Many pet owners love Labradors, but keeping them healthy requires understanding what to feed them.
In addition to providing vitamins and minerals, olives can be a healthy treat for Labradors. If you want to feed olives to your furry friend, you should know the risks and how much should be given.
The purpose of this article is to help you make an informed decision about adding olive treats to the diet of your Labrador.
So can labradors eat olives? Yes. In moderation, they can!
What do Labradors Eat?
As active and energetic dogs, Labradors require a healthy diet to stay healthy. They should be fed high-quality, age-appropriate food tailored for the breed.
It’s important that Labs get a variety of lean proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs, complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and brown rice, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as healthy fats like fish oil.
Health Benefits of Olives for Dogs
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5.8 |
| Fat | 0.612 gram |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams |
| Sodium | 62.4 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 0.154 gram |
| Fiber | 0.132 gram |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Protein | 0 grams |
Source: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-green-olives
Olives have numerous health benefits for dogs! The nutrients in olives, such as vitamin E and oleic acid, can help support the health of canine joints.
Moreover, they are an excellent source of fiber that aids digestion. Olives also contain antioxidants that can protect against free radicals and cancer.
However, it is important to remember that too many olives may cause upset stomachs due to their high-fat content.
Served in moderation, this delicious treat is sure to be loved by your pup!
Potential Risks of Feeding Olives to a Labrador
Olives may not be toxic to dogs but can cause health problems. If olives are consumed frequently and in large amounts, there is a risk that the Labrador could develop high blood pressure. (Due to their high Sodium levels!)
Furthermore, the consumption of olives has been known to cause gastrointestinal problems for dogs due to the presence of pits found in wide varieties.
Pits from specific olives contain compounds that can lead to blockages in your dog’s digestive tract or even poisoning if swallowed.
As such, it is best for any pet owner who wants to give an olive treat to their Labrador to do so sparingly and with caution!
How Much Olive Should Be Fed to a Labrador at One Time?
When feeding a Labrador olive, you must be mindful of how much you give them at once. Olives contain high amounts of fat and calories, so if provided in excess, they can lead to weight gain.
Therefore, as a general rule of thumb, only feed your Lab up to 10 olives per day—or less, depending on the size and age of your pup.
Additionally, ensure that the olives are pitted before giving them to your Labrador; this will prevent any choking hazards!
Other Alternatives to Feeding Olives to Labradors
| Snack | Suitable for | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | All dogs | Low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals |
| Green beans | All dogs | Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals |
| Sweet potatoes | All dogs | High in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants |
| Apple slices | All dogs | Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals |
| Blueberries | All dogs | Low in calories and high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals |
| Cooked chicken breast | All dogs | Low in fat, high in protein, and easy to digest |
| Cooked fish (salmon, tilapia, cod) | All dogs | Low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids |
| Peanut butter (natural, unsweetened) | All dogs | High in protein and healthy fats, but should be given in small amounts |
| Yogurt (plain, low-fat) | All dogs | Good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, but should be given in small amounts |
| Pumpkin | All dogs | High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins |
Although olives are an aromatic and tasty human treat, they can be toxic to dogs.
Thus, when it comes to feeding Labradors, there are several alternatives that pet owners may choose from. One of the best options is fresh fruit.
Apples and bananas are excellent choices since they provide essential vitamins and minerals without containing any harmful chemicals or toxins.
Additionally, those with a sweet tooth can opt for some low-sugar peanut butter as a healthy snack for their furry friend.
And finally, cooked lean meats such as chicken breast offer plenty of protein while being easy on a dog’s stomach.
