The incredible benefits of olive oil for dogs

Updated 16/09/2024

Is olive oil good for dogs? The short answer is yes! From mixing it into your pup’s dinner to rubbing it into their skin, we’re exploring the many benefits of olive oil for dogs. 

The benefits of olive oil for dogs

Studies suggest that olive oil could offer the following health benefits for dogs:

1. It keeps the skin and fur healthy 

Our four-pawed pals have much more sensitive skin than we do, thanks to a thinner protective dermal layer which makes them more prone to dry and flaky skin. But guess what? Olive oil for dog’s skin can be a real game changer. 

Olive oil is rich in polyphenols, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which can do wonders for your pup’s skin and fur. For a little preventative care during the dry winter months, some people suggest mixing five drops of olive oil with a cup of water and gently massage it into the dog’s skin, taking care to avoid any open wounds. However, vets don’t usually recommend applying olive oil to your dog’s skin, as it can turn into a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria and make your pup lick it, leading to further irritation. 

Vets agree that the best way to unleash olive oil’s benefits is by adding it to your pup’s meals. So can dogs eat olive oil? Yes, just a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in their food (for a 20-40lb dog) is enough to do the trick. It nourishes from the inside out, and after a few weeks, you’ll notice a healthier skin barrier and a shinier coat. Your pooch will be glowing!

2. It can boost the immune system

It’s clear that this nutrient-rich healthy fat can do wonders for your furry friend’s exterior, but what about internally? Olive oil contains carotenoid antioxidants (those red-orange pigments found in fruits and veggies) which can boost your dog’s immune system, help fight off illnesses, and even slow down the aging process. What’s more, these antioxidants protect dogs from free radical damage, potentially reducing the risk of illnesses like dementia and cancer.

3. It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight 

Olive oil is often called a superfood, and for good reason! It’s filled with monounsaturated fats that help break down fat cells, making it easier to lose weight and reducing the chance of obesity. It also works like a natural laxative, giving your furry friend’s digestive system a gentle boost when small amounts are added to their meals.

4. It improves brain health

Research suggests that the polyphenol ‘oleocanthal’ found in extra virgin olive oil may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Adding olive oil to your dog’s diet can help protect their brain against cognitive decline as they get older, keeping their minds sharp and lively, and it also helps improve blood flow, giving those senior pups an extra spring in their step. 

5. It reduces irritation caused by allergies

Olive oil can help strengthen the skin barrier which allows less bacteria and yeast to enter the skin causing infections, a common problem in dogs who suffer from allergic skin disease. By promoting good skin health through skin barrier supplements such as olive oil we can reduce long term skin damage, infections dogs suffer from, and alleviate dog itching

6. It’s tasty!

If your four-pawed pal’s a bit of a picky eater, you might try adding a drizzle of olive oil to their food to make it extra yummy. 

How much olive oil to give your dog

It’s generally agreed that one teaspoon of olive oil can be mixed into your pup’s food per 20 pounds of body weight, however, you should speak to your vet to determine the correct serving size for your pup.

How to incorporate olive oil into your dog’s diet

So olive oil and dogs seem to be a match made in heaven – here’s how to make sure your furry friend reaps all the benefits of this liquid gold:

Speak to your vet

It’s a good idea to speak to your vet before adding anything new to your furry friend’s diet. They can help you decide if it’s a healthy choice for your pup!

Ease into it

Once you’ve got the go-ahead from your vet, you can start adding a small amount of olive oil to your pup’s food. A common rule of thumb is one teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight, but it’s a good idea to start with even less to see how your furry friend reacts. Some dogs are very sensitive to oils, and you may notice the stools are looser than usual, if this is the case, reduce or stop the olive oil supplementation. 

Mix it into food

Mix the olive oil into your four-pawed pal’s usual food or look for olive oil in dog food that’s already prepared. 

Bake some goodies

Get creative in the kitchen and bake some doggy treats using olive oil – it’s a fun and tasty way to include this healthy fat into their diet! Let all the treats cool completely before feeding to your dog to avoid accidental burns.

Keep an eye on your pup

Watch for any signs of tummy trouble or allergies after introducing olive oil to your dog, and do it when you’re home to monitor them. You don’t want your dog sitter to have to deal with any unexpected mess! If you spot diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, stop feeding your furry friend oil and check in with your vet for advice.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.