Dogs generally have a completely different diet than we do, so we need to keep an eye on what they eat and feed them safe and healthy foods only. So, what about olive oil? Is olive oil good for dogs, or is it another thing we must avoid? Let’s find out!
Is Olive Oil Good For Dogs?
Yes, it is healthy, and it is something all dogs do need. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of health benefits dogs can get when consuming food containing olive oil. We will reveal all of them now.
Choose The ‘’Correct’’ Olive Oil
The first thing you need to know, after getting the answer to whether olive oil is good for dogs, is which oil to choose. Yes, there are a lot of options at any grocery store, but not all of them are desirable.
Cheap olive oils are made from low-quality olives; hence, they do not contain a lot of healthy nutrients and ingredients that high-end olive oils will. Keep in mind that “light” and “pure” are terms used to define low-quality olive oils. Go for extra-virgin olive oil. Your dog needs about 1 tablespoon for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Health Benefits Dogs Get From Olive Oil
For most dog owners, this is the main section and something they will want to memorize. There are a few health benefits all dogs will get from consuming olive oil. Below, we will discuss and explain all of these.
1. Skin Health
Olive oil will keep the skin of your dog in superb condition. He will also be less sensitive to fleas, allergies, and infections. This is possible thanks to high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which boost the health of skin cells.
2. Stunning Coat
Most dog owners want to see a shiny, healthy coat on their dogs. Thanks to the aforementioned fatty acids, olive oil will have a positive effect on the coat. It is important to add that this is done at the cell level, so there is no need to apply oil to your dog’s coat. Just add it to the diet. Another thing to know is that your dog will need 30 days to show signs of improvement.
3. The Health of The Joints
Olive oil contains oleic acid and it also has antioxidants which all have a huge effect on the health of the joints. This is even more important for senior dogs, who are at a higher risk of hip dysplasia, arthritis, and similar conditions. These ingredients decrease the pain and increase the mobility of your pet. Many dogs are sensitive to pain medications, which makes olive oil an excellent alternative.
4. It Will Help Your Dog Maintain a Proper Weight
Thanks to monounsaturated fats that are found in olive oil, a dog can lose weight simply because his fat cells will be broken down faster and more efficiently. Don’t forget that one tablespoon of olive oil has 120 calories, so you need to use it in moderation to prevent any weight gain.
5. Affects The Digestive System
Olive oil acts as lubricate inside the digestive tract and makes all the food and all the rest as a matter of fact pass smoothly and without any issues. If your pet eats only dry food, add a tablespoon of olive oil to his diet occasionally. The benefits are impressive.
6. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Olive oil contains phytonutrients and vitamin E. When combined, these nutrients will affect the cardiovascular system and maintain optimal health. Yes, you can get the same perk using a diet, but this benefit is possible only with extremely expensive and advanced diets.
7. Stronger Immune System
Olive oil contains chlorophyll, polyphenols, and vitamin E. When all of these are present, your poet will have a stronger immune system. There is no need to tell you how important and appealing this benefit is for all dog owners.
8. Decrease The Risk Of Cancer
Believe it or not, olive oil is another healthy and natural addition to the diet that can decrease the risk of cancer. Keep in mind that over 50% of dogs are prone to cancer, so this benefit is extremely important. Olive oil has antioxidant properties, which are responsible for this benefit. It does work and is very effective.
Introduce Olive Oil Slowly To Your Dog’s Diet
It is important to add that most dogs will get all of these health benefits when they consume olive oil. This is great. But, not all dogs will react the same. Their digestive systems are different, so some dogs can get issues such as upset stomachs when they consume olive oil. The chances of this happening are very low, but they are still present. You will want to start with a few drops and monitor the situation. If there are no issues or anything similar, you can increase the amount until you reach the recommended dosage (1 tablespoon per 20 pounds of the weight of your pet).
It is also a nice idea to check with your vet and see if there are any risks or allergies you need to worry about. Each dog is different, so there are a lot of variables you need to worry about.
When both of these things are done properly, the risk of any issue or problem is extremely low, and you will be able to add olive oil to your dog’s diet safely and at regular intervals. There won’t be any issues at all.
The Final Word
Is olive oil good for dogs, or should you avoid it? As you were able to see, this is a great addition to your dog’s diet and something all dog owners should consider. While there are many health benefits, there are not a lot of things to worry about. Just give it in small amounts due to the high calorie count. Also, introduce your dog to olive oil slowly.
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