Pet owners can safely include small amounts of olive oil in their dogs’ diets and even provide them with a host of health benefits.
Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for feeding your puppy due to its low acidity. A drizzle of olive oil will make the food taste better to them.
Large dogs can consume more olive oil than small dogs. To calculate how much olive oil is suitable for your dog's daily diet, give them one teaspoon of olive oil for every thirty pounds of body weight. If in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.
The components of olive oil include vitamins K and E, Omega-6, Omega-3, saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid / Omega 9), carotenoids, polyphenols and phytonutrients. Among them, the content of monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) is as high as 70% or more.
Olive oil may have potential benefits for dogs, including:
1. Strengthens the immune system and disease prevention: The vitamin E, polyphenols, and carotenoids in olive oil are antioxidants that can improve your dog’s immune system and prevent free radicals from damaging your dog’s cells, potentially reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, cancer and other diseases.
2. Improves cognitive abilities: Regularly adding a small amount of olive oil to your dog's diet can help maintain healthy brain function and help prevent dementia in senior age.
3. Improves Digestion: Olive oil can lubricate the digestive system and help relieve constipation.
4. Improves Skin Health: Olive oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytonutrients, and vitamin E, so feeding your dog olive oil can help promote healthier skin and make its coat softer and shinier.
5. Relieves itching caused by allergies: Many dogs are allergic to substances such as pollen, dust, and flea saliva, which can cause their skin to become irritated and itchy. Olive oil is composed primarily of a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. This healthy fat has anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve itchiness caused by allergies
6. Healthy Fat Content: Olive oil contains high amounts of monounsaturated fat, which may help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your dog's blood.
7. Helps with weight management: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help break down fat inside fat cells. May help your dog lose weight, thus reducing the risk of obesity.
