Learn About The Benefits Of Olive Oil For Pets

Learn About The Benefits Of Olive Oil For Pets

Last update: 21 May, 2018

Although it is true that animals cannot eat the same foods that we do, some can be beneficial for our pets. Previously, we have talked about oils like Omega 3, cod liver oil, and other products that offer great health benefits to our pets. Today, we will learn about the benefits of olive oil.

We will tell you about its properties, the benefits that these provide for our pets, and how we should use them.

Olive oil properties

We must highlight the fact that olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, which means that this type of fat is not harmful to humans. Of course, moderation is the key. It contains vitamin E and a high Omega content. In addition, it is an excellent antioxidant that helps to nourish the cells of our pets.

Studies also show that olive oil prevents cancer or at least reduces a high percentage of the probabilities of getting the disease. It also boosts the good cholesterol and counteracts the bad. Adding to these benefits of olive oil is the fact that it improves the joints. This is quite exceptional in the case of, for example, old and sick dogs.

How to give olive oil to your pet

As previously mentioned, we should not abuse this oil, never forgetting that it is a fat. To control exactly how much we use, let’s use the weight of our dog as a reference point. Here is a chart for your review.

  • Dogs under 10 kilos – 1/2 teaspoon per day
  • Canines from 11 to 30 kilos- 1 teaspoon per day
  • Dogs over 30 kilos- 1 teaspoon and a half each day

How should we give the oil to our pet? The most recommended way is for our pet to eat it mixed in with their food. This will then acquire an intense flavor that your pet will love. We can also give it to our pet like an appetizer in the evening. It could be on a rice cracker or any other suitable dog food.

Do not exceed the recommended amount, because an excessive amount can give your pet diarrhea.

Long-term health benefits of olive oil 

Olive oil has great health benefits, some visible and others not as much. In just a few weeks after your dog starts to eat the olive oil, you will notice that their appearance has improved. Their skin and hair will be more healthy and beautiful, which makes their external appearance look even better. Also, if your pet has a tendency to get fat, olive oil in the right quantities will help to avoid it.

Olive oil is an excellent dermal regenerator. So, if your dog suffers from dryness or any other type of skin pathology and you apply olive oil directly to their skin it will help the problem. However, this oil takes a long time to be absorbed through the skin. So, you can substitute it for rose-hip oil and use that instead. However,rose-hip oil should never be ingested by the animal. It should only be applied in topical form.

What else can you use the oil for?

In addition, olive oil can be used to help your pet with other issues. For example:

  • Constipation: Eating the recommended amounts of oil will help the intestinal flora and allow the animal to defecate without problems.
  • Paws: These have more contact with the ground and they may get hurt, scratched, or wounded. Applying oil over them will make them softer. It will also calm any pain that your pet may be feeling.
  • Scabies: Olive oil applied directly to the skin affected by scabies will weaken the nests of the mites on the skin of your pet. Also, as your pet will scratch themselves, it is possible that this scratched area will get dry and the oil will help to keep it hydrated.
  • Ticks: Wet the area where the parasite is located and leave it wet for a few moments. Then dry it off with some paper and extract the bug in the opposite direction with tweezers.

In summary, although the foods we eat may not be beneficial for our pets, the benefits of olive oil are clear. Olive oil has multiple beneficial properties that help to improve our pet’s health and lives. So, follow our advice, especially in regard to not exceeding the recommended amounts, and you will start to see the positive changes this can produce in your pet.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.