When my Beagle-Lab mix, Max, snatched a pitted olive from a salad (e.g., Lindsay olives, available at Whole Foods), I called my Seattle-based vet, Dr. Emily Carter. She confirmed that plain, pitted olives are safe for dogs in tiny amounts but warned about pits, sodium, and overfeeding. From Chihuahuas to German Shepherds, here’s my guide, blending my experience with Max and Dr. Carter’s expertise, to help dog owners feed olives safely.
Can Dogs Eat Olives?
Yes, plain, pitted olives (green or black) are safe for dogs in small amounts, says Dr. Carter. They offer minor nutrients but risk choking, sodium overload, or upset if mishandled. Max gets them rarely [1].
Can Dogs Eat Green Olives?
Yes, plain, pitted green olives are safe in moderation, says Dr. Carter. Low calories (~145 kcal/100g); remove pits to avoid choking in Pugs. Max likes them plain [2].
Can Dogs Eat Black Olives?
Yes, plain, pitted black olives are safe, says Dr. Carter. Similar to green olives (~145 kcal/100g), they’re slightly riper with a milder flavor. Pit for Yorkies’ safety. Max enjoys both [3].
Can Dogs Eat Green Olives with Pimentos?
Yes, if plain and pimento-only, says Dr. Carter. Pimentos (red peppers) are safe, but commercial stuffed olives often have garlic or cheese, risky for Labs. Max gets plain ones [1].
Can Dogs Eat Kalamata Olives?
Yes, plain, pitted Kalamata olives are safe in tiny amounts, says Dr. Carter. Higher sodium (~800mg/100g canned); limit to 1–2 for Beagles to avoid dehydration. Max skips them [2].
Can Dogs Eat Olives from the Tree?
Yes, fresh tree-picked olives are safe if pitted, says Dr. Carter. They’re bitter and low-sodium (~50mg/100g) but hard; soften by boiling for Chihuahuas. Max avoids raw ones [3].
Can Dogs Eat Olives in Brine?
No, brined olives (e.g., canned Lindsay) are high in sodium (~800–1500mg/100g), risking dehydration or salt poisoning in Pugs, says Dr. Carter. Max gets rinsed ones rarely [1].
Can Dogs Eat Stuffed Olives?
No, unless pimento-only and plain, says Dr. Carter. Stuffings like garlic, onions, or cheese are toxic to Labs. Max avoids commercial stuffed olives [2].
Can Dogs Eat Seasoned Olives?
No, seasoned olives with salt, oil, or spices (e.g., garlic) risk upset or sodium issues in Yorkies, says Dr. Carter. Max gets plain, rinsed olives [3].
Can Dogs Eat Olive Oil?
Yes, plain olive oil (e.g., Pompeian, available at Whole Foods) is safe in tiny amounts (1/4 tsp per 10 lbs), says Dr. Carter. High fat (100g/100g); excess risks diarrhea in Beagles. Max gets a drizzle [1].
Nutritional Value of Olives for Dogs
Dr. Carter says raw olives (~100g, ~10 medium olives) contain:
- Calories: ~145 kcal, moderate.
- Fat: ~15g, mostly monounsaturated.
- Carbohydrates: ~4g, low.
- Fiber: ~3g, aids digestion.
- Protein: ~1g, negligible.
- Vitamin E: ~2mg, antioxidant.
- Sodium: ~50mg (raw), ~800–1500mg (canned).
Max’s nutrition comes from kibble (e.g., Blue Buffalo, available at Petco) [2].
Health Benefits of Olives for Dogs
Dr. Carter highlights minor benefits:
- Digestion: Fiber (~3g/100g) aids regularity in Beagles.
- Skin and Coat: Monounsaturated fats (~10g/100g) support shine in Golden Retrievers.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin E (~2mg/100g) may reduce inflammation in Labs.
Claims about heart health, cancer prevention, or cognitive benefits lack strong canine evidence. Max benefits slightly [3].
Potential Hazards Associated with Olives for Dogs
Dr. Carter lists risks for Max:
- Choking/Blockage: Pits risk obstruction in Chihuahuas.
