By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Artichoke hearts tend to arrive at the table as part of something bigger: an antipasto platter, a pizza, a pasta bake or a bowl of warm dip. When a dog swipes a piece, owners usually want to know whether artichoke is safe. On its own, a plain artichoke heart is not toxic to dogs and can be a decent low-kilojoule treat. The questions to ask are how it was prepared and what else was on the plate.
Key takeaways
- Plain, unseasoned cooked artichoke hearts are not toxic and are fine for most dogs in small amounts.
- Marinated hearts often contain garlic and oil. Canned hearts are usually salty.
- Antipasto platters may also hold olives with pits, cured meats, cheese and onion, which carry their own risks.
- Spinach and artichoke dip is not suitable for dogs.
- Introduce new foods slowly, and keep treats to a small part of your dog's diet.
- Related: whole artichokes and dogs, garlic and dogs.
Plain hearts as a treat
Frozen artichoke hearts, steamed or boiled without salt, are the simplest option. They are soft, low in fat and contain fibre (including inulin, a prebiotic), so some owners use them as a lower-kilojoule reward for dogs on a weight loss plan. Cut them into pieces suited to your dog's size, and start with a small amount, because new fibre can cause wind or soft stools.
Marinated, canned and deli hearts
Marinated in oil. Often seasoned with garlic, herbs, chilli and vinegar. The garlic is the main concern, as it can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia days later. The oil adds a lot of fat.
Canned in brine. Usually salted. Rinsing reduces the salt but does not make them plain.
Chargrilled from the deli. Oiled, salted and seasoned, often with garlic.
On pizza or in pasta. Combined with garlic, onion, cheese, cured meats and rich sauces.
If your dog ate one or two marinated pieces, the amount of garlic is often small, but sensitivity varies, especially in small dogs and Japanese breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus. Call your vet if you are unsure.
The antipasto platter problem
Artichoke hearts often share a board with other foods that are more hazardous to dogs:
- Olives with pits. Pits can break teeth or block the gut. Olives are also salty.
- Cured meats. Salami, prosciutto and chorizo are high in salt and fat, and may contain garlic.
- Cheese. Rich and fatty.
- Onion or garlic. In dips, marinades and stuffed vegetables.
- Grapes. Sometimes served on platters, and toxic to dogs. See grape toxicity in dogs.
- Toothpicks and skewers. These can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.
A dog that clears an antipasto board needs a closer look than one that ate a single artichoke heart.
Signs to watch for
In the first 24 hours:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased thirst (after salty food)
- Belly discomfort
If garlic or onion was involved, over the next one to five days:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Pale or yellow gums
- Fast breathing
- Dark urine
If a toothpick, skewer or olive pit may have been swallowed:
- Gagging or drooling
- Repeated vomiting
- Belly pain
- Not eating
What to do if your dog ate artichoke hearts
- Clear away the food and keep any jar or packaging.
- Check the ingredients for garlic, onion, chilli and salt.
- Work out what else your dog may have eaten from the same dish or platter.
- Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if garlic, onion, grapes, toothpicks or a large amount of fatty food were involved.
- Do not make your dog vomit at home, especially if a toothpick or skewer may have been swallowed.
When it is an emergency
Get immediate help if your dog has a swollen or painful belly, retches without producing anything, vomits repeatedly, collapses, or shows pale gums or dark urine. Swallowed skewers and toothpicks need prompt veterinary attention, even if your dog looks fine.
How vets help
Your vet will take a history, examine your dog and decide whether tests are needed. That might include blood tests for anaemia after garlic, X-rays or ultrasound for a suspected foreign body, or supportive care for vomiting and diarrhoea. Fatty meals can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs, which your vet can test for if signs fit.
FAQ
Are artichoke hearts healthy for dogs?
Plain cooked hearts are a reasonable occasional treat. They are not necessary in a complete diet.
How much artichoke heart can my dog have?
Keep it small: a few bite-sized pieces for a medium dog, less for small dogs. Treats in total should be a small share of daily food.
Can dogs eat artichoke dip?
No. It usually contains garlic, onion, cheese and cream.
Can I give my dog artichoke extract for liver health?
Do not give herbal supplements without your vet's advice. Liver problems need diagnosis and a tailored plan.
Talk with a vet
If your dog helped themselves to an antipasto board or a jar of marinated artichokes, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you work out the risk. Speak with a Dial A Vet vet.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Onion and garlic toxicosis (Allium spp) in animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
- Cope RB. Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats. Veterinary Medicine, 2005.
- Xenoulis PG. Diagnosis and management of pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2015.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
