Last Updated on August 30, 2020 by
When eaten in moderation, olives are not bad for dogs. They contain several minerals and vitamins that are essential for health. If you feed your pup on a complete and balanced diet, they may not need the extra nutrients. However, you can provide your canine with plain, unsalted olives as they act as a healthy snack.
Olives are full of healthy proteins and fats, which can be beneficial for your dog if you feed them occasionally. Avoid adding too much of these fruits to their diet as they can lead to unnecessary calories.
So Can Dogs Eat Olives?
Dogs can eat olives, but you need to exercise caution when feeding them. They don’t have toxic ingredients, but their pits may cause obstruction or choke in dogs. Although organic olives are highly-priced, they are the best option for your pet.
Remove the pit completely to avoid damaging your canine’s teeth and causing other digestive issues. Start with a tiny piece of olive and observe your pup for any unpleasant reactions such as a dog allergy.
If your canine eats too many olives, it may experience digestive issues such as stomach pain, upset, or diarrhea. You will need to consult your veterinarian immediately if the pet accidentally eats a lot of this fruit.
Avoid pickled or canned olives since they have high levels of sodium that is not good for dogs. A lot of salt will dehydrate a dog, and consuming a high amount of sodium for a long period will eventually lead to high blood pressure. Besides sodium, olives may contain additives and seasonings that are harmful to pets.
Ensure that you check for unsuitable ingredients such as feta cheese, anchovies, or blue cheese in stuffed olives before giving them to your pet.
What to Keep in Mind While Giving Olives to Your Dog
Your canines can eat olives, provided they are not harmful to them. However, you cannot feed your pet with olives for each meal or give them any of this fruit. The following aspects are worth keeping in mind;
- remove pit
- give fresh olives
- avoid flavoring
- Green and black olives
- Remove Pits
Unlike humans, dogs have no fine motor skills necessary to take out the pit from olives. Their paws are not adapted for that action, and they cannot remove any seeds. Since your pets can’t separate the pits, they will eat the whole olive and risk getting choked. If they chew it, their teeth may also be affected.
Make sure that your olives have no pits before feeding your dogs.
2. Give fresh olives
Your canine’s health is very vital. It would help if you avoided old olives, those with mold, or coloration. Please do not give your pets any spoilt or contaminated food, as this will affect their health. Since it is hard to get fresh olives throughout the year, avoid giving them to your pets. Never give them canned or spiced foods.
3. Avoid flavoring
Unlike humans, dogs can’t process flavor, and their taste buds can’t notice the difference in different tastes. Flavored olives also contain sodium, which is bad for canines as they can’t process flavors and salt.
Choose plain olives for your pet available in fruits and vegetable aisles. If plain olives are not available, avoid canned ones or those that come with some topping.
4. Green and Black Olives
There are two types of olives, namely black and green, and you need to know which ones are suitable for your pet. Both kinds of olives are the same in terms of nutritional content, and the only difference is that green olives are raw while black ones are ripened.
Your dog can eat any of these fruits, but remember no salt or spices.
How Many Olives Should I Give My Pup?
You already know that it is fine to feed your canine with olives. However, there’s a need to know how many to give at a time. If it is the first time to provide your pet with the fruits, start with a small bit and observe its reaction. Your dog may or may not like trying new foods depending on its personality.
You can start with one olive a day and wait for at least 24 hours to see any unpleasant effect. If your pup seems okay, you can increase the amount to two and be on the lookout for any undesirable reaction.
If your dog shows no adverse reactions after eating the olives, you can feed it with them, but not daily. You can occasionally give your pets the fruits but not more than two at a time.
Never give your dog a full bowl of olives since they contain high amounts of saturated fat. Your dog’s pancreas and kidneys cannot handle high levels of fat. If you expose them to food with high-fat content, they risk developing pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness.
Pancreatitis causes inflammation of the pancreas, which may require urgent surgery. Ensure that your pet’s diet contains 95% of quality dog food before experimenting with human food.
Health Benefits of Olives to Dogs
When given in moderation, olives have some health benefits to your dogs that include;
- Healthy antioxidants such as proteins, Calcium, and vitamins A, E, and K
- Source of oleate (an essential fat that promotes cognitive functions and heart health)
- Improved circulation
- Healthy skin and coat
- Decreased cholesterol and weight loss
- Supports the immune system and prevents cancer
- Improved digestion
Can Dogs Eat Olives with Pimentos?
Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat green olives with pimentos if they are the only things stuffed in them. Some green olives may contain other substances besides pimentos such as garlic, oils, cheeses, onions, and other additives that are not healthy for your dog. Check the label for ingredients.
Conclusion
Olives are not bad for dogs since they can provide a lot of health benefits. However, it is advisable to feed them sparingly since your canine’s digestive system is not adapted to handle high-fat levels contained in olives. Opt for fresh olives always but avoid salt and flavors.
