Is Texas Olive Oil Healthy For Dogs?
By Space Coast Daily // August 1, 2023
The best things in life are meant to be shared with loved ones. And when the best things are also healthy, sharing becomes mandatory. Texas olive oil is a staple in any healthy diet and lifestyle.
The Texas Hill Country Olive Company produces its oils locally from US-grown olives by using a process that preserves all their properties.
The result is an exceptional EVOO – each drop is full of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. EVOO can prevent strokes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and stomach ulcers. It is a superfood that can be easily added to almost any recipe for a health boost with every meal.
If you’re tempted to share the healthy, tasty goodness with your beloved pet, we have some great news. Most dogs can benefit from consuming EVOO and we dive into the reasons below. However, you should always consult a veterinarian before adding a new ingredient to your dog’s diet to make sure it won’t interfere with any pre-existing conditions.
Texas Olive Oil Can Prevent Serious Health Issues
Up to 15% of dogs are affected by cardiovascular disease; it can either be present from birth or acquired during their lives. Smaller breeds such as miniature poodles, dachshunds, and spaniels are prone to chronic valvular disease as they age. Bigger breeds like the dobermans, great danes, and boxers can suffer from dilated cardiomyopathy.
The antioxidants in EVOO are biologically active and fight chronic inflammation, a leading driver of heart disease. The monosaturated fats can prevent cardiovascular issues in healthy dogs and improve the quality of life in dogs who already suffer from heart disease. If your dog exhibits a sudden lack of energy, breathing issues, or changes in weight, you should see a vet immediately.
Canine diabetes is a common condition that affects mixed-breed dogs more than pure breeds and females more than males. Most dogs get diagnosed with diabetes when they are between 7 and 9 years old. This condition can easily be prevented through a healthy diet, exercise, and regular checkups.
EVOO is an excellent addition to any dog’s diet to reduce the risk of diabetes. Its healthy fats can help your dog’s digestive system better process the sugars in food, making it easier for their body to use the sugars for energy. You should also check your dog’s weight on a regular basis, as even a bit of extra weight can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Cancer affects a staggering 50% of dogs over the age of 10. Mixed-breed dogs are slightly less prone to developing melanomas and mast cell tumors but annual checkups are still recommended for all dogs. Unfortunately, not all types of cancer come with easily recognizable symptoms which makes prevention even more important.
The oleic acid, polyphenols, squalene, and terpenoid compounds found in EVOO have anti-cancer properties, meaning they can prevent the growth and spread of tumors. In addition to enhancing your dog’s diet with EVOO, you can also help prevent cancers by having your dog spayed or neutered at an early age.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight Is Key
Many of the common health issues dogs experience are closely related to their weight. A veterinarian can tell you what a healthy weight is for your dog and how to maintain it during each stage of its life. You should pay attention to any changes, whether is it pounds gained or lost.
If your dog is overweight, adding EVOO to its diet might sound counterintuitive but it is in fact a great idea. The monosaturated fats in EVOO encourage weight loss by breaking down the fat inside fat cells and lowering cholesterol. This small change in your dog’s diet, paired with exercise and active playtime, will work wonders in helping it lose weight.
Weight loss can also be a symptom of a serious health condition and a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible when this happens. However, if the vet rules out any health issues, the weight loss could be caused by the dog simply refusing to eat its food. Drizzle a teaspoon of EVOO on the kibble to change its taste and consistency and get your dog interested in dinner again.
Healthy Inside And Out, Naturally
EVOO doesn’t just help prevent health issues and maintain a healthy weight. When you add olive oil to your dog’s diet, you will also see the effect it has on its skin and coat. The phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega‑3 fatty acids in EVOO keep your dog’s skin moisturized and its fur shiny and strong.
If your dog suffers from dry, itchy skin associated with allergies and inflammation, adding EVOO to its diet will bring life-changing benefits. According to veterinary dermatologists, your dog’s skin and coat will visibly improve in approximately 30 days. Texas olive oil is a great way to keep your beloved dog healthy inside and out, without using heavily processed supplements or topical creams.