Is Olive Oil Good For Dogs? 5 Benefits of Olive Oil For Dogs

Have you ever considered feeding olive oil to your pets, especially your dog? Because it is a natural oil, olive oil can make a great addition to your dog’s diet. 

However, many dog owners don’t use it because they are unaware of what it can do for their pets. If you are such a pet owner, here are some of the health benefits of olive oil for dogs you should know.

How Can Olive Oil Improve Your Dog’s Health

Here are some benefits of olive oil for dogs. Once you learn all of them, you’ll realize the importance of regularly adding olive oils to your dog’s food.

1. Olive oil keeps their skin and coats healthy

Adding olive oil to your dog’s diet will nourish them from the inside out. Its effect on their bodies will be visible on their skin and coat. Just like olive oil is great for human hair and skin, it’s also great for dogs.

This is because olive oil’s antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins moisturize their skin and make their coats shiny. It also strengthens their hair follicles, preventing unnecessary shedding.

Although it may seem like a good idea to apply olive oil to your dog’s fur, vets advise pet owners to add it to their dog’s food for the best results.

It’s the only way to keep dogs from licking the olive oil off their fur coats, causing irritation or dryness, which can trigger skin problems.

2.  Olive oil boosts their immunity

Olive oil is one of the natural oils that contain lots of antioxidants. These substances are valued for their ability to fight free radical damage in our bodies. They also have a positive effect on dogs. 

A good example of the antioxidants in olive oil is carotenoids, the orange, red, and yellow pigments abundantly present in foods like pumpkins, carrots, and tomatoes.

The carotenoid, Lutein, is especially good for dogs. It has been proven to stimulate immunity in dogs, lowering their risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. 

Studies have also shown that senior dogs can benefit greatly from taking olive oil because its rich antioxidant content prevents the development of cognitive ailments that pop up in their old age, such as dementia. 

Olive oil works especially well in intelligent dogs like Mensa Mutts, Border Collies, and Poodles.

Some other health compounds like squalene, oleic acid, and terpenoids in olive oil have also been proven to prevent canine cancer (a disease that kills fifty percent of dogs over the age of ten)

3. It betters their digestion

Olive oil has a laxative effect on a dog’s gut that helps them digest fats better and have regular bowel movements. It is one of the best home remedies for constipation in dogs.

It also improves their appetite by making their food taste better, especially if added to dry foods. 

So, if your dog refuses to eat their food, try mixing it with a teaspoon of olive oil and see what happens. You can also add a dash of healthy spices for dogs, such as turmeric and cinnamon, to your olive oil dog food mixture to give them a more tasty treat.

 4. It increases their appetite and energy

Giving your dog at least a teaspoon of olive oil daily can boost their circulation and improve their breathing. 

You can use this home remedy to reduce the effects of Asthma in a dog that has a weak respiratory system that keeps them from breathing properly.

This is why Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as Bulldogs, can benefit significantly from a regular dose of olive oil in their diet.

5. Lowers the levels of bad cholesterol

The healthy monounsaturated fats in olive oil can reduce the levels of cholesterol in a dog’s blood. 

This is because olive oil has a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids that break down the fats in their blood vessels, which, if not dealt with, can trigger cholesterol issues. These healthy fats also reduce insulin resistance in dogs preventing canine Diabetes. 

Olive oil can also lower a dog’s body fat content by stimulating fat burning, especially around the belly region, helping them to lose weight.

Which Type of Olive Oil Is Best For Your Dog?

Now that you know how olive oil can better your dog’s health, you may be interested in adding it to your pup’s diet. The only question is, which olive oil should you buy for your dog?

Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the best olive oil for dogs.  

Although a bottle of EVOO may cost you a pretty penny, it is the best quality olive oil you can get. This is because EVOO is extracted from olives through physical and mechanical processes that preserve all the goodness you can get from olives.

Therefore, it contains more antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds than other edible oils. Some examples are the antioxidants oleuropein, tyrosol, and oleic acid, which are known to strengthen their immunity.

EVOO also has a fragrant aroma and fantastic flavor that enhances the taste of most foods recommended for dogs. It is also low in unhealthy polyunsaturated fats and contains a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation in dogs and other pets.

How To Add Olive Oil To Dog’s Diet

Now that you know how amazing olive oil is, you may be interested in adding it to your pup’s diet. 

Elderly dogs benefit more from olive oil than younger dogs. Those with low immunity or skin problems that give their coats a dull appearance also need olive oil more than healthy pooches with shiny coats.

The question is, how much olive oil should you add to your dog’s food? Well, the amount of olive oil you give to your dog will depend on its size.

Dogs between 20 and 50 pounds can have a teaspoon of olive oil daily in their food. On the other hand, heavy pooches who weigh 90 pounds or more should have a tablespoon of olive oil mixed into their food daily. 

You may also space out the days you feed your dog olive oil by adding it to their food every other day or weekly, depending on how much they need it. 

What to Avoid When Feeding Your Dog Olive Oil

While olive oil is good for dogs, it can sometimes cause discomfort or health problems. 

This may occur because of the type of olive oil you feed your dog, how much of the oil you add to their food, and their reaction to it. 

Conclusion

Now you know the benefits of olive oil for dogs and how to include it in your dog’s diet.

Remember, extra virgin olive oil is the best type of olive oil to feed your dog. So always go for it whenever you are looking for a healthy oil for your pet’s diet.

If you decide to experiment with olive oil in your dog’s diet, discuss it with your vet first. They will advise you if it’s necessary and how often to serve the olive oil to your pet for optimum health.

But for now, I hope the tips I’ve given you will encourage you to try olive oil as a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.