Olive oil, that staple of every kitchen, happens to make an excellent, healthful addition to every dog's food bowl. I know I'm usually touting the benefits of coconut oil, which is another mainstay in my pantry, but let's not forget the oil that comes from olives, too, which has its own fantastic advantages. In fact, why not mix things up? Rotate the oils with which you sweeten your dog's food bowl! I like to switch among olive, coconut and (for the Omega 3 factor so key to senior dog vitality) fish oil by Nordic Naturals. Here are eight reasons to heart olive oil. Bone appetit!

1. It tastes doggone good
Few things perk up a boring bowl of dry kibble than a loving spoonful of what dog-loving celebrity chef Rachael Ray affectionately calls EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil) – especially if your kibble might be, ahem, the tiniest bit stale. Add a dash of cinnamon and turmeric, and you've spiced your dog's meal in grand style!

2. It helps the eater lose weight
Whether the portly pepperpot is canine or human, if there are some unwanted pounds that need shedding, olive oil will help grease the weight-loss engine. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil actually encourage pound-melting by breaking down the fat inside fat cells, to get rid of belly fat and reduce insulin sensitivity.

3. It promotes optimal health
Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil prevents and lessens the effects of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It contains oleic acid, in addition to some compounds (squalene and terpenoids) that are believed to be effective in preventing cancer, which kills a staggering 50% of dogs over age 10.

4. It defends the immune system
With high levels of antioxidants – including polyphenols, vitamin E, chlorophyll and carotenoids – olive oil is very effective at arming the body's immune system so it can efficiently fight off disease. That's especially important as we (humans, as well as canines) transition from one season to another.

5. It extends canine longevity
Dogs don't live nearly as long as we want them to, but nothing looks sadder than a young dog going gray before his time. Olive oil prevents free radical cell oxidation (see above), which can lead to premature aging, so it works to help keep your dog looking as vibrantly youthful as he did in his salad days.

6. It's a brain food
Olive oil helps prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging in all species, so be sure to serve it to senior dogs at least once daily, to keep their minds beautiful and cloud-free. This is especially important if your dog is a super-smartie, such as a Border Collie, Poodle or Mensa mutt.

Circulation improves and breathing comes more easily with a daily dose of olive oil – it helps increase blood flow and, in humans, lessens the effects of asthma. So, by extension, it can be a godsend for brachycephalic breeds such as the Bulldog, who sometimes struggle to breathe.

8. It's also a beauty treatment
There's more to olive oil than mere substance – it's a style statement, too! Long used to beautify human hair and skin, olive oil can do the same for canines. Condition your dog's coat from the inside out with a daily serving, which helps to impart moisture and gleam to even the driest, dullest fur.