Benefits of Olive Oil for Dogs

Benefits of Olive Oil for Dogs

Have you ever wondered if olive oil is good for dogs?  The answer is yes!  There are so many health benefits involved.  Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, this “superfood” has been known to help with everything from reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease to improving mobility and blood health.  Continue reading to gain further insight about what olive oil can do to help your dog!

First, we must determine the kind of olive oil which would be best to introduce to your dog’s diet.  Extra virgin olive oil is our top recommendation!  It may be tempting to reach for the cheapest olive oils on the shelf but keep in mind that those are made from lower quality olives and heavily refined preservatives.  In addition, extra virgin olive oil has lower acid levels than regular olive oil so it will definitely be easier on your dog’s digestive system.  It is also important to know that you should give your dog one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil per 20 pounds of bodyweight.  How can you administer the olive oil to your dog?  It is simple!  Just mix it in with their wet or dry dog food.  It will make it more enjoyable for them in the long run.

Let us talk about the main benefits of olive oil for dogs!

  1. Healthy Coat – Being packed with fatty acids adds a beautiful healthy shine to your dog’s coat. Just do not apply the oil to your dog’s fur.  Allow their system to process it inside to out.

 

  1. Improved Skin – Olive oil does a great job of keeping your dog’s skin cells healthy. There are so many antioxidants which will reduce inflammation and dry, flaky skin.

 

  1. Weight Control – Your four-legged friend needs to maintain a healthy body weight. Extra pounds can cause issues with joint inflammation.  The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help you avoid those extra pounds by breaking down fat cells in your dog’s system.

 

  1. Cardiovascular Health – Extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin E and phytonutrients which promote good cardiovascular health.

 

  1. Overall Health – Olive Oil is certainly a win-win in our opinion! Consider the fact that more than 50% of dogs over ten years old die from malignant tumors or some other form of cancer.  This should really inspire you to add olive oil into your dog’s diet sooner than later.  Please keep in mind that olive oil is a calorie-dense substance with 120 calories per teaspoon.  Moderation will be key!