Can pets eat olives? 🫒
Here’s whether olives is safe for each kind of pet, based on established veterinary guidance.
Can dogs eat olives?
SafeOlives are safe for dogs in small amounts, but only plain, pitted and unsalted.
Risk: Stones can choke or block the gut, and brined or stuffed olives are far too salty.
Portion: One or two plain, pitted, unsalted olives as an occasional treat, never the salty or marinated kind.
Full guidance: can dogs eat olives? →Can cats eat olives?
In moderationA little plain, pitted olive will not harm most cats but offers no real benefit.
Portion: A tiny piece of plain, unsalted olive on rare occasions; avoid brined or stuffed olives.
Full guidance: can cats eat olives? →Can rabbits eat olives?
UnsafeOlives are not suitable for rabbits.
Risk: Too oily and salty for a herbivore gut and can upset the delicate balance that keeps digestion moving.
Full guidance: can rabbits eat olives? →Can guinea pigs eat olives?
UnsafeDo not feed olives to guinea pigs.
Risk: The fat and salt do not suit a strict herbivore and can cause digestive upset.
Full guidance: can guinea pigs eat olives? →Can hamsters eat olives?
CautionOlives are best avoided for hamsters because of the salt and oil.
Risk: Too salty and fatty for such a tiny animal, and brined olives are worse still.
Full guidance: can hamsters eat olives? →Worried your pet has eaten too much?
Contact your vet straight away, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). This page is general guidance based on veterinary sources and isn’t a substitute for professional advice — amount, preparation and your pet’s health all matter.
Related foods
Sources
Our guidance on whether pets 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.