Olive oil offers a wide range of benefits for dogs, including healthy skin, reduced inflammation, cardiovascular protection and reduced risk of diabetes.
"With the numerous health benefits of olive oil for the human diet, you may have wondered, "Is olive oil good for dogs too?"" McEvoy Ranch chief marketing officer Kym Hough told Olive Oil Times."Olive oil benefits dogs greatly."
"Olive oil contains phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep a dog's skin moisturized and well-nourished for a healthy, beautiful coat," she noted.
Recent studies show that extra virgin olive oil prevents dry skin, soothes scaling, improves heart health, and decreases inflammation. These life-changing benefits can help aging dogs stay agile, flexible, and energetic.
Small amounts of olive oil may be added to dog food to help maintain their ideal body weight. However, vets caution against giving olive oil to dogs suffering from intestinal conditions such as diarrhea or vomiting.
According to the Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional, a non-profit, olive oil helps prevent heart disease and reduce the risks of diabetes in dogs. Olive oil consumption also boosts dogs’ energy and helps prevent cellular oxidation.
Due of its low acidity and high vitamin content, Chewy suggests extra virgin olive oil. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian and report author, recommends no more than one teaspoon of olive oil per 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of body weight per meal.
The Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional recommends adding a spoonful of olive oil to your dog's food twice a week. Vets recommend one teaspoon per 30–40 pounds. If your dog has special health issues, recommendations may vary.