Can dogs eat olive oil?
Yes, dogs can eat olive oil. Olive oil makes a brilliant addition to your dog’s diet and has a multitude of health benefits, making olive oil an all round superfood!
Olive oil can help to boost our dog’s immune systems, contribute towards a bright and shining coat, and aid in healthy skin development.
Let’s look at the different ways in which olive oil can be beneficial for our canine companions, and anything you need to be wary of.
Table of Contents
Is olive oil good for dogs?
Yes, olive oil is good for dogs. However, olive oil should not be offered in large amounts and should not be continuously offered to your dog.
Offering too much olive oil to your pooch can cause adverse reactions which may need medical intervention.
- Supports the immune system
Olive oil helps to provide the immune system with everything that it needs in order to function correctly.
Olive oil is packed full of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, all of which help to keep our dogs immune system to keep fighting off different bacteria and viruses.
- Aids in digestive health
Olive oil can help a dog’s digestive health, helping to support the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria.
Olive oil can also act as a laxative for dogs that suffer from constipation and indigestion.
If your dog routinely suffers from gastrointestinal problems, do not try to treat your dog purely with olive oil. Book a consultation with your veterinary surgeon.
- Stimulates appetite
Olive oil can often stimulate even the fussiest of dogs to eat. By adding a small amount of olive oil to your dog’s food, it may improve the taste, texture, and consistency.
However, be careful that your dog does not get too used to having olive oil on their meals.
There may be other reasons as to why your dog is reluctant to eat. If your dog is not eating their meals, book an appointment with your veterinary surgeon.
- Maintains a healthy coat
Due to Vitamin E and Omega fatty acids found within olive oil, a dog’s coat who is offered olive oil is usually shiny, healthy and in great condition.
- Acts as a natural antioxidant
Olive oil can be considered a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants support the body by protecting a dog’s cells from damage. This can help to prevent degenerative diseases as well as reduce the risks of some cancers.
Is olive oil bad for dogs?
No, olive oil is not necessarily bad for dogs, however, too much of it can cause health concerns.
- Pancreatitis
Olive oil has a high fat concentration. Fat is broken down in the body by an organ called the pancreas. If too much fat is ingested by your dog, your dog’s pancreas can be sent into overdrive.
This can cause a painful condition called pancreatitis. The pancreas is found in a dog’s abdomen. When it becomes inflamed, your dog may show symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Inappetance
- Dogs stretching in the ‘prayer position’ with their rear end in the air.
If you think that your dog may have pancreatitis, speak with your veterinary surgeon.
- Obesity
An increased ingestion of olive oil can lead to obesity due to its high-fat content. Obesity is a serious condition in dogs and can put substantial strain on a dog’s vital organs, especially the heart.
A dog that does not show signs of obesity will have a lean body condition where fat deposits are not visible. A dog’s physique should be slender and you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs when you run your hands down their body.
Obesity can lead to secondary health problems such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. If you are concerned that your dog is obese, book an appointment with a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse. They will be able to formulate a feeding and exercise plan.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a common condition diagnosed in dogs where the pancreas organ functions incorrectly. Increased ingestion of olive oil may contribute to the development of diabetes due to its high-fat content.
The high-fat content can affect the pancreas, reducing its capacity to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to break down fats and sugars.
If your dog has diabetes, they may show symptoms such as:
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Lethargy
- Polydipsia (increased drinking)
- Vomiting
- Inappetance
If you’re worried about your dog having diabetes, speak with your veterinary surgeon.
Can dogs eat olive oil – FAQ’s
There are a variety of commonly asked questions around feeding olive oil to dogs, let’s have a look at some of them:
How to serve olive oil to your dog?
The easiest way to serve olive oil to your dog is to add a small amount to their meals. As with any new foods, introduce olive oil slowly to avoid any vomiting and diarrhea.
Add a small amount of olive oil to either the top of their food or mix it in well. Olive oil could be paired with other superfoods, such as cilantro, honey and ginger!
Suggested reading: How many treats can my dog have per day?
Are olives good for dogs?
Yes, olives can be good for dogs to eat. Olives are high in Vitamin C as well as being a natural antioxidant. Olives also make a brilliant natural anti-inflammatory as well as contribute towards healthy eyesight.
Suggested reading: Can dogs eat olives?
Is olive oil good for dog’s skin?
Yes, olive oil is fantastic for your dog’s skin and coat. With olive oil containing Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, the skin is kept adequately hydrated, moisturized, and nourished. Olive oil also helps to keep fur healthy, thick, and strong.
Olive oil can be used both topically (on the skin) as well as within the diet. Both will help to support your dog’s skin and coat, but if using directly on the skin, only use a very small amount.
Can you put olive oil on dog food?
Yes, you can put olive oil on your dog’s food. This is perhaps the easiest way to introduce olive oil into your dog’s diet. Be mindful of how much olive oil you are adding to your dog’s food in order to avoid any adverse reactions.
Dogs should be offered no more than one to two teaspoons of olive oil per day. Keep in mind that smaller breeds will tolerate less olive oil than larger breeds.
Can olive oil help dogs with constipation?
Yes, olive oil can help with conditions such as constipation. Olive oil can promote gut movement, as well as acting as a lubricant for hard and firm feces.
If your dog is struggling with ongoing constipation, you should consult your veterinary surgeon for advice.
Can dogs have olive oil? Final Thoughts
Olive oil can make a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet due to its superfood qualities! Helping with your dog’s eyesight, coat condition, and immune system, olive oil provides plenty of health benefits to dogs.
Ensure that you introduce new foods, such as olive oil, slowly. If you are worried about your dog after they have ingested olive oil, always speak with your veterinary surgeon.
