Can dogs eat Olives?

Are olives good for dogs?

Yes, in moderation they can be. Though not suitable as a regular dog food, olives do have some benefits to dogs. That said, these benefits can be derived from other foods, so olives or olive oils aren’t an essential food in a dog’s diet. 

It goes without saying, olive stones can be a choking hazard for pooches - so never feed olives to a dog unless they’ve been de-stoned.

What are the health benefits?

Let’s go into some of the nutrients in olives that might be beneficial to a dog’s diet:

• Heart-healthy fats. The monounsaturated fat in olives is good for heart health, so long as it’s given in moderation.  
• Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, which improve the immune system and fight free radicals in a dog’s body. 
• Minerals such as copper and iron, useful for maintaining energy levels and boosting the immune system and nerve function. 

Can puppies eat olives?

Olives aren’t really a suitable snack for puppies due to their high sodium content. It’s not going to harm them if they eat an olive (cut up, without its stone) but try to stick to other nutritious snacks suitable for puppies. 

When are olives unsafe for dogs?

Olives can sometimes be unsafe for dogs. For one thing they’re high in sodium, which can cause symptoms of dehydration, or be detrimental to pooches with kidney or heart problems. This is why it’s essential that olives are fed in moderation. 

Olives are often served in olive oil, which is high in fat and unsuitable for dogs with pancreatitis. These oils can also contain flavourings such as chilli or garlic, which dogs shouldn’t eat at all. 

Of course, olives that haven’t been pitted pose a choking hazard to dogs. Always be sure to keep olives with stones well out of reach of dogs’ curious snouts. 

Can dogs be allergic to olives?

Yes, your pooch could have an olive allergy. If they’ve not eaten olives before, just feed them a small piece or one pitted olive, and note their reaction. If they show any of the following symptoms, don’t feed them olives anymore and if symptoms are severe, get them to a vet immediately:

• Reddening, itchiness or swelling of the skin 
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhoea or vomiting 
• Stomach pain, bloating 
• Lethargy, change in behaviour 

Can olives make dogs sick?

Yes, if you feed a dog too many olives, the high sodium content can make them sick. If your pooch has an olive allergy, or if they eat olives covered in flavourings such as chilli or garlic oil, this will also make them very unwell.

How to safely give olives to your dog?

If you want to give your dog an olive or two, ensure they’re the pitted kind, and that they aren’t served in brine or stewed in flavourings. Plain olives are the safest, and they should be of the highest quality (this also applies to olive oil). 

How much is safe to give your dog?

Olives are okay as part of a well-balanced diet, but they shouldn’t be seen as an everyday food. How many you feed depends on the size and breed of your pooch, but be sure it’s alongside a well-rounded bowl of food containing lots of lean proteins, nutritious veggies and dog supplements. A few olives a week should be okay. 

What kinds of olives can dogs eat?

There are lots of varieties of olives in the world! Let’s go into details over which olive products are safe for dogs. 

Can dogs eat green olives?

Yes, they can. Classic green olives are fine for a dog, in moderation - so long as they’re served plain with no stones or added flavourings such as garlic, chilli etc. 

Can dogs eat black olives?

Yes, dogs can eat both black and green olives with no issues. The same rules apply for both - they should have no pips nor any added flavourings, just serve plain. Also don’t feed too many olives; they are high in sodium and this can make your pooch unwell. 

Can dogs eat olives in brine?

No. Avoid olives that come in brine - it’s a super salty liquid that only increases the already high sodium content in olives. If they’ve eaten one or two it shouldn’t cause too much drama, however if you want to intentionally feed your dog olives, choose the plain varieties that come in water or olive oil. 

Can dogs eat pitted olives?

Yes - in fact, dogs should always eat pitted olives over the ones with stones, which can be a choking hazard. Be sure the olives you’re about to feed your dog have no stones, or remove the stones before giving them the flesh. If the pitted olives are soaked in brine or flavourings however, these aren’t good for dogs. Stick to the plain, pitted variety. 

Can dogs eat olives with pimento?

It depends. Though pimento peppers and olives alone are non-toxic to dogs, it’s probably not worth the risk to feed your dog olives with pimento peppers. If you check the label the olives might contain completely safe ingredients, however there are plenty of pimento-stuffed olives that contain very flavoured oils, such as chilli or garlic oil. When it comes to dogs’ delicate tums, it should be a plain olive without seasoning or extras.

Can dogs have olive oil?

Olive oil is okay for a dog in moderation as it’s very nutrient dense -the monounsaturated fats can be beneficial to the heart, skin and coat of your pooch. However it shouldn’t be seen as a regular food for dogs as it’s very high in fat. If you feed them a drizzle of olive oil, be sure to choose olive oil that’s very high quality to get your dog the most nutrition possible. 

Note: Dogs with pancreatitis should avoid olive oil, as it will make them ill. 

Conclusion

Overall, nutritious olives can be a healthy treat in your dog’s diet, so long as they eat them in moderation, as they’re high in sodium and fat. Choose olives that are pitted and plain, with no added flavourings or extra ingredients (i.e. avoid the chilli olives or the ones drenched in brine!). 

What other foods can dogs safely eat?

If you like the idea of a nutritious bite-sized food for your dog but you’re not a fan of giving them olives, why not try these alternatives?

Blueberries can offer a similar pop of vitamins and antioxidants without the high sodium content.

Pumpkin is full of vitamins as well as fibre, which is great for digestion. 

Banana is a tasty, squishy treat for dogs full of potassium. 

Healthy dog treats such as those that come with added probiotics offer a tasty crunch, with a side of gut-friendly health benefits for dogs.

If you’re looking for tasty, healthy food for your dog, our grain-free dog treats are full of lean proteins, powerful supplements and delicious natural ingredients to keep your pooch satisfied in both mind and body.