When consumed in the right amount, extra virgin olive oil has a range of benefits for both cats and dogs.
With the health benefits of olive oil for pets becoming apparent, commercial dog food brands centering on the Mediterranean diet staple are more readily available than ever before.
Mediterranean Diet, Tuscan Natural and OlviPet, all of which are based in the United States, and United Kingdom-based Salter’s Dog Food are among the brands producing pet food with extra virgin olive oil as one of the main ingredients.
See Also:Health NewsThese emerging brands make it easier for consumers to feed their dogs the correct amounts of extra virgin olive oil. Consumed in the right quantities, extra virgin olive oil has a range of benefits for pets.
Previous studies have shown that extra virgin olive oil potentially prevents dry skin, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity in dogs. It can also promote brain and joint health, and longevity.
According to Innovative Veterinary Care Journal, extra virgin olive oil is recommended above non-virgin olive oils because the former retains a higher nutrient as a result of being cold extracted.
Moreover, the journal noted extra virgin olive oil lowers low-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels that can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Extra virgin olive oil also boosts high-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, protecting dogs and other animals from oxidative stress and blood clotting disorders.
Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil adds an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce – dihomo-gamma linolenic acid – to the diet.
Innovative Veterinary Care Journal further reported that palm oil is at times added to extra virgin olive oil to cut costs, but warned against this due to the impact of palm oil production on forests and the habitats of endangered species.
However, dogs are not the only pets that can benefit from food supplemented with olive oil.
Cats can also benefit from moderate amounts of extra virgin olive oil, which assists in maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is also helpful for preventing hairballs.
More articles on: health, olive oil health
May. 1, 2024
Researchers Investigate Links Between MedDiet Adherence and Oral Health
The Mediterranean diet's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its role in maintaining beneficial microorganisms are linked with positive oral health outcomes.
May. 16, 2024
Daily Olive Oil Consumption Linked to Lower Dementia Death Risk, Study Finds
Harvard researchers found that daily consumption of at least seven grams of olive oil was associated with a 28 percent lower risk of dementia-related death.
Oct. 13, 2024
Mediterranean Diet Adherence Linked to Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation
A recent study has described the Mediterranean diet as a robust preventative strategy against the development of atrial fibrillation, potentially due to its polyphenols.
Jan. 15, 2024
Chickens Fed Olive Oil Are More Resilient to Environmental Stressors, Study Finds
Separate research has also found that olive oil consumption improves the health of chicken meat and eggs for human consumption.
Nov. 1, 2023
Study Shows Benefits of EVOO Supplementation in Male Athletes
Olive oil supplementation increases testosterone levels while reducing stress hormones in male athletes.
Sep. 12, 2024
Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet Aids Diabetes Patients in Achieving Remission
A review found that a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet was more effective in helping type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission compared to a low-fat or traditional Mediterranean diet.
Jan. 15, 2024
Oleocanthal: Behind the Health Benefits of Olive Oil's Famous Phenol
Found solely in extra virgin olive oil, oleocanthal demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to beneficial impacts on cancer and dementia.
Oct. 7, 2024
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extract Exceeds Ibuprofen's Anti-Inflammatory Properties
A new method to sustainably draw oleocanthal and oleacein from extra virgin olive oil obtains an extract with powerful antioxidant properties.