Your dog is staring at you while you’re prepping a charcuterie board, and suddenly you’re wondering: can dogs have olives? It’s one of those random pet parent questions that pops up at 2 AM. The short answer? Yes, dogs can have olives in moderation—but there’s a catch. Most olives come packed with sodium, and some prep methods make them risky. Let me break down what’s safe, what’s not, and why your pup’s interest in your snack board matters.
Are Olives Safe for Dogs?
Here’s the real talk: olives themselves aren’t toxic to dogs. The fruit part won’t poison your pup. But—and this is important—most store-bought olives aren’t exactly a health food for anyone, let alone your dog. The main issue is sodium content. A single olive can contain 50-150 mg of sodium depending on how it’s cured and packed. For a 30-pound dog, that’s significant.
The ASPCA doesn’t list olives as toxic, which is good news. But the American Kennel Club recommends caution with high-sodium foods, and that’s exactly what we’re dealing with here. Think of olives like potato chips for humans—technically edible, but not something you want your dog eating regularly.
Dogs need less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day (depending on their size and health status). A handful of olives could easily push them over that, especially if your dog already gets commercial dog food that contains sodium.
The Sodium Concern: Why Salt Matters for Dogs
Sodium is the real villain in this story. Excessive salt intake can lead to:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- High blood pressure over time
- Kidney stress (especially in older dogs or those with existing kidney disease)
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Hypernatremia (salt poisoning) in severe cases
Dogs with certain health conditions are extra vulnerable. If your dog has heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, olives should be completely off-limits. Even one olive could trigger problems.
Here’s what happens: your dog’s kidneys work overtime trying to regulate sodium levels. Their body signals thirst, they drink more water, and suddenly you’re dealing with more bathroom breaks and potential accidents in the house. It’s not dramatic or immediately dangerous with one olive, but it’s why we don’t make it a habit.
The irony? Dogs don’t even need the salt in olives. Unlike humans, dogs don’t crave salt. They’re perfectly happy without it. So there’s no nutritional benefit to offset the risk.
The Olive Pit Danger: A Real Choking and Blockage Risk
This is where things get serious. Olive pits are hard, round, and exactly the size to cause problems in a dog’s digestive system. Here’s what can happen:
- Choking: A dog swallows an olive whole, the pit gets stuck in the throat. This is an emergency.
- Intestinal blockage: The pit makes it past the throat but gets lodged in the intestines. Your dog stops eating, vomits, and becomes lethargic. Surgery is often required.
- Dental damage: Dogs who chew on pits can crack or break teeth, leading to painful root canals or extractions.
I’ve seen blockage cases in the clinic. They’re expensive (we’re talking $2,000-$5,000 in surgery costs), traumatic for the dog, and sometimes fatal if not caught quickly. The pit is the reason I’d rather you skip olives altogether for your dog.
Even “pitted” olives from jars sometimes have pit fragments. Manufacturers aren’t perfect. If you absolutely insist on giving your dog an olive, you need to remove the pit yourself and cut the olive into tiny pieces.
Different Types of Olives: Which Ones Are Worst?
Not all olives are created equal when it comes to sodium content. Let’s break it down:
- Canned black olives: Usually 300-400 mg sodium per 100g. These are cured heavily and packed in brine. Skip these for your dog.
- Canned green olives: Often even saltier than black olives—sometimes 400-500 mg sodium per 100g. The brine is brutal. Hard pass.
- Kalamata olives: These are typically cured in vinegar and salt. Sodium is still high (250-350 mg per 100g), plus the vinegar can upset some dogs’ stomachs.
- Fresh olives (if you can find them): Rare in stores, but they’d be the lowest-sodium option. Still not recommended, but technically the “safest” choice if you had to pick one.
- Olive tapenade or spreads: Absolutely not. These are concentrated olives with added salt, garlic, and sometimes onions. Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs.
The bottom line: green and black canned olives are the worst offenders. If your dog somehow ate a couple, don’t panic—one or two olives won’t cause acute poisoning. But make it a pattern, and you’re asking for trouble.
How to Safely Serve Olives (If You Really Must)
Look, I get it. Your dog gives you those eyes. You want to share your food. If you’re absolutely determined to let your dog have an olive, here’s the safest way:
- Choose pitted olives only. Don’t trust that the pit is gone—remove it yourself. Cut the olive in half and inspect.
- Rinse the olive. Run it under water for 10-15 seconds to reduce sodium. It won’t eliminate it, but it helps.
- Cut it into tiny pieces. We’re talking pea-sized pieces, not whole olives. This reduces choking risk.
