Can dogs eat olive oil? And is olive oil good for dogs? Olive oil, that staple of every kitchen, happens to make an excellent, healthful addition to every dog’s food bowl — among other benefits. We’ve touted the benefits of coconut oil for dogs before, which is another mainstay in my pantry, but let’s not forget the oil that comes from olives, which has its own fantastic advantages. In fact, why not mix things up? Rotate the oils you sweeten your dog’s food bowl with! I like to switch among olive, coconut and (for the omega-3 factor so key to senior dog vitality) fish oil by Nordic Naturals. Here are eight reasons to heart olive oil for dogs. Bone appetit!
1. Olive oil for dogs tastes doggone good
Few things perk up a boring bowl of dry kibble better than a spoonful of what dog-loving celebrity chef Rachael Ray affectionately calls EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil) — especially if your kibble might be, ahem, the tiniest bit stale. Add a dash of cinnamon and turmeric, and you’ve spiced your dog’s meal in grand style!
2. Olive oil helps your dog lose weight
Whether the portly pepperpot is canine or human, if there are some unwanted pounds that need shedding, olive oil for dogs helps grease the weight-loss engine. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage pound-melting by breaking down the fat inside fat cells, getting rid of belly fat and reducing insulin sensitivity.
3. Olive oil for dogs promotes optimal canine health
Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil for dogs prevents and lessens the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It contains oleic acid, in addition to some compounds (squalene and terpenoids) that are believed to be effective in preventing cancer, which kills a staggering 50 percent of dogs over age 10.
4. Olive oil for dogs defends the immune system
With high levels of antioxidants — including polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll and carotenoids — olive oil for dogs is effective at arming the body’s immune system so it can efficiently fight off disease. That’s especially important as we (humans as well as canines) transition from one season to another.
5. Olive oil could extend your dog’s life
Dogs don’t live nearly as long as we want them to, but nothing looks sadder than a young dog going gray before his time. Olive oil for dogs prevents free radical cell oxidation (see above), which can lead to premature aging, so it works to help keep your dog looking as vibrantly youthful as he did in his salad days.
6. Olive oil for dogs is a brain food
Olive oil helps prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging in all species, so olive oil for dogs can benefit senior dogs. Serve olive oil to senior dogs at least once daily, to keep their minds beautiful and cloud-free. This is especially important if your dog is a super-smartie, such as a Border Collie, Poodle or Mensa mutt.
7. Olive oil provides an energy boost to your dog
Circulation improves and breathing comes more easily with a daily dose of olive oil — it helps increase blood flow and, in humans, lessens the effects of asthma. So, by extension, olive oil for dogs can be a dogsend for brachycephalic breeds such as the Bulldog, who sometimes struggle to breathe.
8. Olive oil for dogs is a beauty treatment, too
There’s more to olive oil than mere substance — it’s a style statement, too! Long used to beautify human hair and skin, olive oil for dogs can do the same. Condition your dog’s coat from the inside out with a daily serving, which helps to impart moisture and gleam to even the driest, dullest fur.
Tell us: What do you think of olive oil for dogs? Do you add it to your dog’s diet or beauty routine? Did we convince you to start? Let us know in the comments!
Thumbnail: Photography ©chendongshan | Thinkstock.
This piece was originally published in 2015.
83 thoughts on “Olive Oil for Dogs — 8 Reasons to Add It to Your Dog’s Diet”
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You mentioned to give dogs fish oil From Nordic Naturals but you didn’t mention to give the PET formula. The pet formula is without rosemary which can be toxic to dogs so you really should add that in your article.
Thank You for the wonderful advice! I was having to vacuum once, sometimes twice per day because of our Lab/Cur “Charlotte “. I began giving her a Tablespoon Olive Oil on her Dry Food about 7 weeks ago, and I am only having to vacuum every other day now, not to mention her black coat is silky and shiny too! No more Dandruff either! I am so glad I read your article, as we are traveling in our Retirement, and my husband is allergic to dog dander and was quite upset I was bringing her on the road in these confined quarters. We had lived on an 8 acre farm for 11 years, and the dogs had free rein, and slept in the mud room. Lol!
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It’s a great news that CBD is really effective in these diseases. I’ve read some articles about victim’s experience on CBD. Literally, CBD has treated their diseases. Some of the people are happy for their pets because some companies sell CBD products for pets too. It’s worth than spending hundreds of dollars on medicines and clinic fees.
