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Can dogs have olive oil? Yes — in small amounts, olive oil is safe for most healthy dogs and may even support their skin, coat, and overall wellness. Like any fat, the key is moderation: too much can upset the stomach or add unwanted calories. This guide covers the real benefits, what the research shows, how much to give by weight, which olive oil to buy, and the one mistake most owners make when serving it.
The short answer
Plain olive oil is not toxic to dogs. Fed in moderation and mixed into food — not applied to the skin — it can be a healthy source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Skip it (or ask your vet first) if your dog is overweight, has a sensitive stomach, or has ever had pancreatitis, and always start with a smaller amount than the guideline below.
What is olive oil, and why is it good for dogs?
Olive oil is roughly 73% oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, plus vitamin E and polyphenol antioxidants. Those compounds are why olive oil is a staple of the human Mediterranean diet — and several of the same properties may support your dog as part of a balanced diet. The American Kennel Club lists olive oil among the people foods that are safe for dogs in moderation.
Benefits of olive oil for dogs
1. Supports a healthy skin & coat
The healthy fats and vitamin E in olive oil may help maintain normal skin moisture and a shiny coat from the inside out. Many owners notice a glossier coat within a few weeks of adding a small daily amount to food.
2. Oleic acid and normal skin comfort
Oleic acid has recognized anti-inflammatory properties, which is part of why olive oil is associated with supporting normal skin comfort in dogs prone to seasonal itchiness. It is not a treatment for allergies — persistent itching should be evaluated by your vet — but as a dietary fat it may help support healthy skin.
3. Supports digestion and regularity
A small amount of olive oil has mild lubricating properties that may help support normal, regular digestion. Because it can also loosen stools, start small: too much, too fast is the most common cause of a soft-stool reaction.
4. Helps maintain a healthy weight (in moderation)
This one is a balance. Monounsaturated fats can be part of a healthy diet and may help dogs feel satisfied, but olive oil is calorie-dense (about 120 calories per tablespoon). Used sparingly and counted as part of daily calories, it fits a weight-management plan; used heavily, it works against one.
5. Antioxidant and immune support
The vitamin E and polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, supporting your dog's normal cellular health and immune function over time — especially valuable for senior dogs.
What the research actually says
Being honest about the evidence is part of using olive oil well. Much of what's written comes from human nutrition research on monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, extrapolated to dogs, rather than large canine trials. The fatty-acid science is real and many owners see skin, coat, and digestion benefits in practice — but "may support" is the accurate phrasing, and olive oil should never replace veterinary care for a health problem.
Is olive oil bad for dogs? The risks
Olive oil is generally safe, but "safe in moderation" is doing real work in that sentence. Watch for these:
- Weight gain. Extra oil means extra calories. For dogs who need to lose weight, even healthy fats add up fast.
- Pancreatitis risk. A sudden high-fat addition can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs — a painful inflammation of the pancreas. If your dog has had pancreatitis or is prone to it, talk to your vet before adding any oil.
- Stomach upset. Too much oil, or introducing it too quickly, can cause diarrhea or vomiting, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Not a fix for medical problems. Ongoing itching, dull coat, or constipation usually point to something a spoon of oil won't solve. Use olive oil as a wellness supplement, not a treatment.
Which dogs should skip olive oil (or ask the vet first)?
Be extra cautious — and check with your veterinarian — if your dog is overweight, has a history of pancreatitis, is on a prescribed low-fat diet, or is pregnant or nursing. For these dogs, the added fat and calories can outweigh any benefit.
How much olive oil can you give a dog?
Guidance varies between sources, so err on the conservative side, start below these amounts, and introduce it gradually over a week. As a general daily guide fed in food:
| Dog size | Approx. weight | General daily amount |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 20 lbs | A few drops up to ~¼ teaspoon |
| Medium | 20–50 lbs | ~¼ to ½ teaspoon |
| Large | 50–90 lbs | ~½ to 1 teaspoon |
| Giant | 90+ lbs | ~1 teaspoon |
Start with less than the amount shown, give no more than once daily, and adjust with your veterinarian based on your dog's weight, activity, and health. Count the calories as part of your dog's daily total. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
How to serve olive oil to your dog (feed it, don't rub it on)
The single most common mistake is applying olive oil to a dog's skin or coat. Don't. Dogs lick it off — so it ends up in the stomach anyway, often in far larger amounts than intended, and the residue can actually worsen skin irritation for some dogs.
Instead, mix the measured amount into your dog's regular food. Drizzle it over wet or dry food and stir so it coats the kibble. That way your dog gets the dietary benefits with none of the mess or over-licking. If your goal is a topical skin-and-coat option, coconut oil is the better-suited choice — more on that below. (Wondering about whole olives rather than the oil? The AKC covers plain olives here.)
What olive oil is best for dogs?
Choose extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) — cold-pressed and minimally processed, so it keeps the most antioxidants and healthy fats. Skip "pure," "light," refined, or pomace olive oils, which are more processed. Look for a dark glass bottle, which protects the oil from light, and store it in a cool, dark cupboard; olive oil goes rancid over time, and rancid oil is both less beneficial and harder on the stomach.
Signs your dog has had too much olive oil
Ease off — or pause and call your vet — if you notice loose or greasy stools, diarrhea, vomiting, low appetite, or weight creeping up. These usually mean the amount was too high or added too quickly, not that olive oil is off-limits for good.
