Spotlight on Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil

You’ll find cold-pressed rapeseed oil in every one of our treats — and that’s no accident. This golden ingredient isn’t just there for flavour. It’s a quietly powerful addition, full of naturally occurring nutrients that support your dog’s body in doing what it already does best: wag, run, bounce, and nap like a champion.

So, why are we obsessed with using this oil, and why does it matter what kind of rapeseed oil you use? Let’s break it down.

Cold-Pressed vs Standard Rapeseed Oil

Not all oils are created equal. Standard rapeseed oil (the kind you’d find in many cooking oils) is often heat-treated and chemically refined, which strips out much of the natural goodness. Cold-pressed oil is made differently — it’s pressed slowly and gently, without high heat or solvents. The result? More nutrients and natural fatty acids are preserved.

Here are five key differences:

  1. Nutrient retention – Cold-pressed oil keeps more omega-3 and vitamin E than refined versions.
  2. No chemical residues – It’s produced without industrial solvents.
  3. Natural flavour – Cold-pressing keeps the subtle, nutty aroma intact.
  4. Rich in unsaturated fats – Including monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  5. Traceability – We use local suppliers, so we know exactly where ours comes from — think fields around Aberdeenshire, not anonymous tankers.

What’s Actually In It?

Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is packed with:

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – an omega-3 fatty acid
  • Linoleic acid (LA) – an omega-6 fatty acid
  • Monounsaturated fats – such as oleic acid (also found in olive oil)
  • Vitamin E – a fat-soluble antioxidant

These nutrients play a role in how the body functions. Dogs, like humans, can’t produce certain fatty acids on their own. These are called essential fatty acids, and they have to come from food.

Why Oils Matter in a Dog’s Diet

Fats (the good kind) aren’t just fuel — they’re functional. Dogs need dietary fat for:

  • Energy – Fat provides more than twice the energy of protein or carbs.
  • Nutrient absorption – Many key vitamins (like A, D, E and K) are fat-soluble — without fat, they pass through the body unused.
  • Skin and coat maintenance – A balanced intake of fatty acids supports skin health and coat condition.
  • Metabolic processes – Fatty acids are involved in hormone production and cellular health.

A deficiency in essential fatty acids in dogs has been linked (in scientific studies) to dry skin, poor coat quality, and metabolic disruption. While most commercial dog foods do include fats, the quality and balance of those fats can vary. That’s one reason why cold-pressed plant oils, like rapeseed, are used to support variety and balance.

Why We Use It

We chose cold-pressed rapeseed oil not just because it’s a “healthier” label, but because it has a strong nutritional profile and we can source it locally from producers we know and trust. Our oil comes from the Northeast of Scotland, where it’s grown, pressed, and bottled with care — no shortcuts, no solvents, no nasty additives and very minimal food miles.

It’s the same kind of oil that’s used in premium human foods, only it happens to also work beautifully in a baked dog treat. It holds up well in the oven, has a mild flavour, and contributes natural fats that play a part in your dog’s overall nutrition.

The Bottom Line

We don’t make health promises — that’s a job for vets. But we do believe in making smart choices about the ingredients we use. Cold-pressed rapeseed oil is one of them: minimally processed, naturally rich in important nutrients, and sourced right here in Bonnie Scotland.

It’s just one small way we aim to make our treats not only delicious, but also well-considered.

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