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I am reading about olive oil. I have 2 questions about it. Does it have Omega 3 ? What about eating olives. My shih tzu love black olives and since olive oil comes from olives would it be ok to eat olives?
In reference to the person, Donna, who asked about grapeseed oil. Is this not from Grapes, and are grapes not said to be poisonous to dogs? I know grapeseed oil did wonders for my mom, who had areas on her arms where the blood vessels broke – I called it purpura, but I am not sure I would give it to my dogs.
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So cute
Thanks for the great article! Both of my dogs get 1 teaspoon of EVOO plus a dash of turmeric with each meal. They love it!
My dog had a bad itch and dandruff flakes all over we tried several things to help and then I came across this article on olive oil. I started adding some to his food at each meal and within 2 weeks the flakes are almost completely cleared up he isn’t itching anymore and both of my dogs absolutely love it. Of course they expect it now but that’s fine it really does help and I’ll continue to add it to every meal. As for how much I just add enough to coat the food a tbsp or so take a spoon and mix it until all the food is covered kind of like a salad lol.
I’ve been using olive oil in my dogs dry food every evening ( wet food in am and dry in pm ). I started because my shih tzu was scratching a lot. I have an oil mister that I use to spray it on. Daisey, my shih tzu is scratching a lot less AND tank my pug has taken some much weight off. You know pugs, always on that seefood diet. Win, win.
For 1000’s of years coconut has been a principal portion of the Pacific Islanders’ diet plan. The milk of the coconut is a main ingredient utilized for cooking. The juice or drinking water of the coconut is eaten as a delightful and refreshing beverage.The meat is also utilized for eating and cooking, and can be dried and offered for use in baking and desserts. The oil from the coconut is not only used for cooking and frying, but for medicinal needs as properly.It was in the 70’s and the 80’s when coconut oil earned a bad rep because of its large articles in saturated excess fat. What researchers failed to understand is that this research was accomplished on partly hydrogenated coconut oil and not from its raw, organic and natural point out. When any normal oil is hydrogenated, its complete chemical make-up is transformed, turning it into a trans excess fat. Trans fat are very harmful for you and can guide to coronary heart ailment. Virgin coconut oil that has not been hydrogenated, processed, or refined is in fact a saturated excess fat that is excellent for you.What some folks do not realize is that not all saturated fats are negative for you, particularly some that happen by natural means, this kind of as coconut oil. It is deemed a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) that can be simply digested and burned off. This is as opposed to most of the foodstuff and oils we consume and use each day that are produced up of prolonged-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) that our bodies can’t very easily breakdown and finish up storing as body fat.The oil from coconut also includes a very rare organic fatty acid referred to as lauric acid. It has antimicrobial qualities that destroys viruses and bacteria. You can truly set coconut oil on cuts and burns because not only does it destroy germs, but it also provides a protecting barrier from germs and an infection. Lauric acid is also known to enhance higher-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the body, or in other phrases, boosts the “very good cholesterol”. This encourages a wholesome coronary heart and less threat for coronary heart disease.One more advantage of coconut oil is boosting your metabolic process. Given that coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, it can effortlessly be digested and rapidly turned into vitality. This in flip will help encourage excess weight loss. It also aids support a wholesome immune technique because getting a higher metabolic rate can speed up the healing process. A larger metabolic charge can also improve thyroid action, which is also a advantage to these with thyroid issues and uncover it difficult to shed weight.When used topically, coconut oil does wonders on the skin. The Lauric acid and its antimicrobial qualities can actually aid recover and handle zits. It can even be manufactured into a scrub for exfoliating the face. It is rich in vitamin E and can also be utilised as a moisturizer and support reverse the effects of getting older and lessen wrinkles. It can also support decrease the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes, or dry and flaky pores and skin. You can use it to treat a dry and flaky scalp, help manage dandruff, and deal with dry and broken hairThe checklist genuinely could go on and on of all the fantastic outcomes coconut oil has on the human human body. It has rightly earned its title as the “miracle oil”. Whether taken internally or utilized topically, the biggest gain of coconut oil is being able to seem and really feel younger and much healthier.
Wonderful post! We are linking to this great post on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
Been using salmon oil for years. Is that enough oil?
Hi Carmen,
Thanks for reaching out! We suggest contacting your vet to make sure salmon oil is right for your dog and what amount you should be using.
Olive oil is great both for humans and dogs! It´s been used through thousands of years! I add about a spoon to my foster dog´s servings and they not only love the taste on their food, they develop healthier coats in no time!
