People have used olive oil for centuries as an ingredient in cooking, skin care, and remedies. But this oil doesn’t just promote good health for humans—dogs can eat olive oil, too!
Experts say it’s safe for a dog to have small amounts of this oil regularly, and they may get some of the same benefits from it that you do.
Olive oil contains a high amount of antioxidants. These compounds help fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage the body’s cells. Antioxidants also help ease chronic inflammation in the body. This oil also contains healthy fatty acids like oleic acid that can help ease inflammation, along with moderate amounts of vitamins E and K.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of olive oil for dogs, how much they can eat, and which types they can have.
What Types Of Olive Oil Can Dogs Eat?
There are several types of olive oil.
“Extra-virgin olive oil is likely the safest option for dogs to eat. Extra-virgin olive oil is extracted by a cold-pressing method, which will prevent the natural content of the olive from being altered,” explains Dr Ambika Vaid, an integrative veterinarian and advisor to Badlands Ranch, a premium dog food brand created by Katherine Heigl.
Dr Vaid recommends avoiding feeding your dog olive pomace oil, pure olive oil, and refined olive oil. These types of olive oil have less nutritional benefits and more added ingredients, she says.
Does Olive Oil Have Benefits For Dogs?
Olive oil contains a number of compounds and nutrients that may have a positive impact on health.
Antioxidants appear to help lower the risk of developing various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Most studies focus on the benefits of antioxidants for humans, but a few small canine studies suggest these compounds may have similar benefits for dogs.
The oleic acid in olive oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, which may help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. What’s more, since inflammation may play a part in joint problems, olive oil may benefit dogs with arthritis.
The oleic acid component of olive oil may also have other benefits. For instance, it may help support the health of your dog’s skin and coat.
Research has also found evidence to suggest that olive oil consumption can help increase the amount of cutaneous fatty acids in dogs, which is associated with healthy skin.
However, pet parents shouldn’t apply olive oil topically to their dog. “Dogs will lick it off and may consume more than you want them to,” Dr Vaid says. “This can also lead to incessant licking in the location you’ve applied it, causing hot spots and hair loss.”
Finally, research suggests that dogs who eat olive oil can better digest protein.
What If Dogs Eat Too Much?
Most dogs can safely eat olive oil in small quantities. However, the right serving size for your dog will depend on their size, Dr Vaid says.
The maximum amount of olive oil you can give a small or medium dog is a quarter of a teaspoon per day. You can give a large or giant breed dog up to half a teaspoon a day.
However, she adds that each dog has a different tolerance for oils. Even one-quarter of a teaspoon may be too much for some dogs. It’s always best to start slowly and pay close attention for any side effects.
Too much olive oil may have side effects for dogs, including:
- Digestive concerns.Olive oil has natural laxative properties, so too much may upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhoea.
- Pancreatitis. “Consuming too much olive oil can lead to pancreatitis, a very painful condition characterised by inflammation of the pancreas,” Dr Vaid says.
Always check with your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet. If your dog experiences any side effects after eating olive oil, contact your vet right away.
How To Give Olive Oil To Your Dog
The best way to feed a dog olive oil is to mix it into their food. Dr Vaid says you can do this at any meal. Just make sure to avoid giving your dog any more than the recommended amount for their size.
You can give your dog olive oil raw, or straight from the bottle, she says. You don’t need to heat it up first. However, she says it’s important to always mix the olive oil into your dog’s food, not give it to them directly. Giving olive oil on its own may increase your dog’s risk of developing pancreatitis.
Also, take care to check the ingredients list on your dog’s food. If you’re giving them food already mixed with olive oil, like canned tuna or chicken cooked in olive oil, you won’t want to add any more oil to their meals.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types Of Oil?
Olive oil is perfectly safe for dogs in small amounts, but it may not be the best type of oil for your pup.
The healthy fats in olive oil are less effective in dogs, since they lack an enzyme to convert the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into omega-3, according to Dr Vaid. She says that other oils may have more benefits with fewer side effects.
Some better options include fish oil and coconut oil. “Fish oil is high in DHA and EPA, which are both omega-3 fatty acids,” says Dr Vaid. “These fatty acids are imperative for protecting the healthy skin barrier and work to support the skin and coat.”
Omega-3 also appears to help reduce inflammation and support brain and heart health.
Dr Vaid says coconut oil is another option. This nourishing oil has antifungal properties that benefit a dog’s skin and coat. Another bonus of coconut oil: you can use it topically on your dog’s skin or coat.
