Many dog lovers see their dogs as their babies. They treat them as part of the family, feeding them from the table. While it’s understandable to want to give your dog the best of everything, you should be aware that some foods are inappropriate for dogs to eat.
If you don’t want to feed your dog kibble or if you want to give them an occasional treat from your plate, it’s essential to know if the food you’re offering is toxic. Some foods should never pass a dog’s lips. Then some should only be given in moderation. Others are great choices to feed Fido.
With many people following a Mediterranean diet these days, you may wonder if you can share those foods with your furry friend. If you’ve ever stopped and thought, “Can dogs have olives?” this article is for you. Let’s look at the value of olives in your dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Have Olives?
The good news is that olives aren’t toxic to dogs. However, that doesn’t mean they should become central to your dog’s diet. Olives should be given only in moderation and in small amounts.
Olives have many health benefits for humans, but dogs often don’t need the added vitamins, minerals, fat, or protein you find in olives. Feeding them to your pup could add extra calories that aren’t required.
Which Olives Can Dogs Have?
If you’re a connoisseur of olives, you know there are several varieties of olives available. While each variety may be perfectly safe for you, the same may not be true for your fluffy friend.
Green Olives
Dogs can eat green olives as long as they are pitted and unsalted. The flesh of the olive doesn’t contain any toxic elements, so your dog should be able to eat them safely. You should ensure there’s nothing inside them or on the skin that could change their toxicity.
Black Olives
Most people think that black and green olives are different varieties. Actually, black olives have just been left on the vine longer to reach their peak flavor and color. So, black olives are also safe for dogs to eat. Don’t forget to pit them because the pits aren’t safe for dogs.
Stuffed Olives
Stuffed olives should give you pause. The olives themselves aren’t toxic unless they’ve been seasoned with something. However, the things that people commonly stuff olives with can be highly toxic to your dog. So, the best advice regarding stuffed olives is to avoid them because you may accidentally give them something that will make them sick.
Pickled Olives
Pickled olives are another thing you should avoid giving your fur baby. Part of the pickling process includes adding a lot of salt. Too much salt is unhealthy for your dog and for you. Salt can lead to a dehydration situation that can be scary for you both.
Olive Oil
Dogs can have olive oil in small amounts. However, that doesn’t mean your dog should eat olive oil daily. Some people give their dogs olive oil to help improve their coats’ appearance. This shouldn’t be an issue if your dog is getting the appropriate nutrients from food.
Another thing to consider is your dog’s overall health. If your pup has stomach issues or issues with the pancreas, you need to avoid olive oil. The oil can make those dogs sick.
Is There Nutritional Value to Giving Olives to Your Dog?
Olives contain several vitamins and minerals that can benefit people and dogs. Some experts think olives can reduce inflammation levels and cholesterol while boosting immunity. The nutrients have also been shown to ward off heart disease and cancer in dogs. However, if you’re feeding your dog a nutritionally balanced diet, they already get those nutrients. Also, when giving your dog olives, choosing the least processed choice possible will help to provide the maximum benefits with the least amount of issues.
Can Dogs Have These Vegetables?
We’ve compiled a list of vegetables that may or may not be safe for dogs to help you learn what you can give them. Asparagus, for example, is a vegetable that is unnecessary for your dog’s diet and is difficult for them to eat. Bell pepper, broccoli, and celery are excellent sources of vitamin C, and carrots are packed with vitamins and are safe for your dog.
Steamed cauliflower is also safe, but it should only be given occasionally. Cucumbers are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits that are good for your dog, but pickles should only be given in very small amounts because of the vinegar and salt content.
Lettuce is another veggie that’s okay for your dog. This vegetable has a lot of water in it which helps to prevent dehydration, but you should cut it into small pieces. Onions are a no-no for dogs, as is garlic and other aromatics. Aromatic vegetables can cause your dog’s iron levels to go too low and they can hurt the dog’s kidneys.
Can Dogs Eat These Fruits?
Many fruits are good for dogs to eat in moderation. Remember that fruits can be high in natural sugar content which can be harmful to your dog if you give them too much. If you’re looking for sources of vitamin C, oranges, apples, and kiwi are full of that particular vitamin.
Your dog will get fiber from bananas and cantaloupe. Melons and papaya are okay in moderation, but you will want to remove the seeds first and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Dates are good for dogs, but they are naturally sweet, so giving too many can cause weight issues.
Blueberries are a good treat for your dog, and pure pumpkin is excellent for their skin, coat, and digestion. However, you should avoid cherries because they have cyanide in the seeds which is poisonous to your pet.
Can I Give My Dog Seafood?
Seafood is another food group that some dogs enjoy. Canned tuna, packed in water, salmon, and seaweed snacks without garlic, onion, and other toxins are okay for your dog in moderation. Shrimp, crab, and lobster can be allergens for your dog, so you should watch your animal carefully if you decide to feed them these.
Can My Dog Have Beans?
Green beans are a good choice for your dogs as long as you haven’t added onion, garlic, or other toxic seasonings. Other beans, like black beans, lima beans, and pintos are gas-causing, and should only be given in moderation. Garbanzo beans, in the most natural forms, are good for adding fiber and protein to your pet’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Fruits and Nuts?
Cashews and pistachios are good sources of vitamins. However, you should avoid giving your pet almonds because the dog can’t digest them well. Also, avoid raisins and grapes because they can cause kidney damage.
The Takeaway
If you want to make your own dog food, or if you want to feed your dog what you are eating, you have several choices for doing that. If you like Mediterranean food, you can rejoice that olives (without the pits) are on the safe list! However, be cautious, and always know which fruits, vegetables, and other foods are toxic to your pet.
