Olives, one either loves them or hates them. There isn’t really an in-between. What can not be denied however is the fact that olives are very healthy for us humans. But what about dogs and their health? Should, and can dogs eat olives?
These green (or black) little fruits (yes, olives are a fruit!) have a high nutritional value. Olives are rich in different vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K, minerals, and even antioxidants. They also contain a good amount of healthy fats and a little bit of protein. All of which are important for our body to function. But what about dogs and their little bodies?
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In this article we’re going to answer the question of whether olives are safe for dogs and if yes, how should we feed them to canines.
Can dogs eat olives – The truth
The short answer to the question can dogs eat olives is yes, however, it’s not that simple. Human foods are meant for humans, and just because a food is considered “safe” doesn’t mean there aren’t certain risks too.
Benefits of olives
As we’ve mentioned above olives do have plenty of vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff.
Olives can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as prevent heart disease and certain cancers. Besides this, this fruit improves digestion, reduces inflammation, soothes allergic reactions, and is great in fighting different infections.
Additionally, vitamins A, E, and K, as well as high amounts of minerals and antioxidants that are found in olives can help boost your dog’s immune system. They can prevent heart disease and various cancers, reduce inflammation, as well as improve vision and bone health!
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Obviously, olives also contain the best kind of fatty acid. These fatty acids, or basically the fat that can be found in olives are actually good for dogs! This might sound a bit like a paradox, but these healthy fats are actually ideal for weight loss. Besides this they are great for reducing cholesterol levels and help your dog’s skin and coat be healthy and shiny.
Risks of olives
Now that we’ve mentioned all of the benefits of olives, we can’t forget the risks either.
Obviously, you can’t give your dog just any olives. You need to make sure you get fresh olives and also remove the pits.
The reason why you can’t let your dog eat pickled olives is because of the high levels of sodium these contain.
It’s no secret that too much salt is never good. It can actually cause severe health problems for your dogs (and you too!).
Also, keep in mind that too much salt can cause a condition called hypernatremia. In the case of hypernatremia, your dog will likely lose a tremendous amount of water in its body which can lead to dehydration and urination problems!
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Too much salt easily dehydrates a dog, and consuming high amounts of sodium over an extended period can eventually lead to high blood pressure.
Also, never let your dog consume too many olives. If they eat too many or ingest the pit, they could quickly experience digestive issues such as an upset stomach, stomach pain, or even diarrhea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question can dogs eat olives is yes. Dogs definitely can eat olives, however, the better question is should dogs eat olives.
Despite all of the health benefits olives can have on your dog, the fact is your canine would have to eat absurd amounts of olives in order to actually reap these benefits.
So, if you want your dog to be healthy, please buy high-quality dog food that already contains all of the important nutrients.