Sunflower Oil vs. MCT Oil for Pets

Which is better for dogs: sunflower oil, or a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, such as coconut oil? Let’s take a look at the science.

Not surprisingly, sunflower oil is oil expressed from the seeds of the sunflower, usually in a single step, using high, mechanical pressure. Sunflower oil has a neutral taste profile, and is gentle on dogs’ stomachs, both of which makes it an ideal carrier for the hemp-extracted CBD in our Martha Stewart CBD for Pets and SurityPro™ Well Drops. 

In addition to its suitability as a neutral, well-tolerated carrier for CBD, sunflower oil is rich in unsaturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help your four-footed friend maintain healthy, moisturized skin and a soft, shiny coat. 

There have been numerous claims about the health benefits of coconut oil for humans—everything from helping to rejuvenate dry, damaged skin and hair to increasing energy levels to boosting metabolism. Many of these benefits are linked to the MCTs found in the oil.

But dogs and humans are different, and there hasn’t been sufficient research to recommend coconut oil and other MCT oils as part of a dog’s healthy diet. On the other hand, we have evidence that sunflower oil is easy for your dog to digest; our research shows a significant decrease in gastrointestinal issues in dogs consuming sunflower oil as compared to MCT oil.

Martha Stewart CBD for Pets and SurityPro™ are committed to developing CBD-based formulations that are scientifically proven to be safe for their intended use.

All of the ingredients used in our products—including the sunflower oil in our Well Drops—are naturally derived, responsibly sourced in the USA, and have been thoroughly tested. We partner with veterinarians, scientists, and leading academic institutions to create products that help pets live their best lives.

In addition, all Martha Stewart CBD for Pets and SurityPro™ products bear the quality seal of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), a certification body that works with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to provide regulatory guidance for CBD/hemp products for animals. We are proud to have voluntarily adopted the NASC’s strict criteria for quality, safety, and marketing practices. 

We strongly recommend you only give your pets CBD products that were manufactured specifically for animals, and always follow label directions and dosage instructions.

As mentioned above, when sunflower oil is first pressed, it has a neutral taste profile, which means that most dogs won’t dislike it; their reaction to it is likely to be, well, neutral. 

But sunflower oil’s neutrality also means that it’s ideal for infusing with flavors dogs love. 

Martha Stewart CBD for Pets Well Drops have a delicious natural chicken flavor, while SurityPro™ Well Drops are available in an unflavored formulation, as well as three different flavors:

• Creamy Peanut Butter
• Roasted Chicken
• Smoky Bacon

Our testing showed that these are the flavors dogs enjoy the most, but as we all know, tastes vary from one dog to another, and you probably know your pooch’s preferences best. 

Our oil drop products have been formulated so that the most you ever have to give your dog is 2 mL per day, at the largest weight range. The goal is to make it simple to give just the right amount, every day. 

You should use these products as directed on the product packaging; instructions are also available on each product’s listing page so you can read them before purchase. Be careful not to exceed the recommended daily amounts for any pet CBD product or to combine it with other products containing CBD (including other products sold by Shop Canopy).

To learn more about our pet CBD products and other topics related to pet CBD, read our other blogs and view our FAQs.