Olives are salty, delicious fruit consumed all over the world. Whether you eat it as a snack or you add it to your favorite recipe, olives are irresistible. As a dog owner, you may be wondering if you can share this delicious fruit with your dog. So, in this article, we answer the question “Can dogs eat olives?”
Olives are rich in minerals, healthy fats, and vitamins that are beneficial to humans. Dogs can safely eat olives in moderation. But be careful! Olives have high fat content and sodium that can be harmful to dogs if eaten in excess. Also, the olives should be plain and unsalted.
Are Olives Bad for Dogs?
It depends. Can dogs have olives? Still, it depends, so continue reading.
Plain, unsalted olives aren’t harmful to your dog. Olives have nutrients that are beneficial for your dog. They contain antioxidants, healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and fiber that are good for your dog.
However, despite the nutrients, your dog should eat olives in moderation. If they eat too much, it will lead to digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting. This is because olives contain excess salt and high fat content that’s unhealthy for your dog.
Puppies shouldn’t eat olives because of the high fat and sodium content. Too much sodium can affect their hearts and cause kidney problems. Give treats to your puppies that are suitable for their nutritional needs. Also, dogs with pancreatitis shouldn’t eat olives.
Before serving olives to your dog, ensure you remove the pits. Pits can cause intestinal blockage and are a potential choking hazard. If your dog accidentally swallows the pits, look out for signs like abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Take your dog to the vet immediately if they show these signs.
Do not give marinated, stuffed, or alcohol-soaked olives to your dog. These contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to any pet.
When you feed olives to your dog for the first time, look out for allergic reactions. Some dogs have allergic reactions to new foods. Watch out for signs like lethargy, itchy skin, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Black Olives
Can dogs eat black olives? Yes. Black olives are one of the popular varieties of olives that are safe for your dog. Your dog can enjoy one or two black olives as an occasional snack, but not more. Also, you can add them to your dog’s food for additional nutrients and flavor.
If your dog eats too many black olives, it can result in weight gain and health complications like pancreatitis.
Green Olives
Can dogs eat green olives? Yes. Just like black olives, green olives are safe and good for your dog. The key however is moderation, they shouldn’t form part of their primary diet.
Due to their high sodium content, excessive consumption of green olives can result in dehydration and an upset stomach.
Olive Oil
Can dogs eat olive oil? Yes. Olive oil is good for your dog’s coat and skin. You can add it in small quantities to your dog’s food. Also, most of the treats and commercial dog foods have olive oil as one of their ingredients. This makes it safe for your dog’s consumption.
Before adding olive oil to your dog’s food, talk to your veterinarian first. Olive oil can cause inflammation of the pancreas. You should consult your vet for the right quantity of olive oil to give to your dog. The recommended quantity though is usually a teaspoon.
Dogs with pancreatitis shouldn’t eat olive oil. The oil will trigger this condition and make them sick.
Stuffed Olives
Dogs definitely shouldn’t eat stuffed olives. These contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs like onions, blue cheese, and garlic. Garlic has certain properties that will damage your dog’s red blood cells. If your dog accidentally consumes stuffed olive containing garlic, call your vet immediately.
Blue cheese is dangerous for dogs as it contains toxic chemicals. This chemical, known as tremorgenic mycotoxin, causes a toxic reaction in your dog. It causes tremors, seizures, loss of coordination, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog accidentally eats stuffed olive with blue cheese, contact the clinic as soon as possible.
Conclusion
So, in general, can dogs eat olives? Yes. Olives have nutrients that are beneficial to your dog. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, healthy fats, and vitamins. However, feeding olives to your dog should be done in moderation. Olives have high fat content and sodium that can be dangerous for your dog if consumed in large quantities. Olives should be treated as the occasional treat and shouldn’t form part of their primary diet.
