Eight Super Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Not only is olive oil super healthy for humans, but we at Very Important Puppies love all the health benefits olive oil can provide for your pup!

Veterinarians recommend one teaspoon of olive oil per 20 pounds of body weight per meal, mixed in with your dog’s regular wet or dry food. Extra virgin olive, which has a lower acid content, is best. Though olive oil has many health benefits for dogs, too much can cause digestive issues and weight gain. Always watch out for signs of diarrhea or vomiting, and cut it out if you notice any issues.

1. Olive Oil Helps Your Dog Lose Weight

Yes –– you read that correctly! And that stands true for both you and your dog! Olive oil has been a known tool to ease the challenges of weight loss. On a scientific level, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil encourage healthy fat trimming by digesting the fat inside fat cells, which discards fat as a byproduct and reduces insulin sensitivity.

2. Olive Oil for Dogs Promotes Optimal Canine Health

The simple structure of monounsaturated fats in olive oil prevents and lessens the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes for dogs. Olive Oil also contains oleic acid, in addition to some squalene and terpenoids –– organic compounds that are believed to be effective in preventing cancer, which kills a staggering 50 percent of dogs over age 10.

3. Olive Oil Defends the Immune System

With high levels of antioxidants — including polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll and carotenoids — olive oil for dogs is effective at arming the body’s immune system so it can efficiently fight off disease. That’s especially important as we are constantly aware of our own immunity in a global pandemic environment!

4. Olive Oil Could Extend Your Dog’s Life

I know... We all wish our dogs could live forever. But there is one thing we can do: ensure our canine companions live a long, healthy, and happy live. Olive oil for dogs prevents free radical cell oxidation, which can lead to premature aging. Oxidation takes place all around us, for example, a rusty car is reacting to its environment –– or oxidizing. Olive oil essentially slows the “rusting” process of your pup’s beautiful coat, ensuring he or she maintains that vibrant shine just like when they were a little puppy.

5. Olive Oil Supports Brain Strength

Olive oil isn’t only effective for anti-aging measures –– it also helps prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging in all species. Serve olive oil to senior dogs at least once daily, to keep their minds beautiful and cloud-free. This is especially important if your dog is a super-smartie, such as a Border Collie, Poodle or Mensa mutt.

6. Olive Oil as an Energy Booster

Circulation improves and breathing comes more easily with a daily dose of olive oil — it helps increase blood flow and, in humans, lessens the effects of asthma. So, with that said, olive oil for dogs can be a big help for brachycephalic breeds such as the Bulldog or pug, who tend to have narrower airways leading to breathing complications.

7. Olive Oil for Dogs is a Beauty Treatment

There’s more to olive oil than mere substance — it’s a style statement, too! Long used to beautify human hair and skin, olive oil for dogs can do the same. Use a daily serving to condition your dog’s coat, which helps to impart moisture and gleam to even the driest, dullest fur.

8. It Can Improve The Taste and Consistency of Your Dog’s Food

We’ve left the most obvious for last! A high quality olive oil has a wonderful taste and your dog will think so too! If your dog is refusing or hesitating to eat their food, try adding a splash of olive oil to change the taste and consistency. This technique can be particularly effective if your dog is eating dry food or if it’s stale.