Can dog's eat... Olives?

Yes, olives are considered safe and non-poisonous for dogs. So, if you love an olive, you’ll be pleased to know that you can let your dog try one too. However, it’s extremely important to stick to plain, unseasoned olives.

Let’s look at olives in more detail, including the best ways to offer them to your dog and the times that they should be avoided. We’ll also look at the potential health benefits of olives. Read on to find out more! 

#Are olives okay for dogs?

The olive is a small fruit used in a variety of Mediterranean dishes. People either love them or they hate them, and the same is true for dogs! If your dog seems keen to give an olive a try, then it is safe to offer them one or two. You must make sure that the pit has been removed first and that the olive is plain and unseasoned. Never force your pet to eat olives, some dogs really aren’t that keen.

It’s best to only offer olives in moderation as too many could lead to digestive upset and dietary imbalances. Olives and other treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

It’s important to note that most olives go through a de-bittering process to make them more palatable. This often involves soaking them in salt water (brine). This means that most olives contain high levels of sodium which could cause problems for our pets. Too much sodium can lead to issues like diarrhoea, as well as potential toxicity, so this is another good reason for olives to only be given occasionally.

##Can dogs eat green olives?

Dogs can eat green olives. Green olives are harvested when the fruit is unripe which can give them a more bitter taste than black one. The nutrient profile is slightly different between the two as well, with green olives containing more carbohydrates and calories, while black ones contain higher levels of fat and some nutrients like vitamin E. Both types grow on the same tree, and it usually comes down to a taste preference.

##Can dogs eat black olives?

Yes, dogs can eat black olives. As previously discussed, black olives are the same as green ones, but they are picked when the fruit is ripe. Dogs can eat both black and green olives, provided they are offered plain and pitted.

Looking for digestive care for your pet?

Enter their details to find the best digestive care product for your pet

Get started

#Are olives good or dogs?

Olives are considered highly nutritious little snacks for people. They contain the following nutrients:

Healthy fats - The main thing olives are used for commercially is their oil. Olives are packed with healthy fats which are extracted for use in mediterranean cooking. They are rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which is linked to several health benefits in people. This includes
decreasing the risk of heart disease, natural anti-inflammatory properties and possibly helping to fight cancer.

Vitamins A and E – These fat-soluble vitamins help maintain a healthy immune system and good eyesight. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, reducing cell-damaging free radicals. So high-fat fruits like olives can help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, reducing cancer risks and inflammation.

Copper - Olives contain copper which is an essential mineral, that helps with a variety of processes in the body.

Iron - Black olives contain iron, which is an essential nutrient responsible for healthy blood cells. A lack of good-quality red blood cells can lead to anaemia.

Calcium - Olives contain a relatively high amount of calcium for their small size. Calcium is an essential nutrient responsible for healthy teeth, bones, and nerve functions.

Sodium - Sodium is important to help with muscle and nerve function. As mentioned earlier, the
processing of olives in brine water means that they can contain high amounts of sodium so care needs to be taken that they don’t eat too many.

Fibre - Olives contain a good source of insoluble fibre for dogs, which helps maintain a health digestive system. It can also help with feelings of fullness. Learn more about the benefits of fibre for dogs.

While the health benefits for people have been proven, more research is needed in dogs. Dogs
should be getting all their essential nutrients from a good quality complete diet, so there shouldn’t be a need to supplement them with extras like olives anyway. However, it’s always nice to know how healthy your chosen treat is for your dog or not!

#When might olives be bad for dogs?

It’s important to be aware of the occasions where olives could be unhealthy or dangerous for your dog. These include:

Olives with pits still in them – You must always make sure the pit has been from olives before offering them to your dog. A pit is very hard and could cause a painful dental fracture if chewed. It
could also be a choking hazard, especially in small dogs, brachycephalic breeds and puppies.

Olives in oil – Olives often come coated in oil which is not ideal. Large amounts of oil could cause digestive upset or even trigger a serious episode of pancreatitis. Some oils also contain other ingredients like chilli.

Olives with garlic – Olives that are seasoned with garlic could be dangerous to dogs. Garlic is a member of the allium group of plants which can be toxic if eaten in large amounts.

Stuffed olives – Olives are often stuffed with ingredients like cheese or anchovies. These could cause stomach upsets, as well as add additional calories to your pet’s diet. Stick to plain, unseasoned olives instead.

Olives within dishes – Giving your dog a slice of pizza or a serving of paella with olives in it, is not recommended! The extra calories and fat will counteract any of the potential health benefits
of the olives themselves.

#Summary

Let’s summarise the key points about dogs and olives:

>   Plain, pitted olives are safe for dogs to eat as an occasional treat.

>  Avoid giving your dog too many olives, stick to their usual diet as much as possible.

>   Don’t give your pet olives that come with other ingredients, like oils, cheese or garlic.