Olive oil is one of the “good” fats that has plenty of health benefits for people, but can dogs eat olive oil, too? 

Maybe you’re thinking about cooking your pup’s food yourself  and some of the recipes include olive oil as an ingredient. Or it could be that you caught your pup licking olive oil off a plate from the dishwasher. So of course you want to know if olive oil is good for dogs before you make a bunch of homemade dog food or rush to the vet in a panic. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about olive oil for dogs. 

The simple answer is, yes, they absolutely can. Olive oil is safe for dogs to eat, in moderation.

So if your dog lapped up some olive oil, you don’t need to worry, and you won’t need to buy a special oil to make homemade meals for your dog, either. 

So now we know that it’s not toxic, but just how healthy is olive oil for dogs? Olive oil is a healthy fat that’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants.  Healthy fats are essential for weight loss, as they help break down and use the fat stored in cells. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and free radical damage in the body. Pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals, and stress can lead to free radicals in the body. When left alone, these free radicals turn into oxidative stress, which leads to serious harm. 

Olive oil can also help keep your dog’s mind from slipping as they get older, and it supports the brain power of young pups to keep their minds sharp. 

 

Olive oil is also shown to promote heart health. This is because olive oil supports anti-inflammatory properties. This helps decrease the risks for heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions caused by inflammation. 

Healthy fats are also excellent at promoting regular cholesterol levels and increased blood flow and circulation throughout the body, which supports a healthy heart. 

Adding olive oil to your dog’s diet can also be great for their skin and coat if you keep giving it for at least a month. 

There are two main ways to incorporate olive oil into your pup’s food. 

First, you can simply mix olive oil in with their regular meals. Consider drizzling it on top or mixing it into the meal. If you’re making your own homemade dog food, you’ll need to add oil such as olive oil or fish oil as a healthy source of fat to make sure it’s complete and balanced. Ask your vet to check your recipe to make sure your dog is getting the nutrients they need. 

How Much Olive Oil Can I Give My Dog?

Too much olive oil can be harmful for dogs, so be sure to limit how often and how much olive oil you use. 

For every 20 pounds of body weight, you can give them one teaspoon of olive oil a day. 

If your pup is 40 pounds, they can have two teaspoons a day, and so on. 

First, be sure to buy extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, as this contains less acid content than other types of olive oils. 

It’s also important to know how to properly store your olive oil. Keep the bottle away from heat or direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry place. This will help extend the shelf life of the olive oil so you can get the most out of every bottle.

While olive oil is an excellent ingredient to incorporate into your pup’s diet, health and wellness rely on much more than this. 

From incorporating whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins into their food to making sure you find food without artificial ingredients or preservatives, there’s a lot to consider. 

That’s why we made Sundays. With familiar ingredients and gentle processes to retain the nutrient content of your pup’s food, we know how important it is to feed your furry family member the best food available.