The Pawsome Benefits of Olive Oil in Your Dog’s Diet (Featuring Nocellara & Biancolilla)

Many of us consider our dogs part of the family, so it’s natural to wonder if healthy habits like using extra virgin olive oil can benefit our pups too. The great news is that a little olive oil in your dog’s diet can indeed support their health in surprising ways. Experts say it’s safe for dogs to have small amounts of olive oil regularly, and they can enjoy many of the same health perks that humans do (rover.com).

In fact, olive oil offers a range of benefits for dogs – from a moisturized skin and shiny coat to reduced inflammation and even better heart health (oliveoiltimes.com). And when it comes to which olive oil, premium high-polyphenol varieties like Nocellara del Belice and Biancolilla stand out. These Sicilian olive cultivars are renowned for their robust natural polyphenol (antioxidant) content and quality, making them an excellent, nutrient-packed choice for your canine companion (oliomagnifico.com). A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on your dog’s food can do more than make it tastier – it can boost their skin, coat, and overall health.

Healthy Skin and Shiny Coat
If your dog has dry, flaky skin or a dull coat, olive oil might be a simple remedy. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E, which help keep a dog’s skin moisturized and well-nourished for a healthy, beautiful coat (oliveoiltimes.com). Veterinarians have observed that adding olive oil to a dog’s diet can bring noticeable improvements in coat luster and softness. One veterinary dermatologist noted significant increase in shine and softness after about 30 days of olive oil supplementation (morocco-gold.com). The beneficial fats in olive oil get incorporated into the skin’s protective barrier, making fur glossier and skin less prone to dryness. Additionally, olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may ease itching in dogs with allergies or dry skin (morocco-gold.com), providing relief from scratching and irritation.

It’s worth noting that essential fatty acids are vital for canine skin and fur health. If a dog’s diet lacks healthy fats, you often see issues like dry, scaly skin, brittle fur, or excessive shedding. In fact, classic signs of fatty acid deficiency in dogs include flaky skin and a dull, unkempt coat (hillspet.com). By including a quality olive oil like Nocellara or Biancolilla, you’re ensuring your pup gets those skin-loving fats and antioxidants to keep their coat shiny and their skin supple.

Supporting Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Olive oil doesn’t just make your dog’s food more delicious – it can also help their digestion. The healthy monounsaturated fats in olive oil stimulate the production of bile in the liver, which in turn helps break down food and absorb nutrients. In practical terms, a bit of olive oil can “grease the wheels” of your dog’s digestive tract, promoting smoother digestion and regular bowel movements. Many pet owners even use a teaspoon of olive oil as a natural remedy for mild constipation in dogs, since olive oil has gentle laxative properties (rover.com). Of course, too much oil can loosen stools too much, so moderation is key to avoiding an upset tummy or diarrhea.

There’s also evidence that olive oil may improve nutrient utilization. One study found that dogs fed olive oil could digest protein more easily (rover.com), indicating that this oil can enhance the digestive process. Additionally, because olive oil is a fat, it helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from food.

Fighting Inflammation and Easing Joint Pain
One of the most remarkable benefits of extra virgin olive oil is its anti-inflammatory effect. Chronic inflammation is at the root of many ailments in dogs, from itchy skin and arthritis to more serious conditions. Olive oil’s main fatty acid, oleic acid, and its array of polyphenols work together to reduce inflammation in the body. This can be a godsend for dogs with joint issues or arthritis. In fact, veterinarians often suggest adding olive oil or similar healthy fats to the diet of older dogs to help keep them agile. Studies have noted that olive oil’s oleic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory, potentially lowering the risk of arthritis and easing joint pain over time (rover.com) (oliveoiltimes.com).

Polyphenols present in high-quality olive oils (like those from Nocellara and Biancolilla olives) have even been compared to mild versions of pain relievers – for example, the polyphenol oleocanthal has an ibuprofen-like effect, inhibiting inflammatory enzymes.

Heart Health and Immune Support
Feeding your dog olive oil can also give a boost to their heart and immune system. Extra virgin olive oil is famous as a heart-healthy food for humans, and similar principles apply to dogs. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can support cardiovascular health by promoting good cholesterol balance and improving circulation. According to animal nutrition experts, olive oil in moderation may help prevent heart disease in dogs and even reduce the risk of diabetes (morocco-gold.com). It does this by providing “good fats” that improve metabolism and by supplying antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.

Those same antioxidants contribute to a stronger immune system. Olive oil is packed with vitamin E and polyphenols, which are compounds that fight free radicals. One non-profit pet health organization notes that olive oil boosts dogs’ immune function and even helps prevent cellular oxidation – essentially slowing down cellular aging (morocco-gold.com). There’s even talk of olive oil potentially helping to delay cognitive decline in older dogs – much like it’s been shown to support brain health in humans (morocco-gold.com).

High-Polyphenol Power: Why Nocellara & Biancolilla Shine
You might be wondering why we specifically mention Nocellara and Biancolilla olive oils. These are two varieties of olives (hailing from the sunny groves of Sicily) that produce exceptionally high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oils. Polyphenols are the natural antioxidant compounds that give quality olive oil its anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties. Oils made from Nocellara del Belice and Biancolilla olives – like the premium oils offered by Olio Magnifico – are literally teeming with these beneficial polyphenols and nutrients (oliomagnifico.com).

Here are some of the ways these polyphenol-rich oils can bolster your dog’s health:

• Potent antioxidants protect your dog’s cells from damage and aging (oliveoiltimes.com).

• Natural anti-inflammatory compounds alleviate joint pain and stiffness in dogs with arthritis (oliveoiltimes.com).

• Heart health is supported through better circulation and reduced oxidative stress (oliveoiltimes.com).

• Antioxidants may improve brain function in aging dogs (oliveoiltimes.com).

• Digestive aid properties help maintain a healthy gut and microbiome (oliveoiltimes.com).

• Certain polyphenols even have anti-cancer properties (oliveoiltimes.com).

These olives also carry other beneficial nutrients: Nocellara EVOO is high in vitamin E, and Biancolilla oil contains compounds like chlorophyll and carotenoids which support liver health and add even more anti-inflammatory action (oliomagnifico.com).

Are There Downsides to Skipping the Olive Oil?
If a dog’s diet is lacking in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, you may eventually notice consequences in their health and appearance. Without enough healthy fats, a dog’s skin can become dry and flaky, and their coat may lose its shine (hillspet.com). Not including an antioxidant source like olive oil means your dog gets fewer compounds to protect against oxidative stress – which can weaken the immune system over time and increase the risk of chronic issues (oliveoiltimes.com).

Moderation and Final Tips
A small amount – usually about a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil per 20–30 pounds of dog body weight – is plenty (oliveoiltimes.com). You don’t need to give olive oil every single day to see benefits. Start gradually, and if your dog has special health conditions, always consult your vet before adding anything new to their diet.

Conclusion
Incorporating a high-quality olive oil into your dog’s diet can be a simple yet impactful way to support their well-being. From moisturizing their skin and amplifying coat shine to aiding digestion and fighting inflammation, olive oil earns its title as a “superfood” for dogs. The effect is even more pronounced when you choose oils like Nocellara del Belice and Biancolilla (oliomagnifico.com). A small daily drizzle might be all it takes to unlock lasting health benefits and keep your pup happy, active, and radiant.