Can Dogs Eat Artichokes? How To Include These To Fido’s Diet

Quick Summary

• Artichokes are one of the healthiest food options for dogs as they have vitamin C, potassium and niacin. Having a low caloric level, artichokes are great for dogs with weight issues.
• Take note, however, that artichokes can be a choking hazard to the dog. If you are feeding it to your dog, remove the outer layers first then cut it into bite sized pieces or blended in the food processor.
• You can give your dog cooked or fresh artichokes with no spices.

I’m often asked what foods dogs can eat and the question, “can dogs eat artichokes?” is not new. And the answer is yes, dogs can eat artichokes. Every part including the leaves, heart and stem are edible to canines. These are in fact very healthy for them!

Artichokes have vitamins and minerals which typically prevent your dog from being sick. They can also assist dogs that have irritable bowels as well. Provided they are prepared the right way, dogs can eat artichokes. But as I always advise, artichokes should be served to the dog in moderation. A typical rule of thumb for dogs to eat artichokes is they should be prepared without seasonings like garlic and salt as these can be toxic to dogs.

Health Benefits of Artichokes for Dogs

The question “can dogs eat artichokes and gain nutritional benefits?” is something that is often asked by most pet owners. Luckily there are many advantages as it is one of the approved human foods to give to dogs. They have a low caloric level for one. Since most commercial dog foods are rich in grain and corn, artichoke is a good combination because it does not pile on the calories and causes weight gain. It is good for dogs that are spayed or neutered, especially because they are prone to weight problems especially dog obesity. Artichokes have vitamin C, which is great for dogs because it strengthens the immune system, particularly for respiratory and digestive infections.

Artichokes have fibre also, which is great for digestive purposes. They contain as much as five grams per 100 grams which is good as it can alleviate symptoms like diarrhea by making the stools firm. It is worth mentioning as well that artichokes have antioxidants. They have a lot of flavonoids, polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are known to prevent cancer. Cancer is prevalent in older dogs [1], so this would be a welcome addition to the diet. Artichokes also have niacin, which reduces HDL cholesterol and triglycerides that are essential to preventing type 1 diabetes in dogs. Niacin can also improve the way the dog’s skin and coat appear.

Note that “globe” artichokes are not the same as a Jerusalem artichoke. Also called sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes are the edible tubers or roots of sunflower plants. dogs eat Jerusalem artichokes? Yes. These are similar to globe artichokes in terms of nutritional value and risks.

Health Risks of Feeding Your Dog Artichokes

From a physical perspective, the first thing to look out for with artichokes is the choking hazard they present to the dog. That is why artichokes need to be cut into small pieces or blended in the food processor before offering them to the dog. Secondly, canned or jarred artichokes may come with additives that are not safe for dogs. It is not safe because the artichokes have been marinated in oil and have vinegar, garlic, salt and other spices. Several of these ingredients are not good for dogs because of their sodium content and latent toxicity. Fried artichokes are also unhealthy for Fido.

Similarly, some dishes and canned artichokes are stuffed with green olives. If they have pits in them, that would be a choking hazard for the dog as well.

Canned artichokes also have some citric acid. Dogs that consume it in high quantities could experience nervous system issues. It is characterized by decreased motor activities, prostration and impaired posture. Garlic, which is also one of the seasonings that are present in canned artichokes, can be toxic to the dog. Try and avoid feeding your dog anything that has garlic as it has thiosulfate, which may cause rupturing of the red blood cells and anemia.

The high fibre content in the artichoke can reduce stool consistency. This is if the dog eats too much and artichoke inflames the digestive system causing upset stomach or diarrhea.

How to Include Artichokes in the Dog’s Diet

Dogs can eat cooked artichokes as well as raw ones. I do not recommend, however, to include artichokes with preservatives or other additives like onions and garlic in your dog’s diet. The best thing to do in these cases would be to prepare them yourself—and add to fresh pet meals you cook. The first thing to do is to remove the parts which are not edible, and it is not difficult. Once the artichoke globe has been trimmed, you can proceed to cook it. You can steam the artichokes for between 15 to 30 minutes. Once they have been cooked, cut the artichokes into small chunks that are easy to eat. The steamed artichokes should also be unseasoned. Should you feed the dog a roasted artichoke, do not add anything to the vegetable as it will probably not be safe for your pet.

As with other foods, artichokes should only be served to the dog in small amounts. If your dog is already used to artichokes, you can give it to them, but this would be once every week. Dogs eat artichoke leaves as well, as they consume most parts of the vegetable. Please do not feed them to the dog every day.

Can dogs eat artichoke dip? No, I do not advise that. Do not give them artichoke dip because of the harmful seasoning and other ingredients in it. In some cases, dogs can eat raw artichokes because they have a high level of nutrients.

FAQs

Can dogs eat artichokes raw?

Yes, dogs can eat raw artichokes. When dogs eat fresh artichoke, they get its full nutrients including vitamin C, potassium and niacin. These minerals and vitamins prevent illness and help boost your dog’s immune system. They can also assist in alleviating the inflamed bowels of your dog.

What part of artichokes can dogs eat?

Artichokes can be a safe and healthy part of a dog’s diet. Dogs can eat artichoke hearts and stems. Dogs can eat artichoke leaves as well. Refrain from letting your dog eat artichoke dip, though, due to the harmful additives found in it.

Can dogs eat marinated artichokes?

Even though dogs can eat artichokes, it is not advisable to give them marinated ones as they have many additives, and can be toxic to the dog. It is good to either serve them raw or unseasoned. A lot of the time, artichokes are marinated in too much salt which is not safe for dogs to consume and may lead to sodium poisoning.