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Ingredient file // Fat or oil

Olive Oil

Useful fat, unproven coat and antioxidant claims

Olive oil is fat separated from crushed olives. It adds calories and changes a food's fatty acid mix. Dog studies show changes in skin fatty acids, but do not show a shinier coat or broad antioxidant protection.

What it is
Liquid fat extracted from crushed olives, used in dog food as an energy source and recipe fat.
Made from
Harvested olives
Main job
Fat and calories
Typical amount
Not published
Watch for
Extra oil in low fat diets
Not the same as
Olive pomace oil

Straight answer

Is Olive Oil safe for dogs?

Check total fat before admiring the oil

If olive oil follows the main protein and starch ingredients, read it as a smaller fat addition. Check the finished food's calories and total fat, especially for a dog on a weight control or low fat diet. Do not choose the bag for coat or antioxidant promises.

Why it is in the food
Fat and calories

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 92 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

1%

35 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 11 brands. 18 dry dog food, 12 wet dog food, 3 frozen dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 15. In the top five of 2 foods, so it is usually a minor ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

62%

Listed before the salt in 62% of foods. In the rest it is under about 1% of the recipe.

Price per lb

Foods with it $6.40
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 17 priced foods, 97% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

40%

of the foods that list it are from Lotus. 11 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Olive mills make oil mainly for the human food market. Crushing releases oil from the fruit; mixing and separation remove water and solids. The resulting liquid can also supply fat in dog food.6,7

  1. 01 // Source Harvested olives Mills inspect the fruit and remove leaves, soil and other material before extraction.
  2. 02 // Process Crushed to paste A crusher breaks olive cells and releases oil into a thick fruit paste.
  3. 03 // Process Paste mixed Slow mixing brings small oil droplets together so they separate more readily.
  4. 04 // Process Oil separated A decanter separates oil from wet solids; further separation or filtration removes water and sediment.
  5. 05 // Output Liquid olive oil The oil arrives as a liquid fat. A generic ingredient listing does not specify its grade.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

55-85

% oleic acid

The current olive oil standard's range for oleic acid as a share of total fatty acids. It describes the oil, not a benefit proven in dogs.

Total fat 100%4
Monounsaturated fat 73%4
Saturated fat 13.8%4
Polyunsaturated fat 10.5%4
Vitamin E 152.9 mg/kg4

Olive variety changes the fat mix. One study found oleic acid ranging from 70.3% to 80.6% across six cultivars. The lead figure's 55 to 85% range describes the fatty acid fraction; the rows below describe the whole dry oil.5,11

Why it is in the bag

What the manufacturer gets

  1. 01

    Adds concentrated energy

    Oil adds fat and calories without protein or carbohydrate. It raises a recipe's energy density even when the added weight is small.4

  2. 02

    Changes flavor

    Pet food makers use vegetable oils for nutrients and flavor. In one dog feeding test, a tasteless olive oil supplement did not increase average food intake.3,8

  3. 03

    Uses a costlier oil

    A UC Davis price analysis found olive oil substantially more expensive than canola or soybean oil during its study period. It was not the budget fat in that comparison.9

How much A short dog trial supplied olive oil as a supplement equal to 10% of daily energy; that was not a tested kibble inclusion.3

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Brands say

    Olive oil adds usable energy

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The food composition entry lists 100% fat and 884 kcal per 100 g. Olive oil is an effective calorie source, but those figures do not make it healthier than another suitable recipe fat.4

  2. Brands say

    Olive oil polyphenols protect dogs from oxidative stress

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    In a 12-dog comparison, antioxidant potential did not differ and reactive oxygen species were higher with polyphenol-rich oil. Sperm motility improved, but that finding does not demonstrate oxidative protection from olive oil in dog food.2

  3. Owners say

    Olive oil gives dogs a shinier coat

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    A 12-puppy trial lasting 12 weeks found changes in skin fatty acids after olive oil supplementation. It did not measure coat shine or show that olive oil treats dry or itchy skin.1

  4. Brands say

    Olive oil makes kibble more appealing

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    In a 19-dog feeding test, a tasteless olive oil served as the comparison supplement. Adding oil did not increase average food intake. That test cannot rule out a preference for a more flavorful olive oil.3

  5. Critics say

    Olive oil is just filler

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The composition entry lists 100% fat and 884 kcal per 100 g. Those are real recipe contributions. Olive oil adds no protein, and its presence alone says nothing about the finished food's total fat.4

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    It supplies fat and calories, which are real recipe contributions. It is not a protein source. Its position on the ingredient list cannot tell you the finished food's total fat, so check the food's analysis.4,8

  2. Q02

    Does it replace fish oil?

    No

    Olive oil is mainly monounsaturated fat. The food composition entry lists no EPA or DHA, the long-chain omega-3 fats supplied by fish oil. The oils serve different nutritional purposes.4

  3. Q03

    Does extra virgin matter?

    For oil grade

    Extra virgin identifies an oil extracted by physical means that meets a defined quality standard. A bag listing only olive oil does not disclose that grade or a polyphenol amount. Do not assume either.7

  4. Q04

    Should I add more?

