Known for its edible buds since ancient times, this scrumptious veggie can also benefit your pet by offering important nutrients, such as quercetin and inulin.
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a perennial known for its edible flower buds. According to The Spruce Eats,1 the most common variety consumed is the French artichoke, which you may have seen while you’re out buying groceries.
The outer petals of the bud have thorns on the tips, but thornless varieties are also available.2 The heart located at the base of the bud is also consumed, which happens to be the meatiest part. The only portion of the plant not eaten is the choke, which is the hairy center on top of the heart.3
If you’re in the mood to add more vegetables to your pet’s dietary arsenal, consider including artichokes in their meals.
Artichokes are one of the world’s oldest vegetables. According to Greek mythology, Zeus created the artichoke when he brought a woman named Cynara to Mount Olympus to turn her into a goddess. However, she escaped, angering Zeus, who, in a fury, transformed her into an artichoke.4
As pet parents we all want what’s best for our furry friends. We go the extra mile to keep them happy and healthy. But did you know that some common plants we bring into our homes can actually be dangerous for pets? Artichoke plants are one example.
Artichokes may add great flavor to your culinary creations. However, they can pose a toxicity risk for curious canines and felines. As a pet owner, it’s crucial to understand how to safely manage artichoke plants in your home and yard.
In this guide, we’ll explore the potential risks of artichoke plants for pets. We’ll also share tips to help you avoid any dangers. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Risks
So what exactly makes artichoke plants potentially problematic for pets? There are two primary hazards:
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Cynarine compound: The leaves and stems of artichokes contain a bitter compound called cynarine. If eaten, cynarine can irritate the digestive tract, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset in pets. At high doses, it may also lead to liver and kidney damage.
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Spiky leaves: The leaves of artichoke plants have sharp, thorn-like tips. These spines can scratch or puncture a pet’s mouth or throat if chewed on. Ouch!
These risks apply to both dogs and cats However, curious canines are most likely to nibble on or ingest parts of an artichoke plant
Preventing Accidental Ingestion
The easiest way to keep your pets safe is to not have artichoke plants in your home or yard at all. However if you do opt to grow these tasty veggies there are precautions you can take
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Keep artichoke plants in an enclosed garden area or in planters up on a balcony/porch. This prevents access by pets.
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Place physical barriers like fencing or chicken wire around in-ground artichoke plants.
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If growing artichokes in pots, move pots up onto high shelves or ledges. Make sure they are far out of reach of pets.
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Never leave artichoke leaves, stems or debris on the floor or ground after harvesting. Promptly dispose of all waste.
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Avoid feeding your pets any parts of the artichoke plant, whether raw or cooked. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
What to Do If Ingestion Occurs
If you suspect your pet has nibbled on or eaten any part of an artichoke plant, call your veterinarian right away. Depending on the amount ingested, your vet may recommend:
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Inducing vomiting to expel the plant matter.
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Activated charcoal to absorb toxins.
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IV fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea.
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Medications to control nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
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Kidney function testing.
Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop. Get veterinary advice as soon as possible after any known or suspected ingestion. Quick action is key to keeping your pet safe.
Safer Houseplant Alternatives
Luckily, there are many pet-friendly houseplant alternatives you can choose beyond artichokes. Some great options include:
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Spider plants: Non-toxic, pet-safe and help purify indoor air.
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Boston ferns: Also non-toxic and have air-purifying benefits.
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Bamboo palms: Pet-safe and help regulate indoor humidity.
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African violets: Vibrant, non-toxic blooms.
Talk to your local nursery about other smart picks for homes with pets. Select plants with rounded leaves rather than sharp, spiky ones. And always confirm that any new plant is pet-safe before bringing it home.
Let Your Pet Sniff First
Whenever you bring a new plant into your home, let your curious canine or kitty sniff it first while you hold it out of reach. This allows them to satisfy their curiosity in a safe way. With time and repeat exposures, the plant becomes less interesting.
This “sniff test” technique can prevent attempts to nibble on or chew new plants. Allowing curious pets to approach plants on their terms removes the temptation.
Be Vigilant
Being a pet parent means staying vigilant about potential household hazards. Make sure everyone in your home knows which plants are off-limits to pets. Exercise caution when gardening or doing yardwork where curious pets roam.
Follow vet guidance if any exposure happens. And don’t hesitate to remove plants altogether if a pet seems obsessed with getting to them. Your furry friend’s safety always comes first.
