Can Dogs Eat Artichokes?

Can Dogs Eat Artichoke Hearts?

Artichokes consist of artichoke hearts, leaves, and stems. The heart is the most tender and flavorful part of the artichoke (and the only part we use in our cuisines). Dogs can eat the hearts of artichokes, but they shouldn’t eat the leaves or stems. They’re too hard to digest. Cut the heart up into bite-sized pieces for your dog to eat, and they’ll be happy!

Editor’s Note

My dad is a huge artichoke fan. Sometimes, when I’m making artichoke dip for him, I share a few raw pieces with my dog, Bobby. My dad always gives me a hard time because he says that artichokes are too good to „waste” on a dog. But, I think that even though Bobby is a dog, he deserves to have some delicious and healthy treat every once in a while! Do you agree?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Artichokes?

Most vegetables lose their nutritional value when cooked; however, some nutrients are maintained in the cooking process. The same is true for artichokes. They’re a good source of:

• dietary fiber;
• vitamin C;
• antioxidants;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• phosphorus.

Cooking artichokes doesn’t significantly alter their nutrient content. But can dogs eat artichokes that are raw? The answer is quite simple. Yes, there’s no reason why you or your dog couldn’t eat a raw artichoke. But if it’s a new food for your pooch, start with giving them a little to see if their stomach agrees with it.

Are Marinated Artichokes Bad for Dogs?

Being chock full of vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients, artichokes can boost your dog’s health. For example, they’re believed to improve digestion and help with liver problems. But can dogs eat artichokes that have been marinated?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. Marinating artichokes can add flavor and increase the nutritional value of the vegetable. But only if the marinade doesn’t contain any ingredients that are harmful to dogs (like garlic and onion).

If you really want to feed your dog some marinated artichoke, you can prepare a homemade marinade with ingredients that are good for dogs (such as oregano and olive oil).

Caution ⚠️

Be cautious when giving your dog artichoke that is a base of some other meal. Artichokes alone are good for dogs, but other ingredients included in the meal may be poisonous. Also, canned artichokes might contain other additives and ingredients, such as salt, which should be avoided in a dog’s diet.

When Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Artichokes?

Although artichokes are generally safe for dogs, some pups may be allergic to them. If your dog has any kind of reaction after eating artichokes, stop feeding them to him or her and consult with your veterinarian. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to artichokes can include:

• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• skin irritation.

The first two symptoms can also be a result of eating too much. This may occur because artichokes contain cynarin, a substance that can cause an upset stomach. But there’s likely no cause for concern if your pup only eats a little on occasion. So feel free to feed your pup some hearts of artichokes – just be sure to chop them up into small pieces first to avoid a choking hazard.

Conclusion

Ultimately, can dogs eat artichokes? Yes. If your dog isn’t allergic and is in good health, an artichoke now and then should be beneficial for them. Raw or steamed, they can be a fun and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. If you have any doubts whether your furry friend can enjoy artichokes due to his or her individual condition, ask your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If My Dog Eats Artichoke?

There’s limited information available on the effects of artichokes on dogs, but eating a large piece could cause stomach problems or diarrhea. If it’s just a small amount, they’ll probably be fine.

How Much Artichoke Can a Dog Eat?

Artichokes contain a lot of fiber, which can cause an upset stomach if a dog eats too many. If yours feels fine after a bite or two, stick to the general rule for treats – no more than 10% of their daily diet.

Can Dogs Have Spinach and Artichokes?

If you have some leftover spinach and artichokes, you can give a little to your dog, but don’t overdo it. Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which can cause stomach upset and – in extreme cases – kidney problems. Artichokes should be safe, but as always, moderation is key.

Can Dogs Eat Artichoke Dip?

It depends on what’s in the dip. Usually, there’s garlic, which is poisonous for dogs. But if you make your own dip without any garlic (just sour cream, mayo, cheese, peppers and artichokes), then offering your dog a teaspoon of it should be fine.