Can Dogs Eat Jerusalem Artichokes? Are Jerusalem Artichokes Safe For Dogs?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat Jerusalem artichokes.. Also known as sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes differ from the more commonly known artichokes. This fleshy root vegetable belongs to the sunflower family and is nutritious for your pup.

That said, as with all human food, you must contact your veterinarian before feeding your pup any new dietary additions. Here’s what you should know about feeding Jerusalem artichokes to your dog.

How are Jerusalem artichokes good for dogs?

Jerusalem artichokes contain copious amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber, making the veggie wonderful for your pup’s digestion. If your dog has issues with digestion, giving them Jerusalem artichoke may aid in cleaning their digestive tract. This root veggie is not high in vitamins but has a moderate amount of minerals like potassium and iron.

Though Jerusalem artichokes contain very little fat and no cholesterol, they do contain high amounts of calories. You should only feed this to your dog in moderation.

How can I safely give Jerusalem artichokes to my dog?

Because Jerusalem artichokes are tougher root veggies, they should only be eaten cooked. You can boil or roast them for your dog without any additional salt. Your pup will most likely enjoy the taste of this veggie, so be sure to cut it into smaller pieces to minimize the risk of choking.

You should also skip the oil and seasonings, as these are tasty for humans but can upset your dog’s stomach. You can also mash or purée your dog’s Jerusalem artichokes and add the treat to your pup’s normal meal.

Because Jerusalem artichokes are high in caloric content, your pup should eat this veggie in moderation to avoid weight gain. If your dog requires additional fiber in their diet, but may not need the higher amount of calories in Jerusalem artichokes, you might want to opt for a fibrous, low-calorie veggie like cabbage.