- Offer as an occasional treat only. Once a month maximum, not weekly. Treat it like you would a tiny piece of bacon.
- Monitor your dog afterward. Watch for excessive thirst, vomiting, or diarrhea over the next 24 hours.
- Skip it if your dog has health issues. Any heart, kidney, or digestive problems? Olives are off the menu entirely.
Even with these precautions, there are better options. You’re adding risk for minimal benefit. Your dog doesn’t know what an olive is. They don’t care. They care that you’re giving them attention and a treat. You can do that with something safer.
Signs Your Dog Had Too Much Sodium
If your dog got into your olive stash or you gave them more than you should have, watch for these signs over the next 24-48 hours:
- Excessive thirst (drinking way more water than usual)
- Frequent urination or accidents in the house
- Vomiting or retching
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors or seizures (in severe cases)
- Difficulty breathing (if there’s a choking risk)
If your dog ate an olive pit and is choking or showing signs of distress (gagging, drooling excessively, inability to swallow), call your vet or emergency clinic immediately. Don’t wait. Don’t try to induce vomiting at home. Get professional help.
For sodium overload without a pit involved, contact your vet if symptoms persist beyond a few hours. They might recommend IV fluids to flush out the excess sodium, especially for small dogs or senior pups.
Better Alternatives to Olives
Want to give your dog a treat while you’re snacking? Here are safer options that won’t spike their sodium intake:
- Carrots: Raw or cooked, zero sodium, and they’re great for teeth. Dogs love the crunch.
- Green beans: Steamed or raw, low-calorie, and actually nutritious. No added salt.
- Apple slices: Remove seeds first. Sweet and refreshing. Learn more about apples for dogs here.
- Watermelon: Seedless varieties only. Hydrating and safe in moderation.
- Plain pumpkin: Great for digestion, low sodium, and dogs find it tasty.
- Plain cooked chicken: Unseasoned, no skin. Protein-rich and something your dog will actually go crazy for.
- Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich and safe. Just a few at a time.
If you want to replicate the “fancy snack” vibe, make a dog-friendly charcuterie board: plain cooked chicken, carrots, apple slices, a small piece of unsalted cheese (like American cheese in moderation), and some green beans. Your dog gets to participate in the experience without the sodium risk.
These alternatives are actually good for your dog. Olives? They’re just… olives. Not worth the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies have olives?
– No. Puppies are more sensitive to sodium than adult dogs, and their digestive systems are still developing. The choking risk from pits is also higher because they’re more likely to swallow things whole without thinking. Keep olives away from puppies entirely.
What if my dog ate an olive pit?
– Monitor closely for the next 48 hours. Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or signs of abdominal pain (hunching, whining, restlessness). If any of these appear, contact your vet immediately. Small pits sometimes pass through without issue, but blockages are possible. Don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own—that’s how blockages become emergencies.
Are stuffed olives safe for dogs?
– No. Stuffed olives often contain things like cheese, peppers, or nuts. Some fillings are toxic (like those with garlic or onions). Plus, the stuffing adds extra sodium and choking risk. Avoid completely.
Can dogs have olive oil?
– Yes, in tiny amounts. Like sesame oil, olive oil can be given sparingly, but it’s high in calories and can cause diarrhea in excess. A few drops on food occasionally is fine. A tablespoon is too much. It’s not toxic, but it’s not necessary for your dog’s diet.
What about olives in dog food or treats?
– Check the ingredient list. If olives are listed, they’re usually in very small amounts and shouldn’t be a concern. Commercial dog foods are formulated to meet nutritional standards, including sodium limits. The issue is more with whole olives you’re giving directly.
My dog is on a low-sodium diet. Can they have olives?
– Absolutely not. If your vet has recommended a low-sodium diet (usually for dogs with heart or kidney disease), olives are completely off-limits. Even a single olive could interfere with their medical management. This is non-negotiable.
Are green olives worse than black olives for dogs?
– Generally yes. Green olives are typically cured longer and tend to have higher sodium content. But honestly, neither is great for dogs. If you had to choose the lesser evil, black olives are slightly better, but that’s not a reason to give them to your dog.
Can I give my dog olive water (the liquid from the jar)?
– No. That brine is basically saltwater. It’s even more concentrated in sodium than the olives themselves. Never let your dog drink from an olive jar. This can cause serious salt toxicity.
How much sodium is too much for dogs?
– Dogs need about 200 mg of sodium per day minimum. The maximum recommended intake is around 1,500 mg per day for a 30-pound dog, though some sources suggest lower. Most commercial dog foods contain 300-800 mg per cup. Olives push you closer to that limit quickly, which is why they’re not ideal as treats.
