You probably don’t have a bottle of it in your pantry. However, you probably consume palm oil every day. It’s big business with global production for 2021–2022 at 73.8 million metric tons.1 It has become widespread in a broad range of products,2 from instant noodles to chocolate to bread. Part of the reason rests with the FDA’s decision to ban trans fats in 2015.3 Palm oil provides a decent substitute.
You can think of palm oil as the lesser of two evils. Fats are the proverbial double-edged sword. Humans and our pets need fat. Palm oil isn’t toxic as an ingredient. However, as in most matters, it exists in that murky gray area. While palm oil isn’t poisonous to dogs,4 it does act as a laxative and shouldn’t be given to them.
Is Palm Oil Safe for Dogs?
While palm oil certainly isn’t poisonous or toxic to dogs, it isn’t something that should be given regularly. Too much can not only have a laxative effect, but it can cause sickness, dehydration, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis in extreme cases. On top of that, it is extremely high in fat, which clearly isn’t the best for our pets. Due to its semi-solid state, it may also cause blockage. It is best when digested in its pure form. However, we are seeing more and more of this oil in our human foods that we often give to our pets as an occasional treat.
Describing Palm Oil
Palm oil comes from the pressed fruit of oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis.). It grows in tropical areas of Africa and Asia. Indonesia and Malaysia are the global production leaders.5 The United States is the third top importer of this product. Roughly 68% is used for foods.6 About 27% goes toward industrial applications, with the remainder as biofuels. You may wonder how it ended up on your dinner table.
Palm oil is unique among plant products because it is solid at room temperature. That was part of the allure of using trans fats in foods and other products. The ban opened the floodgates for palm oil to take its place.
Palm oil helps improve the shelf life of many products. It can make processed foods keep their consistency and shape. It can also add pleasant textural qualities to the things we eat. These qualities have made palm a ubiquitous ingredient. You may or may not see it listed as palm oil in the ingredients of the products you buy. Other terms you may find include:
That can make it difficult to know whether your dog is eating it. However, many manufacturers meet the fat requirements for their products from the animal-based proteins they contain. You’re more likely to encounter palm oil in your foods and in highly processed pet items.
Nutritional Value
Palm oil, like similar products, has little nutritional value with its vitamin or mineral content. It contains small amounts of vitamins E and K. Its value is in its omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can improve your dog’s skin, immune response, and cardiovascular health. While it’s not a significant contributor, it provides some for a nutrient that has limited rich food sources.
We must also address the elephant in the room: the fat content of palm oil. A tablespoon contains 120 calories, the same as comparable oils. A 50-pound dog needs between 700 to 900 calories daily. It’s easy to see why excess fat would be an issue. However, it’s still necessary. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), canines need 5.5% to 8.5% depending on their life stage.
Therefore, a small portion of palm oil in your pup’s food or treats could help satisfy this need while providing some nutritional value. Nevertheless, other questions exist about palm oil that warrants discussion.
Safety
Precautions about ingesting palm oil are similar to other fats. If your dog consumed too much, it would likely cause GI distress and vomiting. It wouldn’t harm your pet, necessarily. The concern rests with the complications it may cause if left unchecked. Dehydration is the primary concern if your pup is sick for a while. Puppies and senior pets are at the greatest risk.
Other Questions About Its Use
Palm oil production has been a boon to many countries, improving local economies and the quality of life of their citizens. It has raised concerns about its sustainability and impact on forests. Research has shown that production can be carbon-neutral if done properly. Fortunately, organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) are leading the charge toward sustainability.
You can check the manufacturer’s website for any dog products you use for the RSPO certification to ensure you’re supporting this cause with your dollars.
Final Thoughts
While you may not cook with it, palm oil is undoubtedly in your kitchen. It provides an inexpensive substitution for trans fats without its health concerns. Our advice is always to use caution when offering your dog something outside its regular diet. Palm oil isn’t harmful in itself. Nonetheless, it can have the same adverse effects as any fat if your pup ingests too much of it.
Featured Image Credit: boonpheng, Shutterstock
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