For many humans, the use of olive oil and olives in their diet is very common. Olives are a common snack for many, and they are used quite regularly in cooking. Olive oil is also used extremely commonly by humans when it comes to cooking. Ask any Italian about the joy of simply dipping some bread into some olive oil, and they can tell you first-hand how good it tastes. However, when it comes to your dog, it is important to understand how they might react. Can dogs have olives and olive oil?
The simplest way to answer this question is like most things for a dog: yes, they can eat olives – but only in very moderate amounts. Olives are rich in some important minerals and vitamins that dogs need, though a dog with a balanced and varied diet should not need to get nutrition from an olive. Instead, it should be used as a rare treat and snack for your dog to enjoy at times.
However, olives can be surprisingly high in calories, and thus letting your dog eat too many of them could be dangerous for their health. The odd little olive on their bowl, though, is going to do them good as opposed to harm.
Can dogs have olives and olive oil?
Yes, but you should, though, always ensure that you give them pitless olives. Olive pits can become a potential choking problem for a dog, so you should make sure that you try and get rid of the pits. It could also cause damage to their teeth if they bite down too hard. The problem is that many pit-free olives come in canes or pickled juices that are really high in sodium. Excess sodium can be dangerous for your dog.
Make sure that your olives are not coated in seasoning, oils, or garlic though. This can become a major risk for some dogs, especially any onion or garlic-based extras. You should also never give your dog an olive that was in an alcoholic drink, as alcohol is a toxic issue for dogs.
So, you should always make sure that you speak to your local veterinarian about giving your dog olives. They might want to look at the brand of olives and then can recommend if you should offer them as a treat or look to a different brand of olives altogether.
If you want to give your dog some kind of olive treat, try and stick to olives that are organic. You might also want to get your dog tested at a vet before you consider giving them olives for any potential health issues. This could make sure that you do not come to regret feeding your dog something that later puts them at risk.
Dogs love just about any food, but as the owner, it is your job to make sure your dog does not eat something that is dangerous to them. Make sure you check any olives for pits, and make sure you ensure they do not come in something that increases the sodium content – or contains onions, garlic, or various other oils and seasonings.