    Usually no

    The food already includes its formulated fat. More oil adds calories; a short dog trial found no increase in average food intake after oil was added. Skip oil toppers if your dog needs a low fat diet.3,4,10

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Lotus 14 / 32
  2. Earthborn Holistic 7 / 28
  3. OC Raw Dog 3 / 13
  4. Against the Grain 2 / 5
  5. Fromm 2 / 67
  6. Stella & Chewy's 2 / 85
  7. TruDog 1 / 14
  8. Only Natural Pet 1 / 5
  9. Evanger's 1 / 30
  10. Halo 1 / 41

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 1 more brand.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Pea Fiber 40%
  2. Carrots 37%
  3. Apples 31%
  4. Peas 29%
  5. Chicken 29%
  6. Sweet Potatoes 29%
  7. Mixed Tocopherols 26%
  8. Dried Egg Product 26%
  9. Brewers Dried Yeast 26%
  10. Chickpeas 23%
  11. Pea Protein 23%
  12. Brown Rice 23%

On the shelf

Foods that list Olive Oil

35 foods in our catalog list it, highest on the label first.

Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 2 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Ocean Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Ocean Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelTruDog Garden of Vegan Plant-Based Recipe Adult Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodTruDogTruDog Garden of Vegan Plant-Based Recipe Adult Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelHalo Holistic Vegan Plant-Based Recipe Adult Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodHaloHalo Holistic Vegan Plant-Based Recipe Adult Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelEvanger’s Complements Grain Free All Fresh Vegetarian Dinner Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Complements Grain Free All Fresh Vegetarian Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Lamb Wet Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Lamb Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelStella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodStella & Chewy'sStella & Chewy’s Venison Blend Frozen Raw Dinner Patties Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 9 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Duck Wet Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Duck Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelOnly Natural Pet PowerStew Venison & Duck Feast Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOnly Natural PetOnly Natural Pet PowerStew Venison & Duck Feast Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 12 on the labelAgainst the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodAgainst the GrainAgainst the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 12 on the labelAgainst the Grain Pulled Chicken with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodAgainst the GrainAgainst the Grain Pulled Chicken with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 12 on the labelOC Raw Dog Rabbit & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Rabbit & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 14 on the label
Show 23 more
Earthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Chicken Wet Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Chicken Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Turkey Wet Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 11 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Beef Wet Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Grain Free Classics K95 Beef Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 11 on the labelOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Rabbit & Produce Frozen Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Rabbit & Produce Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 14 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelOC Raw Dog Venison & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Venison & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 16 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Sardine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Sardine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 16 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Sardine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Sardine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 16 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Salmon with Ancient Grains & Superfoods Dry Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Salmon with Ancient Grains & Superfoods Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 20 on the labelEarthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Turkey with Ancient Grains & Superfoods Dry Dog FoodEarthborn HolisticEarthborn Holistic Unrefined Smoked Turkey with Ancient Grains & Superfoods Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 21 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 22 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Chicken Recipe Senior Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Chicken Recipe Senior Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 22 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 22 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 22 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Chicken Recipe Senior Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Chicken Recipe Senior Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 22 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 22 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 23 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Lamb Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 23 on the labelFromm Four-Star Chicken Au Frommage® Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Chicken Au Frommage® Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 23 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Small Bites Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 25 on the labelLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Dog FoodLotusLotus Oven Baked Regular Bites Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 25 on the labelFromm Nutritionals Mobility Chicken & Whole Oats Recipe Dry Dog FoodFrommFromm Nutritionals Mobility Chicken & Whole Oats Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 31 on the label

On labels as

Other names for this

Manufacturers do not all use the same wording. These all mean the same thing.

Organic Olive Oil

Sources

What we read

Checked October 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Effects of oral sunflower oil and olive oil on serum and cutaneous fatty acid concentrations in dogs Research in Veterinary Science, 1992 // Journal
  2. 2 Effects of the supplementation with an high-polyphenols extra-virgin olive oil on kinetic sperm features and seminal plasma oxidative status in healthy dogs Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2018 // Journal
  3. 3 Oral Palatability Testing of a Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Supplement in a Cohort of Healthy Dogs in a Non-Clinical Setting Oral Palatability of Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil in Healthy Dogs Animals, 2022 // Journal
  4. 4 Olive Oil WhatYouEat, using USDA FoodData Central data, n.d. // Database
  5. 5 Trade Standard Applying to Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils International Olive Council, 2026 // Regulator
  6. 6 Olive Oil Processing UC Davis Food Quality, 2023 // University
  7. 7 Olive oils International Olive Council, n.d. // Regulator
  8. 8 What's in the Ingredients List? AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  9. 9 A New Market for an Old Food: the U.S. Demand for Olive Oil University of California, Davis, 2014 // University
  10. 10 Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs Merck Veterinary Manual, 2024 // Book
  11. 11 Fatty Acid Composition from Olive Oils of Portuguese Centenarian Trees Is Highly Dependent on Olive Cultivar and Crop Year Foods (MDPI), via PMC, 2021 // Journal
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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