Can dogs eat artichoke?

Globe artichokes are super-healthy vegetables that bring a ton of nutrients to our plates. And it’s only natural to want to share these wellness benefits with our canine friends. But not every food that’s beneficial for us is beneficial for them – or even safe for our pups to eat. So, can dogs have artichokes? Are artichokes good for dogs? And what’s the best way to add the ingredient to your pet’s diet? Get comfortable, because we’re about to find out!

Can dogs eat artichokes?

As with most questions about giving human foods to pets, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer here. Artichokes are not toxic to our pups, but they’re also not 100% risk-free. In practical terms, this means that dogs can eat artichokes as long as you prepare and serve them correctly. Like a lot of vegetables, they make a tasty and nutritious addition to your mutt’s diet. Even better, they could help to support their wellbeing in more ways than one.  

Are artichokes good for dogs?

Not only can dogs have artichoke, but there may be some notable health benefits of the vegetable for our pups. For starters, the plant is rich in fibre. Ensuring your pooch gets enough of this macronutrient in their diet is important for a wealth of reasons. Most famously, it supports their digestive system and helps ensure that their bowel movements are healthy and regular. (That’s also a benefit for those of us picking up after them!)

In addition, fibre plays a key role in managing your pet’s weight. It keeps them feeling fuller for longer after they eat, making it less likely they’ll scavenge treats and snacks. This reduces the chance of your dog becoming overweight or obese. And that’s super important because obesity raises the risk of many serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

But that’s not all! Fibre also helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and prevent spikes in blood glucose.(1) Plus, it feeds the good bacteria in your pooch’s gut. This supports their immune system and even has a positive influence on their mood and behaviour.(2)

Can dogs eat artichoke to get any other nutrients besides fibre? You bet! The vegetable is also bursting with vitamin C, folate, niacin, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamin K. These all help to look after your mutt’s overall health and wellbeing. As an example, folate is essential for producing red blood cells, and potassium maintains heart, nerve, and muscle function.

Finally, artichokes are high in antioxidants like luteolin and quercetin. These protect your pup’s cells from oxidative stress, which contributes to the ageing process and development of certain diseases.

How can dogs have artichokes safely?

The good news is that adding artichoke to your pooch’s diet is easy. Apart from the inedible choke in the centre, every part of the vegetable is edible for them. However, we recommend skipping the outer leaves too, as they’re quite tough. Instead, opt for the artichoke hearts and tender inner stems.

To prepare these, you should either boil, roast, or steam them to soften them up. While pups can technically eat raw artichoke, it’s not the safest (or tastiest!) option for them. Can dogs eat artichoke if it’s seasoned? That one’s a definite no. Don’t add any oil or seasonings at all when cooking for your pet. Mutts must have their artichoke plain.

Once fully cooked, allow the artichoke to cool completely before offering it to your dog. You should also cut it into little pieces so that there’s no risk of your furry friend choking. As with any new ingredient, start off by giving your pooch just a bite or two of artichoke. This helps their digestive system adjust and allows you to make sure that they’re not allergic to it. You can either feed your pup artichoke on its own or add the vegetable to their normal meals. They don’t need to have it every day to get the benefits from eating it.

And no matter how much your pooch enjoys the ingredient, only feed it to them in moderation. A good rule of thumb to remember is that treats and snacks – even healthy ones like artichokes – should only make up 10% of your pet’s calorie intake. The rest needs to come from complete and balanced commercial dog food. Even if they turn those puppy-dog eyes on you!

When are artichokes bad for dogs?

There are a few risks that pet parents need to be aware of before offering their pups artichokes. First, because it’s very fibrous, the vegetable – and its leaves in particular – can be difficult to chew and swallow. This is especially true for small dogs. It might cause a choking hazard if it lodges in their throat, or could even block their digestive tract. To avoid this problem, only feed your pup cooked artichoke and always cut it into bite-size pieces.

Second, you should never give your pooch products like canned artichokes, artichoke dip, or marinated artichoke. These usually contain other ingredients that are unhealthy or toxic to our pets. For instance, many are rich in oils that cause weight gain and gastrointestinal problems. Consuming fatty oils may even lead to pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.

Other artichoke products are full of salt. If your mutt has too much of this, it can cause dehydration, high blood pressure, or salt poisoning. Canned and marinated artichokes might also contain other seasonings that are dangerous for pups. Garlic, onion, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and tarragon are all harmful to our canine friends. Meanwhile, dips may include ingredients like cream cheese that won’t do your pooch’s tummy or waistline any favours!

Can dogs eat artichoke if they’re on medication or have an existing medical condition? Probably, but it’s best to check with a vet first. They’ll be able to confirm if the ingredient is suitable for your pet’s individual needs. For example, it may not be appropriate for animals with digestive issues or kidney disease, or who are on diuretics.

