Is Olive Oil Good For Dogs?
Olive oil is a healing and nurturing extract that is squeezed from the fruit of the olive tree. By its very nature, it has a solid reputation for being a healthy element of the human diet. Is olive oil good for dogs? It certainly is. Let’s take some time to talk about what makes olive oil so powerful and what it can do to help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Comprised of High Levels of Antioxidants
Antioxidants serve several purposes in the body. They help to heal damaged tissues for one, and secondly, they fight off free radicals in your bloodstream which causes disease and premature aging.
By ingesting olive oil, you are taking in high levels of antioxidants, which in turn reduce your risk of chronic disease. They also protect your blood cholesterol from oxidation and inflammation. Your risk of heart disease is lowered as a result. These benefits that are enjoyed by humans can also be shared with their dogs when they feed them olive oil.
Rich in Vitamins E and K, olive oil contains a wealth of phenol alcohols and acids, ligans, and flavones. Extra virgin olive oil is more abundant in these antioxidants than its less expensive counterparts.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Calming inflammation in the body is one of the most important steps that can be taken to improve your health. The same can be said for your pets. Chronic inflammation is believed to be a leading instigator of diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome for example. Specific nutrients in olive oil that fight inflammation include oleic acid and the antioxidant oleocanthal.
Rich in Monounsaturated Fats
Although 14% of the fat in olive oil is saturated, its high polyunsaturated fat content is what remains the most talked about. Oleic acid makes up 73% of the total oil content, which is a monosaturated fat that has been proven to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer due to its anti-inflammatory effect.
The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are also well-known within the medical world for their benefit to the body. They help to break down fat cells and lower cholesterol. As a result, you can help maintain a healthy body weight in your dog by giving them olive oil.
Olive Oil Safety for Dogs
You logically may be wondering if it is safe to give olive oil to your dog. The answer is an absolute yes. With that being said, it is always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian about any dietary changes you make before doing so.
All that you need to do is add about a teaspoon of olive oil to your dog’s daily food. It will add a slightly nutty flavor, making their kibble tastier and the consistency more desirable.
Giving your dog a little bit of extra virgin olive oil each day in their food will help to naturally cultivate a shinier and healthier coat. Avoid the temptation to apply the olive oil topically to their skin, as they will simply lick it off.
Olive Oil Precaution
When your dog ingests even a small amount of olive oil, it may act as a natural laxative. Because of this, if your dog already has symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea, avoid giving him or her olive oil as their condition may worsen.