Can Dogs Have Olive Oil?

Olive oil is a kitchen staple — but can dogs have olive oil, and can dogs eat olive oil safely? In moderation, yes. A little organic virgin olive oil is a healthy dietary fat that supports a dog's skin, coat, and overall wellness. Here's what it does, how much to give, and how to use it safely.

Can Dogs Eat Olive Oil?

Yes — dogs can eat olive oil in small, measured amounts. Virgin olive oil delivers phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids that help moisturize skin, support a shiny coat, and contribute healthy fats to your dog's diet. As with any new addition, start small and check with your vet first.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Dogs

Cold-pressed virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids. Owners add it to a dog's bowl to help with:

• Skin & coat — the omega fatty acids moisturize skin and support a soft, shiny coat, and help reduce flaking during dry winter months.
• Heart & everyday wellness — olive oil is a quality dietary fat, and its antioxidants help the body fight free-radical (oxidative) stress.
• Healthy fats they can't make themselves — feeding olive oil raises beneficial fatty acids like oleic acid that dogs need from their diet.

These benefits are best documented for virgin olive oil, which keeps more antioxidants and phenolic compounds than refined oil thanks to the gentle cold-pressing process. For a vet-reviewed overview, see the American Kennel Club's guide.

Virgin vs Regular Olive Oil: Which Is Best for Dogs?

Choose organic, extra-virgin (cold-pressed) olive oil. It's less processed and less acidic, so it's easier to digest and retains more of the antioxidants that make olive oil worthwhile. Avoid cheaper blends — some are cut with other oils like palm oil, which carries a heavy environmental cost.

How Much Olive Oil to Give a Dog

Start low and go slow. A common guideline is about one teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight per day, worked up gradually from a smaller amount and mixed into food. Because olive oil is high in fat, keep servings modest — too much can cause loose stool or add unwanted calories.

How to Use Olive Oil for Your Dog

The easiest way is to drizzle a measured amount over your dog's regular food — most dogs take it readily. You can also let them lick it off a spoon. Olive oil works best given in food rather than applied to the skin, since dogs tend to lick it off.

Olive Oil Infused With CBD Hemp

Because olive oil is gentle, palatable, and easy to digest, it's an excellent carrier for full-spectrum hemp — especially for large animals. HempMy Pet infuses certified-organic virgin olive oil with our own Colorado-grown full-spectrum hemp extract (CBD, CBG, CBC, and terpenes for the entourage effect), so your dog or horse gets olive oil's benefits plus calming, full-spectrum support in one bottle. Explore our CBD olive oil for large dogs and horses — a high-potency 5000mg bottle sized for big animals. Every batch is third-party tested for purity and potency.

Is Olive Oil Safe for Dogs?

Yes, in moderation. Keep servings small since olive oil is high in fat and calories; introduce it gradually and watch for loose stool; and avoid it for dogs prone to pancreatitis or on a fat-restricted diet. As always, check with your veterinarian before adding any supplement — especially if your dog is on medication.

The Bottom Line

Used in moderation, olive oil is a simple, natural way to support your dog's skin, coat, and everyday wellness. For the added calming and full-spectrum benefits of CBD, our organic CBD olive oil brings the two together — grown and made on our own Colorado farm. Have a smaller dog or a cat? Start with our hemp for dogs range, or see hemp & CBD for horses.

References

1. Covas, M. I., de la Torre, R., & Fitó, M. (2015). Virgin olive oil: a key food for cardiovascular risk protection. British Journal of Nutrition, 113 Suppl 2, S19–S28. link
2. Campbell, K. L., & Dorn, G. P. (1992). Effects of oral sunflower oil and olive oil on serum and cutaneous fatty acid concentrations in dogs. Research in Veterinary Science, 53(2), 172–178. link
3. Vigil, J. M., et al. (2020). The Therapeutic Effectiveness of Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Using a Chronic Neuropathic Pain Model. Life, 10(5), 69. link