The Smart Side of Fat: Why We Use Expeller Pressed Canola Oil for Dogs
(and Why Balance Matters)

Canola oil for dogs has been debated for years — but when sourced and used correctly, it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your pup’s coat soft, their skin healthy, and their immune system strong.

At New Tricks Dog Food, we believe in transparency, science, and balance. Every ingredient we use serves a purpose, and our, expeller/cold-pressed canola oil is a small but mighty part of that equation.

What Is Canola Oil — and Why Is It Used in Dog Food?

Canola oil is a plant-based oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid — an essential nutrient for dog skin and coat health. Dogs can’t produce these fatty acids naturally, so they must come from food.

In moderation, canola oil helps support:

• Healthy, moisturized skin
• A glossy, full coat
• Immune and cellular health
• A stable balance of essential fatty acids

Unlike lower-grade seed oils that dominate many pet foods, we use only non-GMO, expeller-pressed canola oil, extracted mechanically without solvents or chemicals. That means more nutrients, fewer unwanted residues, and a cleaner ingredient your dog can actually benefit from.

Why “Seed Oils” Got a Bad Reputation

During the push to reduce saturated fats in the 20th century, the food industry leaned heavily on seed and vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, and canola. The problem wasn’t the oils themselves — it was the over-refinement and overuse that followed.

Many industrial oils are chemically deodorized or heated at high temperatures with solvents, like hexane, which can degrade antioxidants and alter the oil’s structure. Some research suggests that this kind of processing, coupled with excess intake, may contribute to oxidative stress or inflammation — but current scientific evidence remains inconclusive, especially in dogs.

The takeaway: it’s not about giving into fear and avoiding seed oils entirely. It’s about using our ingredients intelligently, choosing high-quality, minimally processed oils and using them in optimally beneficial balance with the natural animal fats from our whole mear sources.

Why We Use Expeller or Cold-Pressed Canola Oil

Our recipes are built primarily around whole cuts of human-grade meat, which naturally supply the majority of the fats in our food. These animal-based fats provide a strong foundation of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

We then fine-tune the balance with a touch of cold-pressed canola oil to reach the AAFCO-approved “Complete & Balanced” nutrient levels for all life stages and sizes.

This combination helps ensure that your dog gets:
✅ The right ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids
✅ A healthy, shiny coat and nourished skin
✅ Sustained energy from natural, digestible fats
✅ A clean, responsibly sourced ingredient list

Every batch is carefully mixed, tested, and frozen fresh to lock in nutritional integrity — no shortcuts, no chemical refining, and no unnecessary fillers.

Healthy Fats for Dogs: Quality and Quantity Matter

Dogs need both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, but the proportion matters. Too much Omega-6 without enough Omega-3 can promote inflammation; too little can lead to dull coats and dry, itchy skin.

Our goal isn’t to overload your dog with fat — it’s to provide the optimal balance of essential fatty acids their body can use effectively. That’s why we calculate and test each recipe for AAFCO compliance and nutritional precision.

The Truth About Canola Oil and Inflammation

You might have seen online claims that seed oils cause inflammation or even conditions like dementia. The truth is more nuanced.

• Human studies show mixed results, and some even find benefits from canola oil when replacing saturated fats.
• Animal studies have raised questions when oils are overheated or chemically refined, but there’s no clear evidence that expeller or cold-pressed canola oil causes harm.

At New Tricks, we err on the side of caution by sticking to unrefined, solvent-free oils and keeping total fat levels moderate. The result? A well-balanced diet that nourishes your pup without excess.