can be listed as "vegetable oil" or "vegetable fat," according to CHOICE. This lack of transparency makes it hard for consumers to know what they're buying.

Non-governmental organizations like the Orangutan Alliance have called for better labeling, pointing out that environmental concerns are often not covered by food regulators. Legislation like the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Truth in Labelling—Palm Oil) Bill 2017 in the Australian Parliament has been introduced to try to close this loophole.

In response, some of the largest pet product manufacturers have made commitments to improve the sustainability and transparency of their palm oil supply chains. For example, Target has pledged to use RSPO-certified palm oil or its equivalent in all of its owned-brand products by the end of 2022. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has been instrumental in promoting sustainable standards and certifications throughout the industry.

In the end, consumer knowledge and demand will be the most important factors in changing the pet product industry for the better. By choosing to buy from companies that are transparent and committed to sustainable sourcing, pet parents can help encourage the industry to adopt more ethical and environmentally-friendly practices.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance Between Nutrition and Sustainability for Our Dogs

While the pure palm oil found in some pet products is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, the semi-solid, gelatinous palm oil that washes up on beaches is highly toxic and can cause intestinal blockages and other health issues in dogs, according to PetHonesty.

On the other hand, the palm oil used in many pet supplements and treats is not toxic when sourced responsibly. In fact, PetHonesty points out that their sustainably-sourced, RSPO-certified palm oil is safe for dogs in small amounts. That said, like any oil, including coconut oil, excessive consumption of palm oil can lead to digestive issues, including diarrhea, dehydration, and pancreatitis.

The World Wildlife Fund also notes that the palm oil industry can be managed in a way that allows it to provide benefits without destroying natural habitats. The RSPO is one of the organizations that's working to promote sustainable palm oil production and encourage companies to use certified sources in their products.

As pet parents, it's up to us to make choices that take into account the environmental and ethical impact of the products we buy. By supporting companies that are committed to sustainability and by ensuring our dogs don't consume too much palm oil, we can help ensure a healthier future for our dogs and the planet.