Can Dogs Have Olive Oil? How to Add Olive Oil to a Dog’s Diet

It is safe for pet owners to incorporate small amounts of olive oil into a dog’s diet, and it may even provide them with a series of health benefits. Simultaneously, dog owners should mind the type and portion size of this human food if they feed it to a pooch. Steer clear of flavor-infused oils because ingredients like onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.

Due to its low acidity level, extra-virgin olive oil is the best choice to feed your pup. If they resist kibble without any wet food mixed in, sprinkling in a little olive oil makes it tastier for them. Try rotating in a sprinkle of other healthy oils like coconut oil and fish oil to add more variety to your furry friend’s dry food diet.

Keep in mind that larger dogs can consume more olive oil than smaller dogs. To calculate how much olive oil is ideal for your dog’s daily diet, give them up to one teaspoon of olive oil per thirty pounds of body weight. Always consult a veterinarian before incorporating non-dedicated dog foods into your canine’s diet.

Adding olive oil to your pup’s diet carries several potential health benefits, including:

1. 1. Boosted immune system: The vitamin E, polyphenols, and carotenoids found in olive oil are all antioxidants that can improve your dog’s immune system. These compounds prevent free radicals from harming your dog’s cells, potentially decreasing their chances of developing cardiovascular disease, dementia, and other diseases.
2. 2. Improved cognition: Regularly adding a small amount of olive oil to your pup’s diet supports healthy brain function and can help fend off dementia in senior dogs.
3. 3. Improved digestion: A little bit of olive oil lubricates the digestive system, potentially relieving constipation issues.
4. 4. Improved skin health: Olive oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, phytonutrients, and vitamin E, so it can help moisturize your dog’s skin and make their hair softer and shinier. Feed your dog olive oil instead of rubbing it directly onto their coat to combat dry or flaky skin. Olive oil isn’t harmful to a dog’s skin, but they will likely try to lick it off and potentially overconsume it.
5. 5. Healthy fat content: Olive oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fat, which may help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your dog’s blood.

Follow these tips to feed your dog olive oil safely.

1. 1. Consult your veterinarian. Always consult with your canine health care professional before incorporating any amount of human food into their diet. If your pooch is overweight, the vet may advise against feeding them olive oil. One tablespoon of olive oil has around fourteen grams of fat and 119 calories, so adding too much of it to your dog’s diet could potentially cause weight gain.
2. 2. Use extra-virgin olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil has a low level of acidity and is more likely to agree with your dog’s stomach.
3. 3. Calculate the proper serving size. When feeding olive oil to your dog, a good rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon per thirty pounds of their body weight. Consult your vet to see if they approve of serving olive oil to your dog every day, or if they recommend a less frequent serving schedule.
4. 4. Add it to your dog’s regular food. Drizzle the olive oil over your pup’s kibble or thoroughly mix it into their wet food.
5. 5. Serve in moderation. Too much olive oil can cause gastrointestinal issues like upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. When introducing olive oil to your dog’s diet for the first time, do so very slowly and in small quantities. If your pooch experiences any adverse side effects, discontinue usage.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your dog’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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