Artichoke vs. Jerusalem artichoke

At this point, you might be wondering if the information and advice above applies to Jerusalem artichokes too. It’s easy to confuse these two because of the similar names, but they’re completely different plants. Globe artichokes are a type of thistle, whereas Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes) are a species of sunflower. And while globe artichokes are technically a flower bud, Jerusalem artichokes are tubers. Of course, our pups probably don’t care too much about this distinction – and luckily, they don’t have to!

Can dogs eat Jerusalem artichokes? Yes, provided you prepare them in the same way as you would a globe artichoke for your pet. Steam, roast, or boil the tuber, then either mash it or cut it into small pieces. Alternatively, grate the ingredient raw and mix it into your pup’s meals.

One difference is that you can also offer your pooch sunchokes in powder form. Here at Boosie, we have 100% organic Jerusalem artichoke powder that we’ve specifically created for our furry friends. Adding it to your mutt’s diet couldn’t be easier – you simply stir it into their normal wet food. Start with ¼ teaspoon per 5kg of body weight to allow their digestive system to get used to the ingredient. You could then increase this to one teaspoon per 5kg a day if you want.

Again, because of the vegetable’s high fibre content, too much Jerusalem artichoke may cause tummy troubles for your pet. Check with a vet before feeding the ingredient to your pup, and only give it to fully grown animals.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke for dogs

Why would you want to add sunchokes to your pup’s diet? Well, not only can dogs eat artichoke of this variety, but the vegetable also offers them some impressive health benefits.(3)

Jerusalem artichokes are rich in a type of soluble fibre called inulin. This acts as a prebiotic, which means it nourishes the good bacteria in your pet’s gut. That’s a huge benefit, because a diverse and flourishing gut microbiome affects many aspects of their health. This includes immunity, mental wellbeing, cardiovascular health, and blood glucose regulation.

Gut bacteria contribute to the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds. They even help teach your dog’s immune system to distinguish between beneficial and harmful microbes.

When inulin reaches your pooch’s colon, the microbiota there ferments it. This produces short-chain fatty acids, which look after the digestive tract by lowering intestinal pH and lengthening the villi. That increases the surface area of the gut and enables your dog to absorb more nutrients from their food.(4)

Can dogs eat artichoke of this kind if they have a health condition? Like globe artichokes, it will depend on the nature of their illness or the specific medication they’re on, so consult a vet first. As with all functional foods, we don’t advise giving Jerusalem artichoke to puppies, or animals who are pregnant or lactating. This is simply because there hasn’t yet been enough research to confirm its safety for these groups.

Should I give my dog artichokes?

Like many veggies, not only can dogs eat artichoke, but the ingredient could provide them with some notable health benefits. The vegetable’s high fibre content supports their digestive system, and it also contains key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, it’s vital that you prepare artichokes properly, cut them into small pieces, and serve them without any seasonings. And you should only give them to your pet as an occasional treat (and if they like the taste!). While they are wholesome, they’re not essential – your pooch should get all the nutrients they require from their normal meals.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat cooked artichokes?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked artichokes. In fact, they also offer pooches some health benefits, as they’re rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, like all human foods, you should only feed your pup the vegetable in moderation. Too much may cause digestive issues or weight gain. Any artichoke you give your mutt should also be plain, because many seasonings are toxic to dogs, and cut into bite-size pieces. We recommend consulting a vet before adding any new foods to your pet’s diet.

Can dogs eat raw artichokes?

Yes, dogs can eat raw artichokes, but only in small amounts and bite-size pieces. While the vegetable isn’t toxic when raw, this isn’t the ideal way for your pooch to consume it. Raw artichokes are harder for pups to chew and digest. This means they can pose a choking hazard, give your mutt tummy troubles, or even cause an intestinal blockage. A better method is to offer your pet unseasoned, cooked artichokes instead.

Can dogs eat artichoke hearts?

Yes, dogs can eat artichoke hearts as long as you prepare them correctly. In fact, they are the safest and most nutritious part of the vegetable to give your furry friend. The best method is to steam or boil them, because this makes them easier for your pooch to digest. Don’t use any oil, salt, garlic, or other seasonings when cooking artichoke hearts for your pet. These can be unhealthy or even toxic for our mutts. Once ready, cut the artichoke into bite-size pieces to make sure there’s no risk of choking or intestinal blockages.

What happens if my dog eats an artichoke leaf?

Artichoke leaves are not toxic to dogs. However, because they have a high fibre content, they can be tough for our pups to eat and digest. As such, experts recommend not feeding your pooch this part of the plant. If your dog does eat an artichoke leaf, they may experience some digestive discomfort like vomiting or diarrhoea. Keep a close eye on them, especially if you have a small dog or they eat several leaves. If your pet shows any negative symptoms, take them to the vet straight away.