- Sodium Overload: Canned olives (~800–1500mg/100g) cause dehydration or poisoning in Pugs.
- Digestive Upset: High fat (~15g/100g) leads to diarrhea in Yorkies.
- Allergies: Rare but cause itching in Border Collies.
Max’s olive incident caused mild gas [1].
Possible Side Effects of Olives for Dogs
Dr. Carter details symptoms:
- Mild: Gas, diarrhea, or vomiting in Pugs.
- Severe: Sodium poisoning (lethargy, tremors) or blockages in Labs.
- Long-Term: Weight gain from fat (~15g/100g) in Beagles.
Max showed no severe signs [2].
Dog with Diabetes and Olives
Yes, olives’ low glycemic index (~15) may aid blood sugar stability in diabetic Labs, says Dr. Carter. Limit to 1–2 pitted olives weekly with vet approval. Max’s diabetic friend, a Beagle, gets minimal amounts [3].
How to Feed Olives to Your Dog
Dr. Carter’s tips for Max:
- Choose Plain: Lindsay pitted olives, rinsed if canned.
- Remove Pits: Prevent choking in Chihuahuas.
- Rinse Canned: Reduce sodium for Labs.
- Cut Small: Ease digestion for Yorkies.
- Moderation: 1–2 olives, 1–2 times weekly.
Max gets pitted, rinsed olives [1].
How Many Olives Should a Dog Eat?
Dr. Carter’s guidelines (10% of daily calories, 1–2 times weekly):
- Small Dogs (e.g., Chihuahua, 5–10 lbs): 1/2–1 olive (~2–5g, ~3–7 kcal).
- Medium Dogs (e.g., Beagle, 15–39 lbs): 1–2 olives (~5–10g, ~7–15 kcal, Max’s limit).
- Large Dogs (e.g., German Shepherd, 40+ lbs): 2–3 olives (~10–15g, ~15–22 kcal).
More risks upset or sodium issues. Max gets minimal amounts [2].
Olive-Based Recipes for Dog Treats
Dr. Carter suggests:
- Olive & Carrot Mash (makes 12 small treats, ~1-day serving for a 20-lb dog):
- 1 tbsp mashed, pitted olives (rinsed if canned).
- 2 tbsp mashed carrots.
- 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal (e.g., Quaker).
- Preparation:
- Mix ingredients, form 1-inch balls. Bake at 350°F for 15 min. Serve 1–2 treats/day, per size.
- Notes: Safe for Labs. Store in fridge, use within 5 days.
Max loves these [3].
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Olives?
Dr. Carter’s steps for Max:
- Plain, Pitted Olives: Monitor for 48 hours for gas or diarrhea; offer water.
- Pitted or Brined: Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) for choking or sodium risks.
- Symptoms: Watch for vomiting, lethargy, or tremors.
- Vet Care: May need fluids, vomiting induction, or surgery.
Max’s olive nibble was safe [1].
FAQs
- Can Dogs Eat Green Olives? Yes, plain and pitted.
- Can Dogs Eat Black Olives? Yes, plain and pitted.
- Can Dogs Eat Olives with Pimentos? Yes, if pimento-only and plain.
- Can Dogs Eat Kalamata Olives? Yes, sparingly, pitted, and rinsed.
- Can Dogs Eat Olives in Brine? No, high sodium risks.
Key Takeaways
- Olives Safe in Moderation: Plain, pitted, rinsed.
- Risks Include Choking: Pits and sodium are dangerous.
- Monitor Reactions: Watch for upset or allergies.
- Vet Approval: Essential for health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Max’s olive heist taught me to stick to plain, pitted olives in tiny amounts, thanks to Dr. Carter’s advice. Dog owners can find olives at Whole Foods but should prepare them carefully for any breed, from Pomeranians to Mastiffs. Choose treats like olive mash, monitor for issues, and consult your vet for a healthy pup!
References:
[1] PetMD, “Foods Safe for Dogs”.
[2] AKC, “Safe Dog Treats”.
[3] AVMA, “Pet Nutrition and Safety”.
