If you like olives on your salad or in your martini, you may wonder if your dog can eat olives, too. This fruit isn’t toxic to dogs and it can be safe in small quantities. However, there are some risks that you should know about before sharing this food with your pet.
Are Olives Safe for Dogs?
Dogs can eat olives in moderation. While they contain many vitamins and minerals important for human health, dogs fed a complete and balanced diet don’t need these additional nutrients. However, plain, unsalted olives can be a healthy snack for your dog. They’re full of healthy fats and proteins, though too many can add unnecessary calories to your pet’s diet.
While olives themselves don’t contain any toxic ingredients, the pits pose some hazards. Olive pits may cause choking or breathing obstructions in dogs. They can also block airways and lodge in your dog’s intestinal tract, and your dog could potentially crack a tooth when chewing on one.
Which Olives Can Dogs Eat?
Plain, pitted olives rarely cause problems in dogs. However, ones that are canned or pickled often contain excessive amounts of sodium. Too much sodium is unhealthy for dogs and can lead to dehydration and, in rare cases, salt toxicosis.
Olives coated in garlic, seasonings, or oils can also carry additional risks. Many Mediterranean dishes contain these ingredients, so be cautious. Olives also occasionally appear in beverages. It probably goes without saying, but you should never feed your dog olives soaked in alcohol.
If your dog consumes a large amount of olives, contact your veterinarian for advice. Eating too many is potentially dangerous, especially if they still contain the pits.