Olive oil

Olive oil is, as the name suggests, pressed from olives. Its use dates back to 6,000 years ago, originating in present-day Iran, Syria and Palestine, before finding its way to the Mediterranean with its famous olive groves. Historically, olive oil has been used in religious ceremonies and medicine and is THE most important ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. This diet mainly focuses on reducing inflammation.

Here’s what science says about the health benefits of olive oil for dogs:

1. Inflammation inhibition:

Chronic inflammation can pose a health risk. They are considered a major cause of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and even obesity.

Several studies show that regular consumption of olive oil may be linked to lower levels of certain inflammatory markers in the blood, such as CRP and interleukin-6. However, the oil’s main anti-inflammatory effects appear to stem from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds oleacein and oleocanthal. Fun fact: oleocanthal in 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil – about 3 tablespoons – has about the same effect as 10% of an adult dose of ibuprofen!

2. Antibacterial properties:

Studies show that extra virgin olive oil is effective against as many as eight strains of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that lives in the stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer in dogs and cats. A human study suggests that daily consumption of 30 grams of extra virgin olive oil per day can reduce Helicobacter pylori infection in 10-40% of people within just two weeks.

3. Healthy weight:

The beneficial fats in olive oil promote fat burning, allowing your dog to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, olive oil improves your dog’s insulin sensitivity, which results in more efficient burning of sugars and reduces the risk of diabetes.

4. Promote digestion:

The healthy omega-9 fats in olive oil aid in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Regular use of olive oil can help reduce digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion and constipation. Additionally, olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system.

5. Skin and coat:

Olive oil has many benefits for the coat and can help prevent hair loss. It is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and healthy fats that stimulate hair growth and nourish the skin. Dogs that flake easily will benefit greatly from this. Olive oil has a moisturizing effect from within!