Can Dogs Eat Olive Oil?

Regardless of whether you feed your dog with wet or dry food or according to the BARF or PRAY method – a little oil never hurts!

With all the oils in this world, the question naturally arises as to whether dogs are allowed to eat olive oil?

In this article we explain whether olive oil is harmful or nutritious for dogs and what you have to consider when feeding olive oil.

In a nutshell: Can my dog eat olive oil?

Yes, dogs can eat olive oil! You can mix it into your dog’s main meal every three to four days. Depending on the size and weight of your dog, you should adjust the ration of oil individually. Half a tablespoon is recommended for small dogs, while medium-sized dogs (up to around 30kg) can use a full tablespoon. Larger dogs may also have 1.5 tablespoons.

Is Olive Oil Toxic to Dogs?

Many people are under the misconception that olives are poisonous to dogs and that consequently their oil is not suitable for feeding our four-legged friends.

But that’s not true! Although dogs are only allowed to eat black and therefore ripe olives in moderation, you don’t have to worry much about olive oil.

Tip:

Of course, a responsible dog owner always feeds an appropriate amount of olive oil and no more than three to four times a week.

Olive oil in the feed – does that make sense?

Oils provide your dog with essential fatty acids, which are absolutely necessary for its health.

Above all, polyunsaturated fatty acids are vital for the dog’s organism and cannot be produced by the body on its own.

Olive oil strengthens the immune system and heart functions and ensures a healthy, shiny coat. Even if the oil from the olive can score with other properties, there are oils that are better suited for feeding and provide your dog with even more nutrients.

Nutritional information of olive oil

Olive oil has many valuable ingredients that your dog can also benefit from. It is rich in:

• Vitamin A
• vitamin E
• vitamin k
• beta-carotene
• folic acid
• retinol

Positive properties that are said to be olive oil are:

• it promotes brain power
• supports the immune system
• promotes heart health
• has an anti-inflammatory effect
• protects against free radicals and keeps you young
• helps with constipation
• ensures a healthy, shiny coat
• helps against dandruff and dry skin

Does olive oil contain polyunsaturated fatty acids?

When choosing the right oil for your dog, you should look for an optimal ratio of 5:1 to 10:1 of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

The rule here is: the more omega-3, the better!

Unfortunately, olive oil cannot quite keep up with other oils. With salmon oil, evening primrose oil, borage or black cumin oil, or linseed and hemp oil, you and your dog are better off in the long run.

However, you can also occasionally give your dog olive oil, it won’t harm him and he will probably taste very good.

What should I look out for when buying olive oil?

We recommend using organic quality and fair trade products for both you and your dog when buying olive oil.

It is also important that the oil for your dog is cold-pressed. Otherwise you can save yourself the gift, since many important nutrients have already been lost on the production route.

Does Olive Oil Help With Constipation?

Yes, olive oil can actually help with constipation!

Since olive oil has a positive effect on digestion and has a slightly laxative effect, it also supports your dog’s intestinal activity in the event of constipation.

Attention danger!

Olive oil can boost your dog’s bowel movements when it’s constipated, but too much olive oil can quickly lead to diarrhea. Here you should dose with tact.

Is olive oil suitable for grooming?

Yes, olive oil is also suitable for external use.

To do this, you can simply rub a few drops (emphasis on A FEW, because you don’t want to bathe your dog in them) in your hands and then gently massage into your dog’s coat.

It ensures supple skin, a shiny coat structure and prevents dandruff and drying out of the skin.

Can all dogs eat olive oil?

Yes, all dogs that tolerate olive oil well are allowed to snack on it occasionally.

It is important that you always slowly introduce your dog to new foods. If your dog has never been given olive oil, start with a small sample and only continue when you are sure that your dog tolerates the oil well

Can dogs eat olive oil? Here is the most important thing at a glance

Yes, dogs are allowed to eat olive oil. It is a nutritious addition to your four-legged friend’s meat-based main meal.

Olive oil is also well suited for external use, i.e. for grooming. It gives the fur a nice shine and makes the skin supple.

It is also very advantageous that olive oil is available in almost every household. So you can basically share the bottle and you can easily dribble the oil into your dog’s bowl from time to time.

Nevertheless, there are some oils, such as salmon, evening primrose, or borage oil, which can provide your dog with even better nutrients. You are welcome to vary this and give your dog two to three different oils a week.

Do you have any questions about feeding olive oil? Then please write us a comment under this article.