Give Olive Oil to Your Dog

We have all heard about the benefits of consuming plant oils. These oils have a wonderful effect on our dogs' health, too. When we think of our dog's daily diet, we should keep in mind the advantages of various oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil and don't forget about fish oils. 

Here are eight reasons to add olive oil to your dog's diet. Boneappetit!

1. It tastes doggone good

Few things perk up a boring bowl of dry kibble better than a spoonful of what dog-loving celebrity chef Rachael Ray affectionately calls EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil) — especially if your kibble might be, ahem, the tiniest bit stale. Add a dash of cinnamon and turmeric, and you’ve spiced your dog’s meal in grand style!

2. It helps the eater lose weight

Whether the portly pepperpot is canine or human, if there are some unwanted pounds that need shedding, olive oil will help grease the weight-loss engine. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage pound-melting by breaking down the fat inside fat cells, getting rid of belly fat and reducing insulin sensitivity.

3. It promotes optimal health

Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil prevents and lessens the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It contains oleic acid, in addition to some compounds (squalene and terpenoids) that are believed to be effective in preventing cancer, which kills a staggering 50 percent of dogs over age 10.

4. It defends the immune system

With high levels of antioxidants — including polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll, and carotenoids — olive oil is very effective at arming the body’s immune system so it can efficiently fight off disease. That’s especially important as we (humans as well as canines) transition from one season to another.

5. It extends canince longevity

Dogs don’t live nearly as long as we want them to, but nothing looks sadder than a young dog going gray before his time. Olive oil prevents free radical cell oxidation (see above), which can lead to premature aging, so it works to help keep your dog looking as vibrantly youthful as he did in his salad days.

6. It's brain food

Olive oil helps prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging in all species, so be sure to serve it 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.

7. It provides an energy boost

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, by extension, it can be a dogsend for brachycephalic breeds such as the Bulldog, who sometimes struggle to breathe.

8. It's also 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 can do the same for canines. Condition your dog’s coat from the inside out with a daily serving, which helps to impart moisture and gleam to even the driest, dullest fur.

Do you add olive oil to your dog’s diet? Did we convince you to start? Let us know in the comments!