Can dogs eat artichokes? You may be asking this because you want your pup to try out a new veggie snack, or maybe your dog has already eaten an artichoke, and you’re worried about their safety. Artichokes are a good source of nutrients for humans, so are they also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, artichokes are safe for dogs to eat. In moderation, fresh artichokes contain nutrients for your doggo that can improve their health.
However, as with any new food, you must ask your vet before sharing artichokes with your dog, just to be safe. Here’s what you should know about feeding artichokes to your dog.
How Are Artichokes Good For Dogs?
Artichokes are a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in your dog’s digestion. If your dog is having digestive trouble, such as constipation or diarrhea, feeding them plain artichokes may help.
The type of fiber artichokes contain is called inulin. Rather than being broken down in the gut, inulin, which is a probiotic, actually aids the process of digestion by allowing certain types of healthy bacteria to grow. Inulin is beneficial for dogs with diabetes, as it can help regulate blood sugar.
Raw artichokes are also a great source of folic acid, which is an essential vitamin for dogs. Folic acid — also known as folate or vitamin B9 — aids in cell growth and boosts immune system function in pups.
Aside from these health benefits, your dog may just enjoy the taste and crunch an artichoke provides.
How Can I Safely Give Artichokes To My Dog?
Your pup can eat artichokes both raw and cooked. In fact, raw artichokes provide more nutrients than cooked artichokes. Raw artichokes also retain more flavor than cooked artichokes, so your pup might simply prefer them raw.
If you choose to cook the artichokes, roasting them is a good option. Don’t season your pup’s artichokes, as some spices, like onion powder and garlic powder, are toxic to dogs. Raw or cooked artichokes should be cut into small pieces to minimize risk of choking.
While raw and cooked artichokes are safe for dogs, you shouldn’t feed your pup canned artichokes. Though tasty for humans, the added ingredients like salt and vinegar aren’t safe for dogs to consume.
In fact, it’s safe to say most canned human food is not safe for dog consumption because of these common additives.
Have you ever fed your dog artichokes? Does your dog prefer them raw or cooked? Leave a comment below!
