Soybean Oil
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Soybean Oil Highly processed plant oil high in omega-6 fatty acids.
What It Is
Highly processed plant oil high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Compare to Similar Ingredients
- vs. canola oil: Both are common plant oils high in omega-6 fatty acids. Soybean oil is higher in omega-6 (50% vs 20%) and more inflammatory, while canola oil has better omega-6:omega-3 ratio (2:1 vs 7:1).
- vs. sunflower oil: Both are omega-6 rich plant oils used for energy. Soybean oil is slightly lower in omega-6 (50% vs 60%) and contains some omega-3, while sunflower oil is almost pure omega-6 with more vitamin E.
Why It's Used in Dog Products
Manufacturers include soybean oil in dog food, treats, and supplements for several reasons:
- Cheap fat source
- Widely available
- Provides essential fatty acids
Quality Considerations
When evaluating soybean oil in dog products, it's important to understand omega fatty acid ratios, palatability, and energy density. This ingredient's quality and appropriateness can vary significantly based on sourcing, processing, and the specific formula it's used in.
Highly processed with poor omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
Potential Concerns
While soybean oil can be appropriate in dog nutrition, pet owners should be aware of rancidity, processing methods, and appropriate fat levels for different life stages. Individual dogs may respond differently to the same ingredient based on their health status, age, and sensitivities.
We avoid soybean oil. Better fat sources available with superior fatty acid profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soybean oil safe for dogs?
Soybean Oil should be used with caution or avoided. Highly processed with poor omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
What does soybean oil do in dog products?
Highly processed plant oil high in omega-6 fatty acids. Dog food manufacturers include this ingredient to provide cheap fat source and provide widely available.
Is soybean oil better than other fats in dog food?
Named fat sources like soybean oil are generally superior to generic "animal fat" because they provide transparency about the source and consistent quality. The quality of any fat depends on its fatty acid profile, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, preservation method, and source animal health. Soybean Oil offers traceability that generic fats cannot match.
How should soybean oil be preserved in dog food?
Fats and oils in dog food must be preserved to prevent rancidity and oxidation. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary extract are preferred over synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT. Check the ingredient label for "preserved with" statements to identify which preservatives are used.
How much fat should be in dog food?
Adult dog foods typically contain 12-18% fat, while puppy and performance formulas may have 18-25% fat or more. The AAFCO minimum is 5.5% for adult maintenance and 8.5% for growth and reproduction. The optimal amount depends on your dog's age, activity level, and individual metabolism.
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