You may have seen claims online that sunflower oil is harmful, inflammatory, or otherwise bad for health. There’s a lot of chatter - but what does the science actually say? In this article, we’ll separate the hype from the evidence and explain why seed oils can valuable part of a balanced diet both for humans and dogs.
🌱 “Seed oils are harmful to dogs”
❓ Many people assert that seed oils are harmful in excess, as they contain residual chemicals, free radicals or toxins, which damage health over time.
🎯 The solvents and chemicals used in extraction (for example, hexane) are removed during refining; refining is the process of purifying the oil to make it safe, stable and palatable for consumption.
The term “harmful” or “toxic” is misleading when used in this context - almost all substances (even water) can be harmful at extremely high doses. The burden of proof lies in showing real harm at realistic intake levels. The phrase ‘the dose makes the poison’ applies here. Many things in the right quantity can be harmful to health.
Regulatory bodies consider refined seed oils generally safe for consumption (when used appropriately).
🌱 ”Sunflower oil promotes inflammation”
❓Because seed oils are high in omega‑6 fatty acids (especially linoleic acid), critics argue they shift the body’s balance toward pro-inflammatory pathways, contributing to chronic disease.
While it's true that the inflammatory response is linked to omega-6 fatty acids, it's also important to remember that balance is key. It is actually the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet that is the most critical factor in managing a healthy inflammatory response.
Omega-3s act as a natural counterpoint to omega-6s, producing anti-inflammatory compounds that help keep the body's response in check. Rest assured, we carefully formulate all of our meals to ensure they meet the minimum omega-3 requirements as outlined by FEDIAF, as well as having an optimally balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. This means that even with the sunflower oil, your dog is getting the right amount of beneficial omega-3s to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that supports their long-term health, rather than promoting inflammation.
🎯 The conversion of linoleic acid to inflammatory compounds (e.g. arachidonic acid) is tightly regulated in the body, and in many human studies, altering dietary linoleic acid has not meaningfully shifted those downstream compounds.
Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin E also supports immune function, shiny coats, skin health and normal blood clotting.
Dogs require certain essential fats - those they can’t fully synthesise themselves. One such fat is linoleic acid, an omega‑6. Sunflower oil is a good plant‑based source of it.
🐾 The bottom line
👉 In short, seed oils like those from the sunflower aren’t villainous. Like any ingredient, their impact depends on how much you use, how you cook with them, and what else you’re eating. A varied diet rich in whole foods, fibre, fruit, vegetables, good protein and balanced fats is still the most reliable path to health for both two and four-legged creatures.
Some of our recipes include a very small amount of sunflower oil - the perfect amount to meet the dietary omega-6 requirements of your dog - and some contain flax oil or ground flaxseeds. If you would like to review the exact ingredients in each dish we offer, you can find a full nutritional breakdown of each recipe on the Our Products page of our website 👉 here 👈
💡 Since Butternut Box meals contain a carefully selected combination of fresh, human-grade meat, vegetables, herbs and vitamins and minerals, you don’t need to worry that your dog is consuming anything harmful.