Olive oil vs. coconut oil vs. hemp seed oil for dogs
These three healthy oils each bring something different. Here's how they compare so you can pick the right one — or rotate them:
| Oil | Key fats | Best for | Feed or topical? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | Oleic acid, vitamin E, polyphenols | Skin & coat, general wellness, gentle digestion support | Feed in food only |
| Coconut oil | MCTs, lauric acid | Skin & coat, quick energy, antimicrobial support | Feed and topical |
| Hemp seed oil | Balanced omega-3 & omega-6, GLA | Skin & coat, balanced essential fatty acids | Feed in food |
Want the full breakdown? Read our guides on coconut oil for dogs and hemp seed oil as a carrier oil, or compare hemp oil vs CBD oil for dogs, and browse our coconut oil and hemp for dogs collections.
Where hemp fits in
At HempMy Pet, we make organic olive oil infused with our own full-spectrum hemp extract — the wellness benefits of olive oil, plus the full-spectrum hemp (CBD, CBG, CBC and natural terpenes) we grow and formulate ourselves on our own Colorado farm using organic growing practices. Our olive-oil formula is a maximum-strength option (5,000 mg) made for large dogs and horses. If you have a smaller dog and want that same seed-to-sale hemp in a skin-and-coat oil, our organic CBD coconut oil (100 mg and 500 mg) is the everyday choice. For how the hemp side works, the veterinary team at Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center has a plain-language primer on CBD in dogs.
HempMy Pet Organic Olive Oil + Full-Spectrum Hemp (Equine Formula)
Organic olive oil infused with our own full-spectrum hemp — grown and formulated seed-to-sale on our own Colorado farm using organic growing practices. This is our maximum-strength olive-oil formula, made for large dogs and horses.
5,000 mg (4 fl oz) — $199 · smaller dog? See our CBD coconut oil (100 mg / 500 mg).
Shop Olive Oil + Hemp →Frequently asked questions
Can dogs have olive oil every day?
In small amounts, yes — many dogs can have a little olive oil daily mixed into food. Because it is calorie-dense, keep it to the weight-based serving below, start with less than that, and check with your veterinarian first if your dog is overweight, has a sensitive stomach, or has a history of pancreatitis.
How much olive oil can I give my dog?
A common conservative guide is about a quarter teaspoon per day for small dogs, up to about one teaspoon for large dogs, no more than once daily. Sources vary, so start with a few drops, introduce it gradually over a week, and adjust with your vet based on your dog's size and health.
Is extra-virgin olive oil better for dogs?
Yes. Extra-virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and minimally processed, so it keeps more of the antioxidants and healthy fats. Avoid 'pure,' 'light,' pomace, or refined olive oils, and choose a dark glass bottle to protect it from going rancid.
Can I put olive oil on my dog's skin?
It is not recommended. Dogs lick it off, which can mean too much oil in the stomach and, in some cases, more skin irritation. For skin and coat support, feed a small amount in food instead — or use a product formulated for topical use, like coconut oil.
Will olive oil help my dog's itchy skin?
Olive oil contains oleic acid and other healthy fats that may support normal skin and coat condition from the inside out. It is best fed in food as part of a balanced diet. Persistent itching deserves a vet visit, since it often signals allergies or another underlying cause.
Can I give my dog olive oil for constipation?
Olive oil has mild natural lubricating properties, and a small amount in food may help some dogs. It is not a treatment for ongoing constipation — if your dog is straining, hasn't passed stool in more than a day, or seems uncomfortable, call your vet rather than adding more oil.
Can puppies and senior dogs have olive oil?
A tiny amount is generally considered safe for healthy puppies and seniors whose diets are already complete and balanced. Seniors are more likely to have conditions that make a vet check worthwhile first, so start very small and ask your vet.
Can dogs have olives too, not just the oil?
Plain, pitted, unsalted olives in small amounts are generally fine, but salty, marinated, or stuffed olives are not, and the pit is a choking and obstruction hazard. The oil is the simpler, safer way to get the benefits.
What's the difference between olive oil, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil for dogs?
They offer different fats and benefits: olive oil is rich in oleic acid (skin, coat, general wellness), coconut oil provides MCTs and lauric acid (skin, coat, quick energy — and can be used topically), and hemp seed oil delivers a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Many owners rotate or combine them; see the comparison table above.
Is olive oil safe for dogs on medication or a special diet?
Ask your vet first. If your dog is on a prescribed low-fat diet or medication, or has a condition like pancreatitis or obesity, even a healthy fat like olive oil can work against the plan. Your vet can tell you whether a small amount fits.
Written by Marc Brannigan, Co-Founder & CEO of HempMy Pet. Marc founded HempMy Pet in 2016 and built it into a vertically integrated, seed-to-sale organic hemp company — breeding its own hemp genetics, growing them on our own farm in Longmont, Colorado using organic growing practices, and formulating every product in-house. The company has spent nearly a decade formulating hemp products for dogs, cats, and horses and commissioned HempMy Pet's two university clinical trials.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Hemp/CBD products are supplements intended to support normal structure and function; they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, especially if your pet is pregnant, nursing, on medication, or has a health condition.
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); Cornell Riney Canine Health Center; research on oleic acid & dietary monounsaturated fats.