So while artichoke plants add lovely greenery and tasty flavor to gardens, they do carry risks for pets. Arm yourself with knowledge about artichoke plant dangers. Take simple precautions to keep your pets safe. Then relax and enjoy their company, knowing your home is free of this hidden hazard!
Other Nutritional Benefits of Artichoke
Another noteworthy aspect of artichoke is its potential to benefit digestive health. Research indicates that the plant has inulin, a prebiotic fiber that may nourish the good bacteria already living in your pet’s gut. In addition, prebiotics may protect overall gut health, as it may help lower the risk of enteric diseases.11
You’ll also find an assortment of vitamins in artichoke. It’s a good source of vitamin K,12 with a medium-sized flower (128 grams) containing 18.9 micrograms of this nutrient, which may help with proper blood clotting,13 and even support skeletal health by boosting bone reabsorption14 and maintaining density.15
The same serving of artichoke also contains 0.15 milligrams of vitamin C and 44 milligrams of choline.16 Vitamin C works as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, which may help protect pets from inflammation and cancer.17,18,19 As for choline, it acts as a neurotransmitter that may help regulate heart rate and muscle contractions, as well as contributing to nerve health.20
The same serving size also contains calcium (56.3 milligrams), phosphorus (114 milligrams), and magnesium (76.8 milligrams),21 all of which support animal health in different ways.22
The word “artichoke” was derived from the Spanish word “alcachofa,” which in turn was derived from the Italian word “articiocco.” The actual origin of these words, however, was “al-karsufa,” the Arabic name of this vegetable.23
How to Add Artichoke to Your Pet’s Diet
The most recognizable part of the artichoke plant you can eat (and offer to your pet) is the flower bud, right before it blooms. Artichoke buds and hearts can be served raw or lightly cooked, depending on your pet’s preference.24
The important thing to remember is that the bud should be pureed or finely chopped into bite-sized servings appropriate for your pet, as it can be a choking hazard when eaten whole.25 To make it easier on your part, you can pull the petals one by one, starting with the outermost petals. Then, when you get to the heart, remove the fuzzy layer of the heart, which is the actual “choke” that should be discarded. From there, you can use a spoon to remove the heart itself.26
You can use artichokes as a tasty treat, or add them as toppers to your pet’s nutritionally balanced, homemade meal. If used as treats, remember that they should only make up less than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
To protect your pet’s health further, I recommend you offer them fresh artichokes only. While it may be tempting and convenient to buy bottled or canned artichokes from the store, the oil, seasonings, and other preservatives found in this product can harm their health.27
Top Producers of Artichokes Around the World
Italy is the world’s largest exporter of artichokes, with Egypt, Spain and Peru coming in next. Artichoke production in the United States is generally limited to California because of its Mediterranean climate, but Washington and Oregon also produce this vegetable, albeit in smaller quantities.28
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FAQ
Are artichokes safe for dogs?
Are artichoke plants safe for cats?
Can dogs be allergic to artichokes?
What animals eat artichoke plants?
Can dogs eat artichokes?
Fortunately for all those Roman pooches and every dog that has enjoyed snacking on artichokes since, artichokes are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, these tasty veggies are quite low in fat, are packed full of fiber, folate, and vitamins C and K, and can even be used as a supplement to support liver and digestive health in dogs.
Are plants poisonous to cats & dogs?
When two things make you happy, the last thing you want is for them not to live in harmony. As pet owners, we know all too well that this struggle is real when it comes to plants. So many are poisonous to cats and dogs, and sometimes finding a pet safe plant can feel as painstaking as getting an anxious pup in the car.
Are Houseplants toxic to pets?
Despite some being toxic to pets, houseplants actually remove toxins from the air, helping boost our home’s air quality and by some counts even removing dust by as much as 20%. Work-wise, their benefits are also aplenty. Plants have proven to increase productivity, spark creativity, and improve memory and attention spans.
Are polka dot plants bad for pets?
Bamboo ( Bambusoideae) isn’t a bad bet for pet owners and garden enthusiasts. It’s nearly indestructible from pets and pests and makes for an interesting and natural barrier. 50. Polka Dot Plant Native to Madagascar, Polka Dot Plants ( Hypoestes phyllostachya) are pink and a great solution to add some volume to a thinned out area of your garden.