With the numerous health benefits of olive oil for the human diet, you may have wondered "is olive oil good for dogs too?". The resounding answer is YES, olive oil offers many benefits for dogs.
1. It's Great For Their Skin & Coat
Similar to us, dogs also suffer from dry, flaky skin. Olive oil contains phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your dog’s skin moisturized and well-nourished. These nutrients also benefit your dog’s coat, adding shine and strength to their hair.
While you applying olive oil directly to your dog’s coat sounds tempting, we don’t recommend this approach as your dog will likely lick it off further aggravating the area. If your dog suffers from dry skin, just add a teaspoon of olive oil to their food. We recommend our estate-produced Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
2. It Can Boost Their Immune System
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and consuming plenty of antioxidants has been shown to effectively fight free radical damage that can lead to certain illnesses such as dementia and cardiovascular disease.
Olive oil also contains carotenoid antioxidants, which can help to improve the immune system. Carotenoids are red, yellow, and orange pigments found in foods like carrots, pumpkins, and tomatoes. The carotenoid lutein has been shown to stimulate immune responses specifically in dogs.
3. It Can Help Maintain A Healthy Weight & Help With Digestion
Just like for us, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil help break down the fat inside of fat cells and lower cholesterol. Adding small amounts of olive oil to your dog’s food can also help stimulate their digestive system as olive oil acts as a laxative. However, if your dog is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, olive oil should be avoided as it may exacerbate these conditions.
4. It Improves The Taste Of Their Food
If your dog is hesitating to eat their food, try adding a splash of olive oil to change the taste and consistency. This technique can be particularly effective if your dog is eating dry food.
SERVING SIZE
Be sure to give no more than one teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight. Just mix it in with your pup’s wet or dry food and enjoy the benefits!
Source: Rover.com - The Dog People
