Olive oil for dogs and cats: the benefits
Olive oil for dogs and cats is a panacea for their health, just like it is for humans. By reading this article, you will discover all its benefits and how to incorporate it into their diet.
The qualities of olive oil for dogs and cats
Essential to the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is a valuable food for our health. But not everyone knows that it is also valuable for our four-legged friends.
The fact that it is a monounsaturated oil, rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E, good fats, and Omega-3s, makes it an elixir of long life. The best is cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, which preserves all its original properties.
The benefits of olive oil for animals relate to the health of their coat, skin, immune system, brain, joints, and even their heart. Offering it to your pets is therefore an excellent choice, provided you do not overdo it to avoid laxative effects.
Olive oil even helps in the management of hairballs in cats, but it should not be administered to kittens and puppies who:
- Have open or not yet fully healed wounds;
- Suffer from bouts of vomiting and diarrhea;
- Are affected by pancreatitis.
Dosage of olive oil for pets
How much olive oil should you give to a dog? The recommended daily dose is half a teaspoon for small dogs up to 10 kg, one teaspoon for dogs from 10 to 30 kg, and two teaspoons for large dogs (over 30 kg).
If a cat keeps you company and you are wondering how much olive oil to give to a cat, know that the recommended daily dose is half a teaspoon. You can add it directly to their bowl to season kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet meals.
Olive oil in the digestion of dogs and cats
Olive oil emulsifies with gastric juices and is easily digested by our four-legged friends, who can thus assimilate it and benefit from its virtues. Furthermore, it has positive effects on the very digestion of dogs and cats:
- It facilitates it by stimulating the functions of the digestive system;
- It acts as a mild natural laxative;
- It makes food more palatable and appetizing;
- It preserves the intestinal health of dogs and cats by stimulating the contraction of the gallbladder and thus the production of bile, a fundamental component for the correct digestion of fats;
- It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory for animals.
Remember: Olive oil in case of animal constipation can be administered in higher doses than recommended, after consulting your veterinarian.
Olive oil for coat and skin health
Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants like Vitamin E, olive oil helps keep the coat of dogs and cats shiny, as well as preserving its softness. Furthermore, monounsaturated fats contribute to the hydration of pets’ skin and prevent dryness and skin irritations, which are common problems among animals living indoors and during seasonal changes.
Olive oil for animal dermatitis and omega-9s for coat health
The natural anti-inflammatory effect of olive oil makes this staple of the Mediterranean diet a valuable ally in the treatment of animal dermatitis. Pets suffering from dermatitis, and therefore presenting a dull and opaque coat, can regain their shine thanks to the Omega-9s present in extra virgin olive oil.
Christopher Reeder, a board-certified dermatologist at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Franklin, Tennessee, told Chewy that the shine of dogs’ coats is clearly visible after about 30 days of olive oil dietary supplementation.
Would you like to receive more free advice on your friend’s coat health? Read our in-depth article.
Heart health and olive oil for dogs and cats
Olive oil is good for the heart health of dogs and cats, acting both preventively and as a valid support in case of established pathologies, because:
- Monounsaturated fatty acids in pets help reduce cholesterol and improve blood circulation;
- Vitamin E is one of the best natural antioxidants for animals, capable of contributing to the integrity of blood vessel cells, improving their elasticity and preventing the dangerous appearance of blood clots and plaques, responsible for strokes and cardiac complications.
Not to mention that extra virgin olive oil controls blood sugar spikes after meals, thus preventing diabetes and blood sugar fluctuations in subjects already diabetic.
Olive oil for dogs and cats on the immune system
Strengthening the immune defenses of pets means helping them recover from possible illnesses, but also protecting them from viruses and infections whose complications could be fatal. All this is possible thanks to:
- The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil, due to the presence of oleocanthal, a precious phenolic compound;
- The beneficial effect of polyphenols on animal health, with which extra virgin olive oil is rich, which improve the absorption and utilization of nutrients and even have anti-tumor properties;
- Vitamin E which dogs and cats synthesize in the liver or kidneys and which acts as a regulator of biological processes.
Do you want to strengthen Fido’s immune system? Also discover the benefits of spirulina algae.
The best nutrient intake and olive oil for dogs and cats
The nutrition of dogs and cats is fundamental to ensure them the best possible quality of life, at any time of their lives.
We at Naxos know this well, which is why we have chosen to formulate our kibble:
- Using exclusively quality raw materials, 100% Italian and cruelty-free;
- Ensuring all the nutrients suggested by science;
- Using proteins with high biological value;
- Respecting the specific needs by age, size, and any pathology of the dog or cat.
Our Naxos Conca d’Oro line, multi-protein and tasty, also incorporates extra virgin olive oil. Discover Naxos Conca d’Oro for cats and Naxos Conca d’Oro for dogs and come and visit us, online or in the nearest store.
