Can Dogs Eat Olives? Safety, Risks & Benefits Explained

Removing pits and salt transforms olives into a safe, flavorful treat for canine companions.

By Medha deb

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Removing pits and salt transforms olives into a safe, flavorful treat for canine companions.

Can Dogs Eat Olives?

Many pet owners wonder: Can dogs eat olives? The short answer is yesâplain, unsalted olives are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. While olives are not toxic to dogs, there are important guidelines and risks to consider before feeding them to your furry friend.

Are Olives Safe for Dogs?

Plain olivesâboth black and greenâcan be a safe, occasional treat for dogs. However, most olives available in stores are cured or brined, which means they often have high sodium levels and may contain seasonings or additives that could be harmful to pets. Itâs vital to ensure any olives you offer to your dog are:

Plain: No added flavorings, spices, or seasonings.
Pitted: Always remove the pit to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.
Unsalted: Too much sodium can lead to dehydration, kidney issues, or even salt poisoning in dogs.

Even when prepared safely, olives should only be fed to dogs in moderation and never become a daily treat or a significant part of their diet.

Types of Olives Dogs Can Eat

When giving olives to your dog, stick to the following types:

Black or Green Olives: Both are non-toxic, as long as theyâre plain, pitted, and not cured in brine or seasoned.
Unstuffed Olives: Avoid olives stuffed with ingredients that may be harmful, such as garlic, blue cheese, or pimentos. These fillers often contain additives or spices unsuitable for your pet.

Brined, marinated, pickled, or stuffed olives are not safe for dogs due to their high sodium content and possible inclusion of toxic ingredients like garlic or onion.

Nutritional Benefits of Olives for Dogs

Olives offer several nutrients that can be beneficial to your dogâs health, though a balanced dog diet already supplies all essential nutrients. Nutrients found in olives include:

Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which improve coat quality and support good heart health.
Antioxidants: Olives contain vitamin E and polyphenols, which reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and help protect against cell damage.
Fiber: Supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Vitamins and Minerals: Including trace amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and copper.

Despite these benefits, the nutritional value of olives for dogs is minor compared to a complete, commercial dog food. Their main value is as a rare, tasty treat.

Risks of Feeding Olives to Dogs

Risk	Description	What To Do
Pit Hazard	Olive pits can cause choking, block intestines, and crack teeth if chewed.	Always remove the pit before giving olives to your dog.
High Sodium Content	Brined or pickled olives contain excess salt, leading to dehydration, digestive upsets, and salt toxicity.	Feed only plain, unsalted olives in small amounts.
Toxic Fillings & Seasonings	Stuffed or seasoned olives often contain garlic, onion, blue cheese, or spicy additivesâall of which can be harmful or toxic to dogs.	Avoid giving any olives that are not plain and unseasoned.
Fat & Calorie Content	Olives (especially with oil or cheese) are high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity or pancreatitis if over-consumed.	Limit the number of olives to occasional, small treats.
Allergic Reactions	Some dogs may have food sensitivities or allergies, resulting in stomach upset or itching.	Start with a tiny amount and watch for reactions.

Which Olives Are Unsafe for Dogs?

Stuffed Olives: Cheese, nuts, and especially garlic or onion stuffed olives are off-limits.
Brined or Pickled Olives: Contain too much salt and may have other harmful additives.
Marinated or Spiced Olives: Often contain oils, herbs, or spicy ingredients that are toxic or cause digestive problems.
Alcohol-Soaked Olives: Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal even in small doses.

If your dog accidentally eats a large amount of seasoned or alcohol-soaked olives, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to Safely Feed Olives to Dogs

Choose Plain, Unsalted, Unseasoned Olives: Avoid all added spices, flavors, or brine.
Remove the Pit: This is crucial to prevent choking and intestinal blockages.
Feed in Moderation: Limit to one or two small olives as an occasional treatânot a regular part of their diet.
Observe for Reactions: Monitor your dog for any signs of stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior after trying olives for the first time.
Avoid Mixing with Table Scraps: Donât offer olives from your plate where they may have been in contact with seasonings or sauces unsafe for pets.

How Many Olives Can Dogs Eat?

The right portion depends on your dogâs size and breed, but one or two small olives occasionally is a safe guideline. For smaller breeds, even a single olive can be sufficient. Large dogs may be able to tolerate two olives as a treat every so often. Always consult your veterinarian for advice about your individual pet.

Signs Your Dog Ate Too Many Olives

If your dog overeats olives, especially if theyâre seasoned or contain pits, these are the warning signs to watch for:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy or weakness
Excessive thirst or urination (could indicate salt toxicity)
Abdominal pain or bloating
Difficulty breathing (if pit is lodged in airway)
Loss of appetite

If any of these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Alternatives to Olives for Dog Treats

Carrots: Low-calorie, crunchy, and great for teeth.
Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich and safe in small portions.
Apples: Remove seeds/core, serve in small slices.
Green beans: Safe, fiber-rich, and help fill up your pup.

These foods are typically more beneficial and lower risk than olives, but all should still be treats only and not staples.

Potential Health Benefits vs. Needs of Dogs

While olives do have health benefits, it is important to understand that dogs living on a complete and balanced commercial dog diet do not need additional olives or human foods to stay healthy. The benefitsâmonounsaturated fat, fiber, and antioxidantsâare best obtained from their primary diet. Use olives only as a small, rare treat for variety or training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can dogs eat green olives as well as black olives?

A: Yes, both plain green and black olives are safe for dogs as long as they are unsalted, unseasoned, and pitted. Just avoid pickled, marinated, or stuffed varieties.

Q: Are olive oil or olive-based dog foods safe?

A: Olive oil is generally safe in tiny quantities and can sometimes benefit coat health, but too much fat can upset a dogâs stomach. Commercial dog foods with olive oil are formulated in safe proportions.

Q: What do I do if my dog accidentally eats olives with the pit or seasoned olives?

A: Monitor for choking, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, and contact your vet right away, especially if large or seasoned olives are consumed.

Q: Can dogs eat olives stuffed with cheese or nuts?

A: Stuffed olives usually contain excessive salt and potentially toxic fillings like blue cheese, garlic, or certain nuts. Itâs best to completely avoid giving dogs stuffed olives.

Q: Are there dogs who should never have olives?

A: Dogs prone to pancreatitis, obesity, food allergies, or sodium-related health issues should never be fed olives. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before offering any human food treat.

Key Takeaways

Plain, unsalted, and pitted olives are generally safe for dogs in moderation.
Never feed your dog olives that are brined, pickled, marinated, seasoned, or stuffed.
Always remove the pit to avoid choking and digestive complications.
Olives should only be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple.
If your dog experiences any adverse reactions, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Always prioritize your dogâs nutritional needs with a complete, balanced diet and reserve olives as a rare, safe treat if you choose to share them.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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