Is Olive Oil Good For Dogs?

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Olive oil is a superfood for humans. It is packed with beneficial things like phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids. If you are a dog owner, you probably wondered, ”Is olive oil good for dogs?” It is highly beneficial to humans, so it has to be good for dogs, right? Well, you would be right. However, there are a few restrictions and possible risks involving olive oil for dogs. Here is what you should know about giving your dog olive oil;

Can dogs eat olive oil?

Not only is olive oil safe for dogs, but it is also highly beneficial. However, before you decide to introduce olive oil to your dog’s regular diet, make sure you talk to your vet. They can give you the best advice about your individual dog. Generally speaking, olive oil is safe for dogs, and if given a careful amount, dogs can eat it.

Benefits of olive oil for dogs

Whatever ingredient you decide to introduce into your dog’s diet, there has to be a good reason for it. Just because your dog loves the taste of something doesn’t mean it is good for them. Dogs will eat anything, and since they can’t understand that something is not good for them, it is up to us to make sure our dogs have a healthy diet. Luckily, olive oil can offer many benefits to our dogs, and here are some of the best things olive oil can offer them;

Immunity and cognitive decline

The first thing we will mention is that olive oil helps your dog’s immune system and brain. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, which fight free radicals that cause cancer. It is also packed with vitamin E, and that vitamin helps the brain function properly and prevents cognitive decline.

Olive oil helps with bodyweight

Around 60% of American pets are overweight, and canine obesity is a growing problem. Luckily, superfoods like olive oil can help you regulate your dog’s body weight. It is packed with monosaturated fats, which help break down unhealthy fats inside body cells. Olive oil will also stimulate the dog’s digestion, so if your dog has an unregular bowel movement, adding some olive oil to their kibble might be a good idea. However, dogs with diarrhea should avoid eating olive oil.

Coat care

This is a trick dog breeders know and often use on their dogs when the dog show season starts. Olive oil is packed with omega fatty acids, and omega fatty acids can do wonders for your dog’s coat. Not only will it make the coat shiny, but olive oil will also keep your dog’s skin well-nourished and healthy. Your dog’s coat will be healthy, shiny, and dog-show quality. That is precisely why vets often recommend you add some olive oil to your dog’s kibble if they have dry skin.

There is another oil dog owners and breeders use it as a supplement for their dogs. Check out this article - Fish oil for dogs.

Can olive oil be bad for dogs?

Unfortunately, if given too much, olive oil can be bad for dogs. Overweight dogs should have careful olive oil dosages. If they are already overweight and their usual diet contains high-fat food, they should avoid olive oil. There are health benefits monosaturated oils offer, but they are still fats. Overweight dogs should avoid eating too much olive oil. Use it just enough so your dog reaps the benefits, but not enough that they actually gain weight.

Another possible threat olive oil can present to dogs is pancreatitis. This is a severe health issue that can become life-threatening if left untreated. However, it can only happen if your dog consumes too much olive oil. It can happen if a bottle breaks while you are not at home, or your dog somehow gets ahold of it. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, and not only is it dangerous, but it is also excruciating for your dog.

One of the best supplements you can use for your dog is salmon oil. Check out this article for more information - Salmon oil for dogs.

How much olive oil can dogs eat?

The exact amount of olive oil your dog should eat will be determined by your dog’s size. Smaller dogs can have a teaspoon, and larger dogs can have a tablespoon. It would be best to talk to your vet about the exact amount of olive oil your dog can consume. The vet will know your dog’s medical history and can notice potential problems from olive oil. Here is a helpful way to consider the safe amount of olive oil for dogs;

• Dogs up to 15 pounds - half a teaspoon
• Dogs from 15 - 40 pounds - 1 teaspoon
• Dogs from 40 - 90 pounds - 1,5 - 2 teaspoons
• Dogs over 90 pounds - 1 tablespoon

Make sure you don’t give your dog olive oil every day. It would be best to mix olive oil in your dog’s food 3 times a week if nothing is wrong with your dog. Better yet, talk to your vet and see if this schedule works for your dog.

World Dog Finder team