By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Dogs are opportunists, and an artichoke that rolls off the bench or a pile of scraped leaves in the kitchen bin can look like a prize. Globe artichokes are not toxic to dogs, and a little plain cooked artichoke heart can even be a low-calorie snack. The risk with dogs is less about chemistry and more about mechanics. A dog that gulps a whole artichoke, or a mouthful of tough leaves and the hairy choke, can end up with an obstruction.
Key takeaways
- Plain cooked artichoke is not toxic to dogs.
- Small pieces of heart or soft leaf base can be an occasional treat, offering fibre with few kilojoules.
- Whole globes, discarded leaves and the hairy choke can cause choking or intestinal blockage, especially in dogs that gulp.
- Garlic, onion, butter, oil and salt used in cooking are more harmful than the artichoke itself.
- Introduce any new vegetable slowly to avoid wind and loose stools.
- Related: artichoke hearts and dogs, artichokes and cats.
Is artichoke good for dogs?
Artichoke contains fibre, including the prebiotic inulin, along with small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium. For dogs on a weight loss plan, a few small pieces of plain steamed heart can be a lower-kilojoule alternative to commercial treats.
That said, a dog eating a complete and balanced dog food does not need artichoke for nutrition. Think of it as an occasional extra, not a health food.
The obstruction risk
Dogs often swallow food with very little chewing. The parts of an artichoke that people discard are the most hazardous for dogs:
- Outer leaves. Tough and fibrous, often with a sharp tip. A handful from the bin can clump together in the stomach.
- The choke. The hairy centre above the heart can irritate the throat and form a tangled mass.
- Whole globes. A whole raw or cooked artichoke is a dense, rounded object that can lodge in the oesophagus, stomach outlet or small intestine. Medium and large dogs that gulp are at particular risk.
- Stems. Woody and fibrous when mature.
Secure your kitchen bin and compost so a scavenging dog cannot get to discarded leaves.
Seasonings and cooking fats
Artichokes are rarely served plain. Common additions include:
- Garlic, garlic butter, aioli or onion, all of which can damage a dog's red blood cells
- Butter, olive oil and hollandaise, which add fat
- Salt, parmesan and lemon
Rich, fatty food is a common trigger for vomiting and diarrhoea, and can set off pancreatitis in some dogs, including Miniature Schnauzers and dogs that have had it before.
How to serve artichoke safely
If you would like to offer your dog a taste:
- Use only the heart and the soft base of the inner leaves.
- Steam or boil without salt, oil, butter or seasoning.
- Remove the choke completely.
- Cut into small pieces suited to your dog's size.
- Start with a small amount and watch for loose stools or wind.
- Keep treats, including vegetables, to a small part of the daily food.
Never give whole leaves, stems or the choke.
Signs to watch for
After eating artichoke, mild signs can include:
- Wind
- Soft stools or diarrhoea
- Mild vomiting
Signs of a possible obstruction:
- Repeated vomiting or retching
- Drooling and gagging
- Loss of appetite
- Belly pain, a hunched posture or restlessness
- Lethargy
- Straining with little or no faeces
What to do if your dog ate artichoke
- Remove any remaining artichoke and secure the bin.
- Work out what was eaten: plain heart, leaves, a whole globe, or something cooked in garlic butter.
- Offer water and watch your dog closely for 24 to 72 hours.
- Call your vet if your dog swallowed a whole artichoke, a large number of leaves, or food cooked with garlic or onion.
Do not try to make your dog vomit at home. Tough leaves can scratch the throat on the way up, and home methods such as salt or hydrogen peroxide are dangerous.
When it is an emergency
Go to a vet immediately if your dog is retching without bringing anything up, has a swollen or painful belly, vomits repeatedly, cannot keep water down, or collapses. These signs can mean an obstruction or another emergency such as bloat. Call promptly if your dog ate garlic-heavy artichoke dishes, as anaemia can develop a few days later.
How vets manage it
Your vet will examine your dog and may take X-rays or perform an ultrasound if a blockage is suspected. Some objects in the stomach can be retrieved with an endoscope. A blockage in the intestine often needs surgery. For mild stomach upset, supportive care and a bland diet may be enough.
FAQ
Can dogs eat raw artichoke?
Raw artichoke is very tough and hard to digest. Cooked heart is a better choice.
My dog ate a few artichoke leaves. Should I worry?
A couple of leaves in a large dog may pass without trouble, but watch closely for vomiting, appetite loss or straining. Call your vet if your dog is small or ate more.
Are Jerusalem artichokes the same?
No. They are tubers from a sunflower relative. They are not toxic but are very gassy. Small cooked amounts only, if at all.
Can dogs have artichoke dip?
No. Dips usually contain garlic, onion, cheese and cream.
Talk with a vet
If your dog raided the bin and may have swallowed artichoke leaves or a whole globe, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide on next steps. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and non-toxic plants list: dogs.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Onion and garlic toxicosis (Allium spp) in animals.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Nutritional assessment guidelines.
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.
