Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Artichokes as a Treat?

FactorDetail
Short answerPlain, cooked artichoke flesh in small amounts is generally considered fine for most dogs, but we found no primary source that says so.
Biggest risksTough leaves and stems (choking or blockage), and seasoned artichoke such as dips, which often contain onion and garlic.
AvoidDips, marinated or canned artichokes with seasoning, oil or salt.
Before feedingAsk your vet, especially for dogs with a sensitive stomach or health problems.

Artichokes are a vegetable many people cook at home, so it is natural to wonder whether your dog can share a bite.

We looked for a clear answer from the ASPCA, the American Kennel Club and other veterinary sources and did not find a page that covers artichokes for dogs. So we cannot tell you from a primary source that artichoke is safe or unsafe.

What we can do is point to the risks that are well known for similar foods, and to the advice that applies to any new food. This page is general information, not veterinary advice.

If you decide to offer any, ask your vet first and keep it to a small taste.

Is artichoke safe for dogs?

We found no primary source listing artichoke as toxic to dogs, and no primary source confirming it as safe. Treat it as an unconfirmed food: ask your vet before offering it, and stop if your dog has any reaction.

If you do offer some, use a small piece of plain, fully cooked flesh from the soft heart. Introduce any new food gradually, since a sudden change can upset a dog’s stomach.

Leaves, stems and the choke

The outer leaves are tough and spiny and the stem is fibrous. A dog that swallows large pieces of tough plant material could choke or get a blockage. We found no primary source on artichoke specifically, but this is the same reason vets warn against other tough or whole items, so leave leaves and stems out.

Signs of a blockage include repeated vomiting, a swollen or painful belly, loss of appetite and not passing stools. If you see these, call your vet straight away.

Dips, canned and marinated artichokes

Artichoke dips and marinated artichokes often contain onion and garlic. On onions, the American Kennel Club says they contain “a toxin that can cause serious complications for dogs”. If your dog has eaten a dip or a marinated artichoke, check the ingredient label and call your vet.

Canned artichokes are often packed in brine or oil and can be salty. Do not feed them to your dog.

What to do if your dog ate artichoke

  1. Take away anything left and check how much is missing.
  2. If it was a dip or marinated, read the label for onion and garlic.
  3. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline and tell them what, how much and when. In the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number is (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply); elsewhere use your local vet or poison service.
  4. Do not make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to.

Healthier treat ideas

For safe ideas see our best dog treats and healthy dog biscuits guides, and use the calculator below to keep treats from adding too many calories.

Calculate Your Dog’s Daily Portion & Caloric Needs

Whether introducing safe fresh foods as nutritious toppers or balancing main meals, accurate portion control prevents unwanted weight gain and gastrointestinal upset.

Open the Free Canine Feeding & Calorie Calculator →

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are unsure, talk to your vet.

Sources

We use veterinary bodies, universities and peer-reviewed research to support the health claims in our articles.

  1. Garlic and Onion Hazards in Companion Animals. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).
  2. Can Dogs Eat Artichokes? Vet-Approved Facts & Advice. American Kennel Club (AKC).
  3. Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual.
  4. Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.

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