Can dogs eat olives?
Quick answer: Yes — dogs can safely eat olives in sensible amounts.
Quick verdict
Safe
Recommended amount
One or two plain, pitted, unsalted olives as an occasional treat, never the salty or marinated kind.
Why
Olives are safe for dogs in small amounts, but only plain, pitted and unsalted.
Can dogs eat olives, and why?
Olives are safe for dogs in small amounts, but only plain, pitted and unsalted. Stones can choke or block the gut, and brined or stuffed olives are far too salty.
Dogs are omnivores, so most of their diet should be a complete, balanced dog food, with treats on top. They cope with a wide range of foods, but rich, fatty or sugary ones can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis.
How to feed olives to dogs
- •How much: One or two plain, pitted, unsalted olives as an occasional treat, never the salty or marinated kind.
- •How often: An everyday option in sensible amounts, but rotate with other foods for variety. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
- •Young pets: Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods dogs might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding dogs well:
Portable Pet Travel Water Bottle & Food Bowl
A fun kettlebell-shaped travel bottle that keeps your dog or cat hydrated on walks. The base unscrews into a feeding bowl for food or water on the go, with a wrist strap for easy carrying. Approx 18.5cm tall.
Dried Meat Slice Pet Treats
Thinly sliced, slow-dried meat treats with no added flavourings or preservatives.
Tarhong Moroccan Melamine Pet Food Scoop — Single or Double
Sturdy melamine food scoops in a Moroccan-inspired design — BPA free, dishwasher safe, and available in two sizes.
Long-Range Remote Dog Training Collar
A long-range training collar set with a backlit handset and a reflective receiver collar. Choose between tone, vibration and static correction to recall and train your dog over open distances. USB rechargeable.
Feeding & nutrition guides
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat olives?
Safe. Olives are safe for dogs in small amounts, but only plain, pitted and unsalted.
How much olives can a dog have?
One or two plain, pitted, unsalted olives as an occasional treat, never the salty or marinated kind.
Can dogs eat olives every day?
In sensible amounts olives can be a regular treat, but variety matters — treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
Can puppies eat olives?
Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
Check olives for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether dogs can eat olives draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.