Can dogs eat cardoon stalks? You may be asking this because you want to feed your furry friend a new snack, or maybe they already ate some by accident. Humans can eat cardoon stalks, so are they also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, cardoon stalks are safe for dogs to eat. These are very peculiar veggies that resemble celery, but they’re actually part of the artichoke family and have similar properties to the standard artichoke.
However, as with all human food, consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new foods or ingredients. Here’s what you should know about feeding cardoon stalks to your dog.
How Are Cardoon Stalks Good For Dogs?
Cardoon stalks are fibrous veggies that are loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Specifically, they have immense amounts of B vitamins like folate, thiamine, niacin, and pantothenic acid, all of which have a hand in cellular function.
Moreover, the fibrous nature of cardoon stalks aids in digestion.
It’s important to note that these benefits come from the cardoon stalk, not the cardoon flower. The cardoon flower is quite exotic looking and very easily differentiated from the edible stalk that it grows out of, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally feeding your pup the flower.
How Can I Safely Give Cardoon Stalks To My Dog?
It’s essential that you are meticulous when preparing cardoon stalks for your dog. They have tiny, thistly protrusions that will irritate your pup’s mouth.
If you plan on giving your dog cardoon stalks, you must cook them first to remove the miniature spikes, though the best way to ensure that the pointy growths on the stalk are removed is to remove the skin from the stalk, leaving the fleshy, fibrous middle to cook.
You can boil, steam, or roast your pup’s cardoon stalk. Make sure to chop the stalk into bite-sized pieces, as giving your doggo a whole stalk can be a choking hazard.
Cardoon stalks have a unique flavor that tends to be on the bitter side. Because of this, your pup may not enjoy them like you do.
If you present your dog with a cardoon stalk and they turn their nose, you might try giving them another fibrous, nutrient-rich fruit or veggie. Figs and artichokes are a great alternatives.
Has your dog ever eaten a cardoon stalk? Do you have any tips for preparation that your dog enjoys? Leave us a comment below!
