Can Dogs Eat Black Olives?

If you enjoy having black olives in your drinks, sandwiches, or salads, then you have severally questioned if these fruits are safe for your furry best friend or not.

As it turns out, most human foods are toxic to dogs, and thus, it’s only right to worry if these are too.

So can dogs eat black olives?

Yes, but within limits.

Black olives are filled with several essential nutrients for dogs and have an exciting flavor.

However, ingesting them in high amounts could cause stomach upsets and other complications in dogs.

This article will discuss everything you need to know before feeding your dog these delicious fruits. 

Can dogs eat black olives

Nutritional benefits of black olives to dogs

Black olives are loaded with good fats, calcium, protein, iron, and vitamins A, K, and E.

The benefits of these nutrients are described below.

  • Good fats

Healthy fats lower cholesterol levels and are a source of energy for dogs.

They also reduce inflammation and boost their blood pressure. 

  • Calcium

This mineral will encourage the development of strong teeth and bones in dogs.

That said, if your dog is lactose intolerant, black olives are a healthy alternative source of calcium for them. 

  • Protein

Protein is essential for tissue repair and muscle development which guarantees a healthy and robust dog. 

  • Vitamin A

Vitamin A boosts immune responses in canines and suppresses health conditions due to unstable blood sugar levels.

It also promotes bone growth in dogs. 

  • Vitamin K

This supplement is responsible for developing dogs’ blood vessels and promoting efficient blood clotting.

Aside from that, Vitamin K also renews their creative tissues and skin. 

  • Vitamin E

Apart from Vitamin E promoting dogs’ general cell functions, it also prevents their muscle and eye deterioration. 

  • Iron

Iron eases oxygen transportation in dogs’ red blood cells, thus keeping them alive. 

black olives

What makes black olives toxic to dogs

Although black olives are not poisonous to dogs, several aspects could make them toxic.

These include:

  • Excess sodium

Most store-bought black olives in cans or pickles contain excessive sodium, which leads to dehydration in dogs.

Some of the long-term effects of excess sodium consumption include high blood pressure and kidney problems.

  • Toxic seasonings and fillings

Some of the seasonings, fillings, and spices used in stuffed black olives are harmful to dogs.

For instance, garlic and onions will cause your dog to suffer from anemia, and blue cheese causes diarrhea, vomiting, and even seizures in canines. 

Avoid feeding your dog seasoned or stuffed black olives as you are never sure of their ingredients. 

  • Olive stones/pits

Olive pits can easily choke your dog when swallowed whole or cause periodontal diseases when canines try to chew them.

Therefore, it is advisable only to feed them black olives with no stones.

  • Mold

The mold on stale or old olives has tremorgenic mycotoxins that could cause seizures and tremors in dogs.

It is best to feed your pups fresh black olives only. 

What happens if my dog eats black olives?

An average amount of unseasoned black olives will not cause your four-legged friend any harm but would instead benefit them.

On the other hand, a consistent large intake of these fruits will cause stomach upsets and diarrhea. 

Black olives are filled with lots of fats and proteins.

Therefore, a large intake will add excess calories to your pup’s diet, making them susceptible to contracting pancreatitis. 

How many black olives are safe for my dog?

The number of black olives safe for your dog depends on their size, weight, and tolerance.

Therefore, consult the vet before introducing your pups to these fruits.

That said, feeding dogs one or two olives a day will not cause them any harm.

When introducing your four-legged friend to a new food, it’s essential to start with small amounts and closely watch for any allergic reactions before proceeding. 

What should I do if my dog eats many black olives?

Contact the vet immediately if your dog accidentally eats many black olives, especially if they still have pits, as they can cause choking and gastrointestinal problems.

This is because getting your pooch treated sooner increases their chances of getting better. 

Afterward, keep away the remaining black olives to avoid further consumption.

It is also important to note the amount ingested and time of consumption as this will help with the diagnosis. 

What’s the difference between black and green olives?

The difference between these two is that green olives are picked from the tree before they ripen fully, while black olives are given time to do so.

As a result, green olives have a peppery taste with hints of grass, while their black counterparts possess a mellow bitter taste.

However, there is no nutritional difference between them. 

Can my dog have seasoned or stuffed black olives?

Dogs cannot eat seasoned or stuffed black olives because they may contain toxic ingredients.

These include:

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Anchovies
  • Blue cheese
  • Hot peppers

Can my dog eat canned black olives?

Dogs should not eat canned black olives as they contain brine which is filled with sodium.

The excessive amounts of sodium cause dehydration and salt poisoning in these canines, making this delicacy toxic to them. 

Can my dog eat black olives on pizza?

Your dog is not allowed to eat black olives on pizza.

These fruits are normally stuffed with ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, like peppers and garlic when used as toppings.

Thus, it is best to prevent your pups from indulging in them.

Can my dog eat olive oil?

You can sprinkle some olive oil on your pup’s food every once in a while if they don’t have a sensitive stomach.

Apart from enhancing the taste of food, olive oil is good for your dog’s skin, helps them maintain a good weight, and boosts their immune system.

Conclusion

Black olives are packed with essential nutrients which enrich your dog’s health.

However, they should eat these fruits in moderation because they contain lots of fats and proteins that cause stomach upsets and diarrhea in dogs when taken excessively.

Your four-legged friend gets all its necessary nutrients from basic dog food.

Thus, having black olives in large amounts doesn’t help much and will only harm them. 

Megan Turner

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