If you’re a dog owner who is a big fan of eggplant’s mild taste and soft, creamy texture, then you’re probably wondering if your dog can have a taste of this purple plant food.
Your main questions would go like this: Can dogs eat eggplant? Is this safe for your dogs?
Lucky you, you’ve come across our site. Equipped to answer all your “Can Dogs” questions, you can expect our website (including this article) to give you all the information you need.
Our main goal is simple. It’s for all dog-loving people to end their search and find all the details they need in one article.
Eggplant carries many names. Depending on which part of the world you’re from, you might know this royal-looking plant as aubergine, brinjal, or melanzana.
Although commonly seen as having purple, glossy skin, eggplant is also available in different colors like white, yellow and green.
Like tomatoes, eggplants come from the nightshade family. Another surprising thing that eggplant and tomatoes have in common is that both are considered fruits.
Yes, you read it right. Eggplant is a fruit (and not a vegetable).
Although not as sweet-tasting as most fruits, eggplant is considered a fruit since it grows from a flower and has seeds. However, if you don’t want to be technical about it and you still want to call it a vegetable since it is used as such, then we’ll let you be.
Nutrition-wise, eggplant has lots to offer. It may not seem obvious, but eggplants are low in calories and are rich in nutrients. As proof, here are some of the vitamins and minerals you can get from this berry.
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Magnesium
Iron
Potassium
Phosphorus
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?
Vets have always recommended dog owners to be wary about the human food they give to their dogs. The truth is, some of the foods we eat (including the healthy ones) are not safe for dogs.
But, how about eggplant? Is this among the dog-friendly vegetables or fruits your dog can eat?
The short answer here is Yes. But just like all other fruits and vegetables, you should only feed your dog this food in moderation and only as an occasional treat.
Ideally, dogs should only be given a complete and balanced diet and treats like veggies and fruits should only comprise 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Now, before you add this to your dog food menu, you need to know the benefits and (more importantly) the dangers of giving eggplant to your dogs.
Since each dog has various nutritional needs, be reminded that one dog might feel fine while another one might have unwanted reactions.
Health Benefits Of Eggplant To Your Dog
If fed in moderation, eggplant is safe and can be rewarding for your dogs since it also contains essential vitamins and minerals.
As long as only a small amount is given, pet owners who want to feed their dog eggplant can expect the following health benefits:
Improves Heart Health & Prevents Cancer
Chlorogenic acid and the violet pigment found in eggplant called anthocyanin have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
These two together also help stop cancer cells from spreading, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Brain Function Enhancer
Apart from boosting heart health, the anthocyanin found in this nutrient-dense food also facilitates healthy blood flow to the brain. This helps improve your dog’s brain function, prevent memory loss, and protect them from brain damage.
Weight Management
If your dog has weight problems, then letting your dog eat eggplant is probably a good idea. Aside from having low calories, eggplant contains lots of fiber that will give them the feeling of fullness.
Why Should You Not Feed Your Dog Eggplant?
Knowing that eggplant is safe and hearty, it’s tempting to add this as a staple in your dogs’ diet. But then again, like any other “people” food, feeding this to your dogs can have some adverse side effects.
So, before you decide to add this to their menu, make sure to read and understand all the possible health problems involved.
Tummy Upset
Vomiting and diarrhea are just some of the issues your pet dogs might face if it’s your pup’s first time to eat eggplant. As such, it’s best to introduce this (or any people foods) slowly.
Give a small amount and then observe. Watch out for any adverse reaction or symptoms. If your dogs experience anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet right away. It’s also safe to assume that your dogs are better off munching other types of treats.
Aggravates Kidney Problems
Ensure to keep eggplant out of your dog paw’s reach if they are prone to kidney stones. Feeding a dog eggplant can only worsen their condition because of this plants’ oxalate levels.
Oxalates often cause the formation of kidney and bladder stones in both animals and humans.
Can Worsen Inflammation Problems
Like kidney problems, an inflammation condition like arthritis can also worsen if you decide to give in to your dog’s begging. As such, it’s better to cross this veggie out from your list.
Trigger Allergic Reaction
If your dog has a history of allergic reactions to plants from the nightshade family, then eggplant may not be a must-try snack for your dog.
Although rare, feeding your dog eggplant may set off an allergic reaction. Symptoms include upset stomach, vomiting, and rashes.
Solanine Poisoning
Plants from the nightshade family contain solanine. This substance is considered toxic but only when consumed in large amounts. This brings us back to the importance of feeding your dog eggplant in moderation.
If you’re someone with a green thumb who’s growing their own eggplant, ensure to keep the plant away from your pet dogs.
Eggplant leaves are lethal since they contain higher levels of solanine. If your compulsive pup fails to resist the urge to munch on your plant, keep an eye on these symptoms and get in touch with your veterinarian ASAP:
Drowsiness
Excessive salivation
Lack of appetite
Severe GI upset (vomiting and diarrhea)
Weakness
Best Way To Serve Eggplant
Some veggies are toxic, but some can be good. When it comes to eggplant, this can be safe as long as it is served the right way.
Can dogs eat raw eggplant? Well, it isn’t poisonous, but it’s not appetizing. Baking, roasting, or grilling it will make it more inviting. You can use a bit of oil but keep it at a minimum. The use of seasoning, however, is a no-no.
Can dogs eat eggplant with skin?
Yes, the skin is safe for dogs to eat. You do not have to peel the eggplant before you cook it. However, there is a lot of fiber in the eggplant skin. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, this fiber could upset it, so it might be best to just peel it first.
Will eggplant kill dogs?
Dogs should not eat eggplant leaves. The symptom of eating eggplant leaves include abdominal pain, convulsions, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, weakness, incoordination, collapse, and death.
Can dogs eat fried eggplant with egg?
Yes, dogs can eat Eggplant as it is not poisonous or toxic to the majority of dogs. However, there are certain dogs that should not be fed Eggplant. First of all, if your dog is allergic to Eggplant, you should avoid it for obvious reasons as it is likely to cause an adverse reaction.
Will eggplant make a dog sick?
Feed in moderation, eggplant is safe for dogs, but they should be monitored closely afterwards in case they have an allergic reaction to it. Eggplant belongs to the nightshade family, a common allergen for both dogs and humans. Eggplant contains the phytonutrients nasunin and chlorogenic acid.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
