Can Dogs Eat Artichokes? How to Feed Artichokes to Dogs

Yes, you can let your dog eat artichokes. In terms of nutrition, every part of an artichoke—artichoke leaves, artichoke hearts, artichoke stem—can be part of your dog’s diet. The bigger issue, particularly for small dogs, is that artichokes can be a choking hazard. Thanks to their high fiber content, artichoke leaves are tough to break down. They can cause blockage in your dog’s windpipe or digestive tract, and that can lead to severe health risks. As long as you serve your dog artichokes in bite-sized pieces, you eliminate that major risk.

Take care, as well, to not serve your dog canned artichokes soaked in oil or seasonings. The fat content in the oils can lead to unhealthy weight gain, while certain seasonings can cause an upset stomach. Artichoke dip made with cream cheese can cause digestive issues (many dogs are lactose-intolerant) and lead to weight gain. Raw artichokes are fine, as are cooked artichokes. Typically the best option is to steam a whole artichoke in water, cut it up into small pieces, and add it to your pet’s bowl of dog food.

Artichokes are members of the thistle family. They are not to be confused with Jerusalem artichokes (also called sunchokes), which are part of a sunflower plant (and also safe for a dog’s body). Here are some nutritional attributes that make artichokes good for dogs:

1. 1. Dietary fiber: Artichokes contain a great deal of dietary fiber, which can clear up constipation in the digestive system. Fiber can also help your dog feel full after eating.
2. 2. Vitamins and minerals: Artichokes are a good source of vitamin C, folate (specifically folic acid), niacin, and potassium. They also contain small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin K. The B-vitamins in an artichoke (folic acid and niacin) promote red blood cell creation and are good for your dog’s coat.
3. 3. Low in fat and cholesterol-free: Artichokes contain very little fat and no cholesterol. (Note that marinated artichokes and artichoke dip contain lots of these lipids and should not be served to dogs.)
4. 4. Antioxidants: Like many veggies, artichokes contain antioxidants including vitamin C. Antioxidants remove free radicals from the bloodstream, and they strengthen the immune system.

For the most part, you can feed artichokes to dogs without concern. There are two main risks you want to look out for.

1. 1. Choking hazards: Artichoke leaves can be tough and hard to swallow. They can easily cause choking or intestinal blockage. Only serve your dog artichokes cut into pieces, and focus on the tender parts—the artichoke heart and the artichoke stem.
2. 2. Fats, seasonings, and preservatives: Oils, seasonings, and preservatives make marinated artichokes and artichoke dip unhealthy for dogs. It’s typically best to only serve your dog raw artichokes or cooked artichokes steamed in water.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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