Can Dogs Eat Olives? Benefits, Risks & Safe Portions
Yes – dogs can eat plain, pitted olives in small amounts. Olives aren't toxic, but they're salty and fatty, and most olives we eat are brined, stuffed, or seasoned – which makes them a poor choice. A plain, pitted olive or two is fine as a rare treat.
The short answer
- Safe? Plain, pitted, unsalted olives – yes, occasionally.
- How much? 1-2 olives at most, rarely.
- Watch out for: pits (choking/teeth), salt (brine), and stuffed/seasoned olives (garlic, onion).
Are olives good for dogs?
Olives contain healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants, so a plain one isn't harmful. But dogs get complete nutrition from their food, and the way olives usually come – salty and brined – cancels out any benefit. Think of them as a novelty treat, not a health food.
How many olives can a dog eat?
Very few. Because of the salt and fat, keep it to one or two plain, pitted olives on rare occasions. Olives are calorie- and sodium-dense, so even small amounts add up fast for little dogs.
How to serve olives safely
- Remove the pit – always.
- Use plain olives – rinse off any brine; no salt added.
- No stuffing or marinade – skip olives stuffed with cheese, garlic, pimento, or jalapeño.
- Cut into pieces for small dogs to prevent choking.
Risks: pits, salt, and stuffing
- Pits are a choking and blockage hazard and can crack a dog's tooth.
- Salt – brined and table olives are very high in sodium; too much can cause salt poisoning.
- Garlic and onion – common in stuffed/marinated olives and toxic to dogs.
- Fat – too many can upset the stomach or, over time, contribute to pancreatitis.
Can puppies eat olives?
Best to skip them. The salt, fat, and pit risks outweigh any benefit for a puppy. Offer a dog-safe fruit or veggie instead.
When to call your vet
Contact your vet if your dog:
- Swallowed a pit and is gagging, drooling, vomiting, or straining (possible blockage),
- Ate a lot of salty or stuffed olives (watch for excessive thirst, vomiting, tremors),
- Or ate olives containing garlic or onion.
Poison control: ASPCA (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
The bottom line
A plain, pitted, unsalted olive won't hurt your dog as an occasional novelty, but olives offer little benefit and most are too salty. Remove the pit, skip the brine and stuffing, and keep it rare.
Related guides
Related Guides
- Foods Dogs Can & Can’t Eat: The Complete List
- Puppy Feeding Chart by Age & Weight
- Best Chew Toys for Puppies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat green or black olives?
Plain green and black olives are both okay in small amounts, as long as they’re pitted and unsalted. The color doesn’t matter – what matters is no pit, no salt, and no stuffing or seasoning.
Are olive pits dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Olive pits are a choking hazard, can cause intestinal blockages, and can crack teeth. Always remove the pit before giving your dog an olive.
Can dogs eat olives in brine or oil?
Brined olives are far too salty, and marinated or stuffed olives may contain garlic, onion, blue cheese, or pimentos. Stick to plain, rinsed, pitted olives – and only occasionally.
How many olives can a dog eat?
Just one or two plain, pitted olives at most, and only occasionally. Olives are high in sodium and fat, so they should be a rare treat, not a regular one.
Can puppies eat olives?
It’s best to skip olives for puppies – the salt, fat, and pit risk aren’t worth it. Choose a safer puppy treat instead.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods, especially if your dog has a health condition.
