Can dogs eat olives?

Updated 13/04/2024

Whether they're resting on the edge of your martini glass or amongst an abundant Mediterranean platter, it's safe to say that olives certainly have a place in the world of 'people food'. So that might get you wondering - can dogs eat olives - or are the little bursts of sodium simply too rich for our furry friends? Well even though they might prefer a slice of steak, they're lucky on the olive front, too - olives are safe for dogs, but they should only ever be served as the odd treat. Plus, you'll need to be careful with the types of olives you serve up to your pup - many are soaked in brine and coated or stuffed with marinades toxic to dogs, so read on to find out how to safely treat your pup to an olive every now and then, and what to do if they eat something they shouldn't.

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Are olives poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat olives willy-nilly, or are olives toxic to dogs for some reason? Well olives themselves aren't poisonous to dogs, but the ingredients they're often paired with can be. If you're keen to find out whether your furry friend enjoys the taste, just make sure you only share one or two, and make sure they're not coated in any seasonings or flavorings.

Can dogs eat black olives?

Black olives are safe for dogs, but they're often sold in brine which is seriously high in salt, so avoid these and instead opt for pitted, fresh black olives for your pup to try. 

Can dogs eat green olives?

Just like black olives, green olives can be high in salt and are commonly stuffed, so make sure they're pitted and marinade-free for your pup. 

Can dogs eat kalamata olives?

Kalamata olives are also safe for dogs, but just be wary as they're often served alongside pickled garlic which is toxic to dogs.

Can dogs eat olives with pimentos?

Pimento is safe for dogs to eat, but just be wary as many of the stuffed kinds are preserved in brine which makes them far too salty for canine consumption. 

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Are olives good for dogs?

So can dogs eat olives and get any health benefits out of it, or are the salty morsels simply tasty, offering no nutritional value to our furry friends? Well it's a bit of both - olives are high in vitamin E and other antioxidants, which are of course beneficial to dogs when ingested through a low-calorie, low-sodium product. But, like with many 'people foods', the vitamins in olives don't outweigh the sheer sodium levels. Why? Well firstly, your pup will be getting all the micro and macronutrients they need from the dog food you've chosen for them. And secondly, all the salt and potentially dangerous marinades olives are associated with simply outweigh any potential benefits. So in short, plain olives are fine for dogs as the odd treat, but they shouldn't be added into your dog's diet to add nutritional value.

Related article: Can dogs eat grapes?

Why are olives bad for dogs?

As we've mentioned, one of the key issues with olives for dogs is the sodium content. Many types are preserved in brine which is of course seriously high in salt, which is of course bad news for dogs. In fact, too much salt for dogs can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures. 

Another hazard with olives for dogs is the pits - never serve unpitted olives to your furry friend, as they can cause choking and even chipped teeth.  

And as you'll know, olives are often served stuffed with delicious fillings like garlic, chili and cheese. Never share these with your pooch, as many of the foods we consider yummy are in fact toxic to dogs.

What to do if your dog eats olives

There's no need to panic if your pooch nabbed a pitted, plain olive from the side. You should however contact your vet immediately if your pup somehow managed to eat an entire punnet, or ingested olives stuffed with foods toxic to them, like blue cheese or garlic. So if you're wondering - can dogs have olives without pet parents worrying, it's a no, unfortunately. You'll need to be super vigilant about the types of olives shared with your pup, and of course stay on top of portion control. 

Related article: Can dogs eat apples?

Other similar products

Whether you're building a cheeseboard, hosting a buffet or treating your friends to a meze night, olives and other delicious tit-bits are sure to get your pup's snout twitching. Let's explore a few common favorites below so you're in the know about the foods safe for dogs.

Can dogs have hummus?

While cooked chickpeas are safe for dogs, hummus should never be shared with your pooch as it contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs. 

Can dogs eat pesto?

While the olive oil in pesto is great for your pup's skin and coat, pesto should never be shared with your furry friend as it contains garlic.

Can dogs eat pickles?

A plain pickle is fine for your pup every now and then, but never share one if it's been pickled with ingredients toxic to dogs, like onion, chili and garlic. 

Can dogs eat capers?

While capers aren't toxic to dogs, their high sodium content outweighs any potential benefits, so we don't advise sharing them with your furry friend.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now that you're hopefully clued-up on the question - can dogs eat olives - take a look below to review a few foods dogs can eat (and have a read to learn about the caveats you'll need to be aware of). 

• Peanuts
• Fish
• Squash

Related article: Can dogs eat eggs?