Many of the health advantages that olive oil provides for people also apply to our four-legged companions. These can be anything from strengthening one's immune system to bettering the skin and coat. While it's crucial to keep an eye on your pet's calorie consumption at all times, adding olive oil to their diet in moderation may be worthwhile.
Olive Oil Health Benefits for Dogs
Olive Oil Health Benefits for Dogs
The fact that olive oil is high in phytonutrients, vitamin E, or omega-3 fatty acids is only one of the many advantages it has for dogs and people. It can encourage a glossy coat and assist in keeping Fido's skin hydrated. That being said, most dogs will find it extremely enticing to lick the olive oil off of their coats, so applying it straight to their coats isn't always a good idea.
Here are some more advantages to feeding your dog olive oil.
1 - Enhanced Hunger
A light coating of olive oil ought to be sufficient to change the flavor and texture of your dog's regular diet if they have been refusing to eat their kibble lately. This may also be all you need to do to stimulate their appetite.
2 - Prevention of Diseases
We always want to spend as much time as possible with our cherished dogs, and feeding your dog a tiny bit of olive oil on a regular basis may truly help achieve that. According to studies, inhibitors like vitamin E may help shield the cell membranes in your dog from harm caused by free radicals. Additionally, it might stop cells from over-oxidising, which can cause tissue damage along with serious conditions like dementia or cardiovascular disease.
Olive oil consumption has also been linked to lowered cholesterol and a delay in cognitive impairment.
A tiny amount of olive oil can help your dog breathe easier and have better circulation. It can even help shield your dog from respiratory diseases like asthma. Because of this, brachycephalic breeds such as Shih Tzus and bulldogs may benefit from a regular, small quantity of olive oil in their diet.
3 - Improved Digestive Health
Small doses of olive oil, which has laxative properties, can also aid in reviving a pet's digestive system in the event that they are experiencing indigestion or constipation. Just be careful to introduce olive oil gradually and to stop if your dog starts throwing up or experiencing any other gastrointestinal complaints. Read This: Can radishes kill dogs? Is it safe to eat?
4 - Olive Oil's Possible Risks to Dogs
Olive oil is highly heavy in fat, even though dogs can benefit from it. This implies that if your dog constantly overeats, there's always a chance of weight gain.
As usual, check with the vet before adding oil or any other 'human food' to your dog's diet if they already struggle with weight. You should also make sure not to feed olive oil to pets that are already overweight.
You will need to keep an eye out for stomach distress and possibly diarrhea if your dog eats a lot of olive oil, perhaps from an open bottle that ends up on the floor, or if you don't add it to their meal in moderation. Overindulgence in high-fat foods can also result in pancreatitis, a potentially dangerous illness.
How do I give my dog olive oil?
The secret is moderation; any additions like olive oil ought to be made sparingly, daily, and in very small amounts (one and two teaspoons at most).
The quickest and best way to introduce olive oil to the dog's diet is to mix in approximately a teaspoon (around 30 to 40 pounds for a medium-sized dog) with every meal.
Olive oil may be given once a week or, if approved by your veterinarian, once a day. A larger breed ought to be able to handle a daily serving as large as a tablespoon. To make sure that the dog doesn't have a negative reaction and to give their system time to adjust to this new ingredient, it is advisable to start with a smaller dose.
Extra virgin olive oil is often a better option because of its lower acidity when selecting an olive oil for the dog.
Fish or coconut oil, which has numerous health advantages for your dog, can be substituted for olive oil.
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