Can Dogs Eat Olives? Health Concerns and Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Black and Green Olives
Quick Guide
We know that olives in moderation are great for humans, but…
Can Dogs Eat Olives?
Fresh olives are fine for canines in small quantities. Make sure you take the pit out first though, especially if you have a little dog. The pits are a choking hazard and contain toxins.
Pickled and brined variations, whether green or black, are very high in sodium and in some cases other preservatives. While they are not toxic to your pup, they are not a healthy choice either. An olive or two is probably no big deal, but large quantities would be a health risk.
In addition, extra flavorings from herbs and spices, or types that are packed in oil are just not a good idea. Both can lead to an stomach upset in your dog. Some fancy olives are also packed with raw garlic. This aromatic member of the onion family is toxic to dogs. Definitely avoid these types of olives!
As with any new foods, your pup may not tolerate olives in their diet. Whenever trying new foods with your dog, small quantities at first are highly recommended. An upset stomach is not an uncommon side effect for canines when consuming high fatty foods like olives.
Can Dogs Eat Olives?
“My Pup Just Ate A Whole Jar Of Them. What Should I Do?”
If your dog has eaten them in large quantities, whether preserved or not, call your vet.
The high amounts of sodium in jarred olives could be a problem. If a dog eats a large quantity of sodium rich food, such as most olives, it can cause a very serious medical condition known as hypernatremia, or salt poisoning. This is something that requires immediate medical attention as it can be acute and in some cases, life threatening.
Symptoms can include:
- Increased thirst
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Seizures
- Coma (in severe cases)
If you suspect your dog has eaten a large amount of olives, call your vet immediately. They may want you to induce vomiting immediately before bringing your dog in for a check up, and possibly, intravenous fluids and observation.
The pits can also pose a threat to your pups digestive system. These small, hard pits can be a choke hazard, particularly for toy breeds. Larger breeds may crack them, breaking the pieces into very sharp edges that could damage the stomach, esophagus or intestines. One or two that go down is probably no reason to panic. But a large quantity can present a real problem.
If your dog eats a large quantity of olives, your vet may want you to bring your dog in for a visit depending on the breed and size of your dog and the amount ingested.
If you are not able to get your veterinarian on the phone, call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Can Dogs Eat Black Olives?
Whether your pup has eaten black or green olives it won’t make a difference. Just follow the general guidelines that are stated in this article and if you’re seriously worried see your vet asap!
Olive Oil In Dog Food?
Olive oil is safe for canines to eat in small amounts, although you should talk to your vet if you plan to use it as a regular supplement. Cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil without any added flavors or infusions can be an excellent vegan alternative to fish oil as it contains many of the same beneficial Omega fatty acids.
Foods high in Omega 3, 6 and 9 are considered excellent for heart health as well as a lustrous coat and healthy skin. However, you may be better off finding a good supplement that is formulated just for canines, and includes dosage information, such as Skin and Coat Omega Supplement for Dogs.
Olive oil is also very high in antioxidants, which benefit the immune system.
Still, keep in mind that olive oil is solid fat. Even though it is considered one of the “good” fats, it is still quite high in calories. In addition, it may cause gastrointestinal distress in large quantities. Talk to your vet before adding olive oil to your dog’s regular diet.
Dog Dry Skin Olive Oil | Healthy Coat, And More!
Many holistic vets recommend the benefits of applying certain oils, including olive oil, to your dog’s skin and coat.
You can even add a few drops of essential oils to an olive oil base to make an aromatherapy oil mist. It just takes a tiny amount massaged into your pups coat to be effective. (Make sure you do not get this in their eyes!)
Here are a few dog safe essential oils, along with their benefits:
Lavender or chamomile: Research has shown that these scents have a calming effect for dogs. Some holistic vets use these oils in combination with behavioral modification to treat phobias in dogs such as fear of thunder or separation anxiety.
Lemongrass or Citronella: These oils have some flea repelling properties and are often used in organic, all natural flea control sprays and shampoos.
Eucalyptus or Ginger: These both smell delicious and they have some anti-inflammatory properties which make them a nice choice for arthritic dogs.
If your dog has ashy or calloused elbows, olive oil applied daily can relieve the dry and scaly skin. In fact, high end organic all-natural shampoos recommended to relieve dry skin for dogs often contain olive oil as a primary ingredient. For example: BotaniVet Certified Organic Manuka Honey Pet Shampoo.
Review.
Can your dog eat olives? Yes, they can but probably shouldn’t. There are dangers with both the pits in olives, as well as the high sodium of preserved olives.
One or two olives, without the pits, is fine for the occasional snack. But in large quantities, olives can be an immediate health risk for your canine companion.
If you want your dog to have the nutritional benefit of olives without the risks, consider the benefits of olive oil instead, applied topically or carefully dosed as a supplement. Better yet, take advantage of specially formulated olive oil based supplements specially balanced for your dog’s needs.
What Else Can Dogs Eat?
Check out some more frequently asked questions below:
