Can Dogs Eat Artichokes? Are Artichokes Safe for Dogs?

When people stop and think about all the different foods that dogs can and can’t eat, artichokes aren’t usually considered. This vitamin-rich vegetable has been a staple ingredient of Mediterranean cooking since the glory days of Ancient Rome. As such, it’s almost certain that many of them have ended up in the stomachs of dogs over the proceeding centuries.

Fortunately for all those Roman pooches and every dog that has enjoyed snacking on artichokes since, artichokes are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, these tasty veggies are quite low in fat, are packed full of fiber, folate, and vitamins C and K, and can even be used as a supplement to support liver and digestive health in dogs.

How do I feed artichokes to my dog?

While there is nothing toxic in an artichoke, if eaten raw, they can be quite difficult for your dog to digest. You should chop the artichokes into bite-sized pieces and cook them until they are soft before feeding them to your pet. It is also advisable to avoid feeding your pet any of the hard stalks of the artichoke plant, as this can be particularly difficult for your dog to digest properly.

There are several ways that you can cook artichokes, including to boil, grill, braise, or bake them. However, whichever method you choose, it is important to ensure that the pieces are soft all the way through before giving them to your dog.

Is there anything else I should know?

Take care if you plan to feed your dog artichokes that have been prepared as part of a meal for human consumption. Many common artichoke recipes make use of other ingredients, such as garlic and other plants from the allium family, including onion, which unlike the artichokes themselves, are toxic to dogs.

It is also advisable to limit the number of artichokes that you feed your dog at any one time. As is the case with many fruits and vegetables, if your dog eats a large serving of artichokes, they may get an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea.

When you give your dog artichokes for the first time, it is advisable to start with just a small amount, as this will allow you to see if your dog likes them and to reassure you that they aren’t going to give your dog an upset stomach.

If you want more information about feeding your dog artichokes or any other vegetable, the best person to talk to is your dog’s veterinarian.

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Featured image credit: kuvona, Shutterstock