Can dogs eat olives? If you have canine companions, then you know that dogs can eat about anything they want. They make a habit of trying at every chance they get! Maybe what you’re really asking is, “Are olives okay snacks for dogs?” The short answer is yes.
You asked the right question by asking about snacks. Olives pack a lot of nutrition, as we’ll describe in a moment. They’re tasty and filling, too, so they give your pooch the feeling of being well-fed. We’ve got a few recipes for you to try, but first, let’s find out more about olives.
What’s Special About Olives?
Olives are so special that women have been named after this Mediterranean fruit for centuries. Even Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oyl is named for them! People have been cultivating them in the Mediterranean for over 7,000 years, although remnants of olive pits with barley and fruit dating back 19,000 years have been discovered in Israel.
If dogs were with any of those people, then undoubtedly some dogs ate some olives. In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Athena’s gift of olives to the god Poseidon was more valuable than the horse he implored to give her.
However, the olive not only represented food, but its precious oil meant medicine, perfume, and fuel for light and heat, ultimately representing wealth and power for mankind. And dogkind.
Can Dogs Have Olive Oil?
Positively yes! Olive oil has several health benefits you should know about. It contains “healthy fats” including omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid as well as antioxidants including vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols that support a healthy immune system.
The nutrients from a teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight twice daily will promote brain function, cardiac function, and healthy skin and coat. If your pooch has never had it before, consider checking with the veterinarian first and then starting slowly.
Using EVOO is best — Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You can also use olive oil as a skin moisturizer by mixing 5-10 drops in a cup of water and massaging it into your dog’s coat daily until it’s looking good, especially during cold or dry seasons. Continue thereafter as needed.
Can Dogs Eat Black Olives?
Olives are nutritious, especially black olives. Are black olives poisonous? No. Are black olives toxic to dogs? No. Be sure to remove the pit. The only problem with olives is that salt is used in the curing process, but we’ll tell you how to de-salt them in a moment.
Can Dogs Eat Kalamata Olives?
First, you might be wondering what a kalamata olive is. It’s a cultivar, or an olive type, from southern Greece, big and brown and meaty and very nutritious. It contains hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant valued for its ability to regulate blood cholesterol levels.
Olives are like grapes in that climate makes a difference in the nutritional value and taste of the fruit. Yes, your dog can have kalamata olives as an occasional snack when you remove the pit, but be aware that they contain a large amount of sodium.
Can Dogs Eat Green Olives?
Yes, but green olives aren’t as nutritious as the black ones and they contain more sodium. Can dogs eat olives with pimentos? You’re really asking, “Can dogs eat pimentos?” The answer is yes! Check out our post on dogs eating bell peppers!
What’s important to remember is that many strongly flavored plants such as onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs, potentially causing digestive distress in small amounts and death in large amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Olives and Garlic?
Olives, yes, garlic NO.
How Many Olives Can Dogs Eat?
One. Two. Occasionally. Without the pit and without any stuffing except pimento.
Will Olive Pits Hurt My Dog?
YES. They’re sharp, hard, and indigestible. Depending on the size of your dog, the pit can lodge itself in the esophagus or intestinal tract, causing pain, damage, and/or blockage.
Can Dogs Have Olives from a Jar? Can Dogs Have Olives from a Can?
Yes, the olives are good, but the problem is in the liquid. The brine is full of sodium (the major component of salt). Dogs require much less sodium than humans; too much causes overload that can result in dehydration, high blood pressure, or fluid buildup, especially if your pet has heart, kidney, or liver problems.
You Can Take the Olive Out of the Brine but Can You Take the Brine Out of the Olive?
Can Dogs Eat Olives in Brine? The answer is YES after you unsalt them! Here is the general technique to desalinate (unsalt) your olives:
- Drain and rinse olives.
- Place in a bowl.
- Cover with water.
- Replace water hourly.
- Repeat several times.
- Taste for saltiness.
- Store unused olives in olive oil (EVOO not necessary). When olives are gone, the oil can be used for cooking.
FAQ
Can Dogs Eat Raw Olives? Can Dogs Eat Olives Off The Tree?
Yes, as long as the pit is removed. Raw olives are exceedingly bitter and your dog may not like the taste. If you have a small dog that likes them, slice them so they don’t get stuck.
Why Are Black Olives In Cans And Green Olives In Jars?
Black olives are ripe, and the canning process is meant to cook and sweeten them. Green olives are unripe and uncooked, so the packing process that retains their fresh flavor uses glass jars. Both curing methods use salt.
Where Are Unsalted Olives Sold?
