Is Olive Oil Good For Dogs?

Olive Oil is Going to the Dogs!

We can’t help it. We’re dog lovers! Don’t get us wrong, we have quite a fascination with all of God’s creatures, but dogs… gotta love em, they are our favorites! There is just something so unique about their companionship and their genuine interest in our every move—and no, we’re not just talking about when we’re in the kitchen either.

According to The 2012 US Humane Society survey, over 83.3 million people claimed to be dog owners. Wow! That’s an amazing number. We don’t even want to think about the money we spend on dog food alone each month. Not to mention vet bills and other necessities.

As we were contemplating our furry friends, and setting down to write our weekly blog, we began to wonder if there wasn’t something that My Olive Tree could share on their behalf. We have shared gift ideas, and recipes on our blog posts, but never before have we shared about the benefits of My Olive Tree’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil for your wonderful canine friends…Is Olive Oil Good For Dogs?

Did you know that much like humans, skin conditions on your dog can be treated with olive oil? The natural Omega 3 fatty acids found in extra virgin olive oil actually work as a topical treatment when applied externally. It can also be added to a dog’s daily diet, as a way to help reduce dry skin. Depending upon the size and weight of your dog, adding ½ tablespoon or less daily has been known to bring much needed relief to chronic skin conditions. Once the area has cleared you will want to discontinue or lessen that amount. Of course, we recommend speaking with your vet if the condition persists.

Another way that extra virgin olive oil can make a difference in the life of your pet(s) is by creating healthy snacks. Dog treats alone can cost you a small fortune, but if you make your own you can lower your costs significantly. We hope your furry friends will enjoy this recipe that we’ve shared for all-natural dog treats.

My Olive Tree’s All-Natural Dog Treats

Ingredients:
1½ cups whole wheat flour

Recipe adapted from All Recipes: Doggie Biscuits I

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornmeal
½ cup rolled oats
½ to ¾ cups water
2 eggs
½ cup My Olive Tree’s EVOO
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons of natural or homemade peanut butter 

 



Directions:
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Next, mix together the dry ingredients. Add the peanut butter, eggs and vanilla. Mix by hand. Gradually add in water until you reach a nice dough-like consistency —only use as much water as is necessary to make the dough. Continue to mix until all of the ingredients are blended together.

On a flat, lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. Using a cookie or biscuit cutter of your choice cut the dough into shapes. Grease two cookies sheets and place the biscuits a space apart.

Bake the biscuits for 20 minutes, checking on them periodically. Then turn the oven off but leave the biscuits inside for an additional 20 minutes to harden. Once they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container.

We’ve found that these biscuits make excellent gift ideas for all those other dog lovers in your life. Place them in a clear gift baggie and pass them out to friends during the holidays. If you’d like to do something a bit more meaningful, present them in a brand new food or water dish wrapped in cellophane. Either way, any dog is bound to LOVE these all-natural tasty treats!

“Bone” Appétit!

[1] https://www.vetinfo.com/treating-dogs-dry-skin-with-olive-oil.html