Is Olive Oil Good to Give Your German Shepherd?

Olive oil, a staple of every kitchen, makes an excellent, healthful addition to every person’s diet. But is olive oil good for German Shepherd?  Yes, the nutrient-rich oil isn’t just great for humans; dogs can also enjoy and benefit from it. Supplementing extra virgin olive oil in your dog’s diet is an excellent source of good fats and Omega-3 for your canine friend.

Here is how adding a little bit of olive oil can bring impressive health benefits for your furry friend.

8 Benefits of Olive Oil for German Shepherds

Olive Oil is a natural oil extracted from the fruits of olive trees. It is a superfood for humans with tons of benefits and zero cons. Things are pretty similar for German Shepherds. It is an excellent source of fat and nutrients that can enhance the digestive system, improve immunity, reduce itching from allergies, and give a shiner coat.

Here are the potential health benefits of Olive oil for German Shepherds and other dogs.

1. Makes Meal Time Fun

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. Helps in Weight Loss

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. Prevent Many Common Diseases

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. Defends 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. Extends Life Expectancy

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. Sharpen the Mind

Olive oil helps prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging in all species, so 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. Additionally, integrating germen shapered training into your routine can complement the benefits of olive oil by supporting mental stimulation and overall cognitive health.

7. Boost Energy

Circulation improves, and breathing comes more efficiently 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 dog sent for brachycephalic breeds such as the Bulldog, who sometimes struggle to breathe.

8. Beautify the Skin and Hair

There’s more to olive oil than mere substance — it’s a style statement, too! It has been used for a long time to beautify human hair and skin, and 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 sparkle to even the driest, dullest fur.

Learn: How to crate train your German Shepherd puppy?

Potential Risks of Olive Oil for German Shepherds

Olive oil is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet. It is essential to consume it in moderation. Too much olive oil can lead to weight gain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Moreover, the high fats can react negatively in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Some dogs can be allergic to olive oil. So, closely monitor your dog during the first few doses to look for any signs of allergic reaction.

It is essential to understand that olive oil supplements a healthy diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It should not be a substitute for a complete and balanced diet.

The Best Type of Olive Oil for Dogs – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, is the purest and least processed oil. It has the highest healthy fats and antioxidants, making it the best olive oil for your furry friend. Never use flavored or infused olive oils. They may contain additives or ingredients that could be harmful to your dog. While buying EVOO, ensure you are getting a high-quality product with no additional ingredients.

Read also: Benefits of Vitamin C for German Shepherd Puppies

How to Safely Serve Olive Oil to Your German Shepherd?

It is vital to cautiously introduce olive oil to your dog’s diet, as some dogs can be allergic to it.

Here is the right way to do it.

• Consult your Vet: Before making it a regular part of your German Shepherd’s diet, get approval from your veterinarian.
• Start Small: The safe amount of Olive Oil depends on your dog’s size, weight, and overall health. A good starting point is 1/4 teaspoon of Olive oil per 20 pounds per meal. It is essential to start small. Over several weeks, you can increase the amount to 1 teaspoon for 20 pounds of body weight per meal. It will help you easily monitor your dog’s reaction to the new addition.
• Mix it with Food: The best way to feed the olive oil to your dog is by infusing it into their regular wet or dry food. It allows them to eat it slowly, eliminating the chances of an upset stomach.
• Observe Your Dog: After the first few olive oil meals, watch them closely for any signs of digestive system discomfort or allergic reaction. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, discontinue the use and consult your vet.
• Be consistent: If the dog is completely healthy and the vet gives you a green light, you should consistently incorporate olive oil into the dog’s diet to provide complete benefits.

FAQs

Can I give my dog olive oil every day?

It is totally safe to feed olive oil daily in a safe amount. It keeps the overall weight in balance and enhances your dog’s health status. However, always consult your vet before incorporating olive oil into your diet.

Will olive oil help a dog’s dry skin?

Yes, olive oil is a great moisturizing agent. It improves the dry skin from the inside out, and the fatty acids and vitamins give a nice shine to the dog’s coat.

The oil is not recommended to apply it on the skin. It is a quick fix for dry skin, but the dogs lick it off quickly. Eliminating the topical benefits and further increasing the irritation due to excessive licking.

What is the recommended amount of olive oil for dogs?

The safe amount of olive oil for dogs is about one teaspoon per 20 pounds per meal. If you are just starting, it’s wise to start with less olive oil to avoid irritating the digestive tract.

Is olive oil good for old German Shepherds and other breeds?

It brings life-changing benefits for senior dogs. Olive oil helps them stay agile, flexible, and active. Moreover, it also promotes healthy skin and itching associated with allergies and reduces inflammation.

Conclusion

So, Is olive oil good for German Shepherds?

Yes, extra virgin olive oil provides many health benefits, including promoting a healthy coat and skin, maintaining ideal weight, improving digestive health, and more. However, it is crucial to use olive oil in the right amount. Moreover, consult your vet before adding olive oil to your dog’s diet.

With the proper precautions and practices, olive oil is a healthy and beneficial addition to your dog’s diet while adding a delicious taste to the dog’s meal. So, make sure you have all the knowledge before using olive oil in your dog’s diet.

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