- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Olives are a staple of the healthy Mediterranean diet, and these briney little treats are full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats for humans. But can our dogs eat them too? Dogs should not eat brined olives, but when it comes to the fruit, yes, it is safe.
Dogs can eat plain, unsalted olives, says Jessica Apted, DVM, Regional Medical Director at Sploot Veterinary Care. And while most olives we buy don’t come that way, if your dog eats one or two olives off the ground, they should be fine.
Learn more about the risks of olives and alternatives.
What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Olives?
The only olives dogs can eat are plain, unstuffed black or green olives, says Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, a veterinary advisor for PetLab Co. It’s unlikely you have uncured, plain olives at home, however. This means if your dog accidentally gets into cured olives, they will probably have eaten too much sodium.
Too much sodium can lead to:
If your dog accidentally chews on a hard olive pit, it could crack their tooth or cause other dental issues. See an emergency vet immediately if you suspect a broken tooth.
Risk of olives by type
Generally, most types of olives are unsafe for dogs to eat. This includes:
- Pitted. Olives with pits can possibly make your dog choke.
- Marinated. These can contain toxic ingredients, including garlic, onions, peppers, and spicy seasonings.
- Stuffed. These olives are often stuffed with non-nutritious ingredients like cheese, almonds, and other dangerous foods.
- Alcohol-soaked. Alcohol is toxic to dogs. Small dogs are the most likely to feel the effects of alcohol.
If you are concerned your dog ate a lot of olives stuffed with something toxic or soaked in alcohol, speak to your vet for advice.
Are There Benefits to Dogs Eating Olives?
If you have olives that are plain, unsalted, and uncured, your dog may eat them without side effects. In fact, plain green or black olives may have some nutritional benefits. Dr Apted says olives contain healthy fats and antioxidants to support your dog’s heart health and reduce inflammation.
However, a dog shouldn’t have more than a few olives — and that amount is unlikely to change your dog’s health. If your dog already eats a complete and balanced diet, they’ll get all the nutrition they need from their regular food.
What Other Snacks Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
If your dog seems to respond to salty foods and you need similar treats to motivate them during training, you could try small amounts of:
- Plain cooked turkey
- Crab
- Cottage cheese
These snacks will help with training in high-distraction situations and create a positive relationship for you and your dog. But don’t rely on them too heavily. Instead, see if there are other dog-safe fruits and veggies like watermelon, apple, pumpkin, and carrots that your dog may enjoy.
