If you tend to use olives regularly, you might feel compelled to toss one to your pup. However, Can dogs eat olives, or will eating processed olives harm them? Fortunately, this tree fruit is safe to give your dog in small quantities.
However, there are some limitations and notable situations in which you should be cautious. While they may be nutritious, the vitamins and minerals from pitted olive are not essential to your dog’s diet. In general, though, fresh olive oil is a perfectly healthy snack for dogs to eat.
Can a Dog Eat Olives?
Olives are chock full of vitamin E and minerals that aid in a healthy human diet. For us, kalamata olives help to reduce blood pressure and support the immune system. These fatty acid or monounsaturated fat, protein-rich fruits, on the other hand, do not contribute to your dog’s diet, but they do not necessarily hurt it either.
Green olives and black olives are, in fact, different species of canned olives, and color does not indicate ripeness. Color does show this for extra virgin olive oil in some areas such as California, but not all. Unripened olives or Organic Olives need to go through a special curing process, and that is where the issues start to arise.
Depending on which curing method the stuffed olive goes through, it can be unsafe to give them to your dog. Sometimes alcohol-soaked olives may end up in your pantry, but avoid them because they are toxic to dogs. Other pickling methods include bringing or the use of lye, which both have potential adverse side effects.
Both canned and pickled olives or flavored olives have the potential to contain large amounts of sodium. Salt toxicity has a range of symptoms, from vomiting to seizures. It is critical to avoid dog olives with seasonings, oils, and other additions such as garlic.
Whether you have black olive or green olives, they should be fresh olives or cured in water only. Some dogs may only eat green olives , and others may eat both or just black olive pit. As long as you ensure the olives you have no pickling in anything harmful, dogs can eat olives in moderation.
Black and green olives are generally safe, but your dog might be sensitive to them anyway. If your dog shows any strange behavior, do not give them any more plain olive, and call your vet. Always talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about treats you can give your dog.
Substances Toxic to Dogs
Aside from asking, “Can dogs eat olives,” you also want to familiarize yourself with other foods or human food that can potentially cause a problem. Many things that we eat cannot digest properly in your dog’s upset stomach. Your dog’s diet should have balance, and some things can disrupt this equilibrium.
Salt
Used as a seasoning and as a preservative, salt is in a lot of dog food that we consume. Salt does provide some sodium and is okay in minimal amounts. Anything more than 1.5 grams per pound of your dog’s weight can be lethal, so think again before tossing them a french fry.
Salt Poisoning Symptoms
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fluid accumulation
- Excessive urination and thirst
- Swelling
- Seizures and tremors
- Incoordination
- Coma
- Decreased appetite
Alcohol
Hops, grapes, and wheat all cause problems in a dog’s body. Whether it is a wheat allergy, a bottle of wine, or an excessive amount of hops, keeping alcohol out of your dog’s reach is vital. Even the smallest amount can have a detrimental effect on your dog’s health, especially in smaller dogs.
Alcohol Poisoning and Toxicity Symptoms
- Confusion
- Weakened motor functions
- Disorientation
- Heart failure or Heart Disease
- Urination issues
- Kidney failure
- Central nervous system depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Tremors
- Abnormal blood activity
- Drooling
Xylitol
Common in many sugar-free products, xylitol is extremely dangerous for your dog. Since this substance absorbs into a dog’s bloodstream much faster than a human, it can release too much insulin. Blood sugar then drops rapidly, causing symptoms within as little as 10 minutes of consumption, or it can take up to 48 hours.
Xylitol Poisoning Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Inactivity
- Staggering
- Incoordination
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Damage or failure of the liver
In Case of Emergency
Accidents happen. Your dog is bound to get into something they should not, and sometimes it can turn into an emergency. It is best to have an emergency plan before anything happens, especially since these things happen fast, and you might not always act rationally when your dog is hurt or ill.
Have a list of phone numbers, including your regular vets and of emergency vets in your area. If your regular vet is not open, an emergency vet is your next best option. You can handle things yourself in minor situations, but do not count on that and decide not to make a plan for if something worse occurs.
In some cases, an injured dog can become aggressive. Approach them slowly, low to the ground, and call their name. If they do show aggression, call for help. The last thing you want is to be seen as a threat to your dog and have them attack you.
When to Get Emergency Care
If your dog is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, call your vet immediately, for most of them are signs of a much more significant problem.
- Difficulty standing
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Pale gums
- Change in body temperature
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Excessive bleeding
- Seizures
Calling your vet is an excellent first step when your dog ingests something questionable. It can be incredibly helpful to have a professional who knows what they are doing to help you stay calm and take care of your dog. They can also direct you where to go, if not their office.
Can dogs eat olives? Yes, but while they’re not harmful, they also don’t provide many benefits. As long as you stay aware of the ingredients in what you give your dog and their possible effects, you can feel free to share some of your favorite snacks.
Calling or speaking to your vet is the best way to determine if something is okay, especially since they know your dog and their individual needs.
