Can dogs eat Cardoons?

Overview

Caution. Cardoons are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, but they’re quite bitter and often unappealing. Parboiling helps reduce the strong taste. Their prickly leaves and stalks can irritate a dog’s mouth and skin, so it’s best to prepare them carefully and serve only the edible parts.

Benefits

Cardoons are packed with vitamin B complex and vitamin C, which help boost a dog's immune system.
Cardoons are a rich source of minerals for dogs, including sodium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, promoting healthy muscle, nerve, and blood vessel function.

Risks

Cardoon plants have prickly leaves, stalks, and flower heads which can cause skin and mouth irritation to dogs.
It has a bitter taste and might not be palatable to dogs.
Cardoon has no toxic effects reported on dogs; however, there are no direct studies that have been done on the suitability of feeding cardoons to dogs.

Servings

The young leaves and immature cardoon flower stalks can be eaten raw or cooked by a dog.
Par-boil the stalks to remove some of the bitterness. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve to your dog in moderation.