Can Dogs Have Olive Oil? The Benefits and Risks

Olive oil is a popular cooking oil that has been shown to have a number of health benefits for people, but is it safe and healthy for dogs to consume? In general, olive oil is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. It has a number of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that can help improve a dog's skin and coat and provide other health benefits when given occasionally and in the right amounts as a supplement to their regular diet.

To help you decide if you should add olive oil to your dog's diet, we'll explore the advice of veterinary nutritionists, research on the impact of olive oil on dogs, and the experiences of dog owners who have given olive oil to their pets. We'll cover the potential benefits, risks, and how much you should give your dog so you can decide if this oil is right for your pet.

Olive Oil Can Improve Your Dog's Health

Olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve your dog's health in a number of ways. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help improve skin and coat health by reducing dryness and scaling and nourishing the skin and hair follicles, leading to a shiny, healthy coat, according to a 2013 study in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Meanwhile, the antioxidants in olive oil, such as polyphenols and vitamin E, can help fight free radicals that cause cell damage and aging, which can help protect against cognitive decline and disease in old age, according to anecdotal reports. Olive oil can also help with weight loss by breaking down fat cells and improving insulin sensitivity, according to the same source.

In addition to these benefits, olive oil can help improve cardiovascular health when used in small amounts by improving plasma lipid profiles, including lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to a 2009 study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine. Olive oil's healthy fats can also help with digestion by lubricating the digestive tract and improving digestion and bowel movements, according to Texas Hill Country Olive Co.

Finally, olive oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help with joint pain and arthritis in older dogs, as shown in a 2007 study in the Veterinary Journal, which found that beagles with osteoarthritis who were fed a diet that included olive oil had better joint health and less pain. While more research is needed, the potential benefits of olive oil in a dog's diet are exciting.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Olive Oil for Dogs

Although olive oil can be good for dogs, it should be used in moderation and introduced slowly to prevent potential side effects. Too much olive oil can cause digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and in some dogs, pancreatitis, according to DogTime. In addition, olive oil is high in fat and calories, so too much can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs, according to The Spruce Pets.

In addition, some dogs may be allergic to olive oil, which can cause skin problems, digestive upset, and lethargy. If your dog has an adverse reaction to olive oil, contact your vet right away, according to Sundays for Dogs. Olive oil should be used in moderation in a dog's diet, and pet parents should watch for any changes in their dog's health when they start using it.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil for Dogs

Not all olive oils are the same, and the quality and kind of olive oil you choose can affect how safe and beneficial it is for dogs. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality and least processed, and it’s the best choice for dogs, according to Olive Oil Times. EVOO has more antioxidants, vitamins, and other healthful compounds than regular or refined olive oils.

If you’re buying olive oil for your dog, EXAU Olive Oil suggests looking for cold-pressed, unrefined, high-quality olive oils from reputable producers. You should stay away from olive oils that have been chemically treated or are highly processed, as they may not have the nutritional qualities you’re looking for. And as Heraclea Food Co explains, the quality of the extra virgin olive oil you choose is especially important when you’re adding it to your dog’s diet.

How Much Olive Oil Can Dogs Have?

The right amount of olive oil to give your dog depends on their size and health status. In general, you can give your dog 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of olive oil for every 20 pounds of body weight per day, according to Rover.com. Meanwhile, MasterClass notes that smaller dogs can have 1/4 teaspoon and larger dogs can have up to 1 tablespoon per day.

It’s important to start with a small amount and adjust the dose based on your dog’s response. Olive Oil Lovers recommends starting with 1 teaspoon per meal per 30 pounds of body weight and adjusting for dogs with sensitive stomachs. You can add olive oil to your dog's food or use it topically to improve the health and appearance of their skin and coat.

Talk to Your Vet and Keep an Eye on Your Dog

Always talk to your vet before giving your dog olive oil or any other supplement. As noted by Dogster, your vet can offer personalized recommendations based on your dog's individual factors, including age, breed, health issues, and dietary requirements. They can also help you figure out the right dosage and watch for any potential side effects.

If your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive problems after having olive oil, Sundays for Dogs notes that you should stop giving it to them and call your vet right away. As noted by BeChewy, it's important to make sure that you're taking your dog to the vet for regular check-ups and monitoring to make sure that the olive oil is helping them without causing any problems.

Conclusion: How to Use Olive Oil for Dogs

Olive oil is safe and can be a healthy fat for dogs to consume as part of a balanced diet, says Dogster. However, it's important to be mindful of the amount of olive oil you add to your dog's diet and to consider your dog's individual needs and health issues when deciding to use olive oil as a supplement. It's also important to talk to your vet before you start giving your dog olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the best type of olive oil to give to dogs because it has more antioxidants, vitamins, and other healthful components than regular or refined olive oil, according to Olive Oil Times. EVOO is high in monounsaturated fats, which are a great source of energy, and it also contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help lower the risk of cell damage and inflammation.

A 2009 study found that adult dogs fed a diet that included olive oil had slower gastric emptying and better protein digestibility than those fed a diet that included sunflower oil. Olive oil has also been shown to support healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health in dogs, according to Olive Oil Times.

That said, olive oil is a fat and is high in calories, so it's important to use it in moderation when you're adding it to your dog's diet, says Dogster. It can also cause digestive upset if you add it to your dog's diet too quickly, and oils from marine sources, such as fish oil, are a better source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory.

When you give your dog olive oil, you should start with a small amount, watch for any adverse reactions, and talk to your vet to make sure it's safe for your dog to consume, says Dogster.