Can Dogs Eat Olives?

Olives are a popular dog treat because of how common they are in many household-favorite dishes. If you frequently prepare meals that use olives as an ingredient, odds are your furry friend has come sniffing around for a bite of what’s on the plate. Before you go overboard with this quick and easy snack, though, it’s important to understand if dogs can eat olives without getting sick.

When Can Dogs Eat Olives Safely?

Olives are not toxic to dogs, so it is completely safe to use them as a tasty treat in moderation. However, pet health experts explain that while salt is an important electrolyte needed to support your dog’s health, too much of it can cause salt toxicosis. This means that letting your pup overindulge on salty olives can lead to digestive issues or vomiting.

Black olives and green olives are both suitable as an occasional dog treat. Even some highly-rated dog food uses olive oil as an ingredient, so don’t be afraid to spruce up the usual meals with a few olives if your dog is fond of them.

Be very careful about stuffed olives, though. These savory snacks often contain garlic, which is toxic to dogs. Even cheese-stuffed olives require extra care, especially if your dog is lactose intolerant.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats Too Many Olives?

Dogs can enjoy a wide range of snacks in moderation, including olives, bananas, and even yogurt. If your dog gets too much of a tasty treat, though, it is important to take quick and thoughtful action.

The first thing to do if your dog eats too many olives is to carefully watch for signs of illness. In all likelihood, your pet will likely be fine if they have one or two olives, even if they contain a pit. If your dog appears unusually lethargic or seems to have digestive issues, contact the vet immediately and inform them of what your dog ate. 

If your dog does become sick after eating a few olives, it could indicate a health issue relating to salt or fat intolerance. Keep these issues in mind when developing a healthy diet for your dog in the future.

How Can You Add Olives to a Healthy Diet?

As long as your furry friend does not have an intolerance to salt or fat, treating them to a couple of olives once or twice a day will not interfere with a healthy diet. You can also consider adding olives to their usual meals. Consider these dog food products that you can improve with a tasty dose of olives:

• Canine Caviar Limited-Ingredient Alkaline Holistic Dry Dog Food - Open Meadow with Lamb & Pearl Millet
• Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Small Breed Freeze-Dried Dog Food
• Stella & Chewy's Savory Salmon & Cod Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper
• Real Meat Air-Dried Dog Food - Chicken

If your dog is a huge fan of olives but not too keen on eating a balanced meal, then enticing them with a few olives can be a great way to encourage a healthier diet!

Get Healthy Treats for Your Dog Right to Your Door

While dogs can eat olives occasionally, your furry friend deserves to have a wide variety of yummy treats all week long. That’s why BaxterBoo offers plenty of tasty, safe options your furry friend will love. Browse our catalog to find the right treats for your pet family.