I know these oil products are great for dogs but just a warning I tried adding a very small amount of coconut oil to my dog’s food and he was instantly in the vet, he has pancreatitis. This would only once in a blue moon but be aware of it. Regards Sandra
How about grapeseed oil? Same benefits?
Hi there,
Please note that this article was originally written in 2015. We have a degreed dog nutritionist writing for us now and she just did some articles on oils. Please check these pieces out and let us know if you have questions:
https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/black-currant-evening-primrose-and-borage-oils-for-dogs
https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/hempseed-and-flaxseed-oils-for-dogs
References for this article?
Hi there,
Please note that this article was originally written in 2015. We have a degreed dog nutritionist writing for us now and she just did some articles on oils. Please check these pieces out and let us know if you have questions:
https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/black-currant-evening-primrose-and-borage-oils-for-dogs
https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/hempseed-and-flaxseed-oils-for-dogs
13 lb Shih-Tsu How much olive and coconut oil is the proper dose? Thanks,
Noel
Hi there Noel,
Thanks for reaching out! Please contact your vet with this question to find out the amount that is right for your dog.
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How much do I give my westies 1 is 18years 1is 10 the other is 4
Hi there Linda,
Thanks for commenting! We suggest contacting your vet to find out what amount of olive oil is right for your dogs.
My 13 year old lab has congestive heart failure and she takes three different medications twice a day. Since taking the meds, her coat has become so dry and is falling out faster than normal. I am starting the EVOO today in hopes of not only conditioning her coat, but also improve her heart condition. Tho I know there is no cure for her illness, I’m hoping the EVOO will improve her overall health and extend her life.
Is there research references you can provide to back up these statements, please?
My vet in the UK suggested I give my Rough Collie a quarter to half teaspoon of olive oil if I noticed his skin becoming a little flaky. I followed the vets advice and only gave for short periods of time when coat looked dull or flaky.
I still follow this with my current long haired dogs. I do give coconut oil several times a week to my dogs as I know from my vet this does not affect the pancreas.
Dogs need some fats and often if you feed kibble the fats are already rancid due to cooking methods.
My vet suggested once a week share a small tin of sardines in olive oil between my two dogs for the omega 3 benefits and benefits of olive oil. Just doing this alone is hugely beneficial to your dogs, it’s a natural food source.
I have moved my dogs to a cold pressed kibble and have noticed an even bigger improvement in their health.
Dawn dish soap. Or if they are itchy Selson Blue they both kill fleas.
I’ve been giving my dogs olive oil in their food for years I first started with my German Shepard. Now I give it to my sibe.she loves it and her coat is so soft and shiny I think olive oil is an excellent way to keep your dog happy and healthy for a long time and it also makes boring dog food more tasty for your cherished pet ????
My (senior) mini schnuazer has diabetes and also has bouts of chronic pancreatitis. Is olive oil still safe?
Hi Ami,
We suggest asking your vet. Hope your pup feels better!
I believe the best oil for dogs with pancreas problems is coconut oil as mct fats do not affect this organ like others oils fats do.
You believe wrong….coconut oil can actually induce pancreatitis
how much should i give to a yorkie?
How much olive oil should I give my 62 lb. dog? TIA.
How much should i give my 32kg Lab?
Thanks
one teaspoon is the recommended amount. i have 2 pugs and give them the olive oil together with their meal every morning, they love it.
my dog is 11 pounds eight ounces how much olive oil ?
Hi there Lilyann,
Thanks for reaching out! We suggest contacting your vet to find out exactly what amount of olive oil is right for your dog.
Most vets wouldn’t know that. Much like physicians, vets know two things: cutting and pills.
I also have an 11# Shih Tzu and since you so strongly recommend recommend olive oil, please tell us how much.
Hi there Elizabeth,
Thanks for reaching out! We suggest contacting your vet to find out what amount is right for your dog.
I cook for my dogs once a month and freeze their food in smaller cupcake tins. I cook the chicken with olive oil probable 1/8 of a cup mix this with veggies, brown rice and quinua. It all goes in the food processor they love it wagging their tails and dancing when it’s time to eat. I have 2 beautiful 3.5Lbs Chihuahuas Tula and Bala. Since I started cooking for them 1 1/2 yrs ago no more problems at all, just happy little dogs.
1/2 tsp
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So what are you calling a “serving”? How much is that?
Ihave a 30 lb long hair english cream dachsund who is 12 1/2. How much olive oil should i give him daily.
How much is a serving size
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