At A Glance
If you’re a pet parent debating “Can my dog eat eggplant?”, know that it should only be fed in moderation.
Read on to know more details.
Last Updated on: Jul 07, 2022
It is a natural tendency to wonder if your pet can enjoy some of the foods that you love eating. Not everything that is good for you is good for your dog though. What about an eggplant? Is it safe enough for your dog to eat? Will eggplant hurt dogs?
Read on to discover can my dog eat eggplant.
Yes, eggplants are safe for your dog in small quantities. If this is the first time you’re eating your dog an eggplant, share a small piece. Watch out for your pet’s reaction. If they enjoy it, consult your vet and include the advised amount of eggplant in its diet.
Do take note that eggplant is safer for dogs cooked than raw. However, larger servings of eggplant for dogs might cause stomach upset and other side effects.
That said, eggplants fall in the same family of vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Known as the nightshade family, most of these plants contain a chemical called solanine glycoalkaloids in their stems and leaves.
This can prove to be problematic for dogs that suffer from autoimmune conditions, much like humans. Eggplant is also rich in oxalates and could be detrimental to your dog if it suffers from any kidney conditions.
Simply put, do not feed eggplant to your dog if it suffers from food allergies, kidney issues, or autoimmune conditions like arthritis.
Will eggplant kill dogs? Unlikely.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Chewing Gum?
Eggplants are nutritious vegetables that can be fried, grilled, boiled, or roasted for consumption. Here are some of the major health benefits of eating eggplants.
Eggplant is an excellent source of fiber as well as antioxidants. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals like thiamine, potassium, manganese, copper, Vitamin B6, etc. Therefore, eggplant can be a great inclusion in a dog’s diet. It is also low in calories and makes for a healthy snack for your dog.
Vitamins and minerals from eggplant can improve the coat of your dog, strengthen their bones and teeth, help with controlling blood sugar levels and prevent hypertension.
In fact, eggplant is often prescribed for dogs that have had gastrointestinal issues in order to re-establish regular bowel movements.
Eggplants contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, polyphenols, and chlorogenic acids. These protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and eventually can prevent cancerous growth in dogs.
Eggplant can be served cooked or raw. The goal is to make sure the eggplant you are giving your dog has not been seasoned with spices. Experts also recommend that you always serve cooked eggplant to your dog.
Can dogs eat eggplant parmesan or eggplant lasagna? No. While eggplants may be great for your pets, some of the other ingredients in these dishes isn’t safe for your dog.
If you decide to serve eggplant raw, make sure to grate it into small pieces. This way, your dog will have an easy time chewing it.
But before you introduce eggplant into your dog’s regular diet, consult with your veterinarian. Discuss the benefits or risks of including eggplants, along with the appropriate portion size.
Also Read: Can My Dog Eat Beef?
Now let’s take a closer look at some commonly asked questions.
Eggplant is not poisonous for dogs without any medical conditions or comorbidities. It is safe to feed cooked or raw eggplants to dogs as a treat, but only in moderation. This is important because the solanine present in eggplants can be poisonous for some dogs when done in excess.
You can feed raw or cooked eggplants do your dog. If you’re serving cooked eggplants, make sure to steer clear of salt, oil, garlic, and other spices.
The only thing you need to be wary of when feeding your dog eggplant is the quantity. It is easy for dogs to overindulge because of its sweet taste.
Yes, it can. In fact, cooked eggplant is much less dangerous for your dog since cooking reduces the level of alkaloids. Dogs can eat eggplant with eggs too if that is one of your concerns.
Dogs, like humans, are omnivores by nature. They can safely eat certain fruits and vegetables that humans consume. Eggplants are one of them and are mostly safe for dogs in moderate quantities.
However, if your dog does get sick after eating eggplant, watch out for symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek immediate medical help.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
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