The curing process to remove the natural bitterness of olives involves salt, vinegar, or lye. Internet research can provide current resources as well as information on purchasing raw olives.
What Happens If My Dog Has Too Much Sodium?
Although dietary intake of too much salt (sodium) is rare in healthy dogs, symptoms of salt poisoning can be serious in puppies, older dogs, pregnant females, and dogs with medical conditions. Contact the veterinarian if you suspect a problem.
Can Cats Have Olives?
Cats can have olives if they choose to eat them, but they’re not very nutritious to the feline digestive system. What’s more, in addition to the high salt content, olives can cause an upset stomach. If the pit is consumed, it can block a small cat’s intestines.
Benefits of BARF
Before we share some delicious and nutritious dog treat recipes with you, we want to offer you information on the benefits of BARF. No, not about barfing, but about Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods. Many dog lovers are finding that their companions thrive when provided with a fresh, natural, unprocessed, balanced diet that includes the right amounts of the right nutrients.
You know that many pet food companies cut corners by adding artificial ingredients such as dyes and preservatives along with minimally digestible forms of processed leftover food sources. We know you love your dog and want what’s best.
Recipes for Treats to Use For Training And Bonding
Olive Oil Dog Biscuits
Adapted from: https://www.mcevoyranch.com/blogs/recipes-and-more/olive-oil-dog-biscuits
INGREDIENTS
2 cups of whole wheat flour (You can substitute a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour which works well in this recipe)
1 cup rolled oats ½ cup wheat germ *Optional if you are baking gluten-free
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup peanut butter – no additives, unsweetened (If you prefer not to use peanut products, you can substitute banana or pumpkin puree here)
⅓ cup McEvoy Ranch California Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 large eggs
Water to bind the dough (chicken or beef stock can be used here, too, or substitute vegetable stock if your pal is a vegetarian)
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INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 300F.
- Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all dry ingredients: flour, oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds and cinnamon. Combine all wet ingredients: peanut butter, olive oil and eggs.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Add water or stock as needed to form a thick dough that holds together but is not sticky.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead together.
- Pat into a flat round or rectangle and roll approximately ¼ “ thick.
- Cut into desired shapes and place on the parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Gather scraps together, roll and cut again. (I have it on good authority that our little pals are just fine with the odd scraps as well as the perfectly cut shapes). Bake 40 to 60 minutes.
- The biscuits will not color but you can touch-test them to see if they are firm. They will be nice and crunchy if they are firm to the touch when you pull them out of the oven. Cool and share. Tails will be wagging!
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Adapted from: www.wholefully.com/healthy-homemade-dog-treats
YIELD
2-3 DOZEN TREATS, DEPENDING ON COOKIE CUTTER SIZE
PREP TIME
20 minutes
COOK TIME
30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
50 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 3/4 cups (372 grams) whole wheat flour
1 cup (75 grams) wheat germ
1/2 cup (43 grams) ground flax seed
3 large eggs (153 grams, weighed out of shell)
1/2 cup (106 grams) olive oil
1/2 cup (122 grams) unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (122 grams) pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon (20 grams) honey
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and flax seed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, applesauce, pumpkin, and honey until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Form the dough into a disc.
- On floured parchment paper, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut shapes with a cookie cutter and place them an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are deep golden brown and very hard.
- Cool completely on a rack before letting your pup enjoy.
Notes
If the dough is sticky or hard to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes and/or knead in an extra tablespoon or two of flour.
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
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Pet-Friendly Woof Loaf
Adapted from: www.popsugar.com/pets/Homemade-Pet-Loaf-34073136
INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup oats
2 eggs
3 hard-boiled eggs
Notes from HappyTails: If desired, add 2 rinsed, chopped black olives (preferably after desalinating)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- In a bowl, mix together the lean ground turkey, chopped carrots, and peas.
- Both are healthy for cats and dogs, giving them the nutrition they need for strong eyes and good digestion.
- Add the oats and eggs. Mix until the loaf mixture comes together. Oats help your pet’s coat shine, and eggs offer extra protein. Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil and then add half the mixture to the pan.
- Place the three hard-boiled eggs along the center of the loaf and then cover with the other half of the ground turkey mixture.
- Pop in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cut a half-inch slice from the cooled loaf and offer it to your pet. He’ll be woofing for seconds! If feeding a slice to your feline, it’s a good idea to chop it up before adding it to her feeding dish.
Yield
Makes 12 servings
Total Time
45 minutes
Final Thoughts
Can dogs eat olives? YES! And so should you! Together! Without the salt! See a few recipes below.
Milan Kundera (The Unbearable Lightness of Being): “Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.”
