Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? The Good and the Bad

Eggplant is a favorite veggie that many people include in their healthy diet. It’s essentially human food packed with nutritional benefits and can be cooked in many different ways. If the eggplant has caught your dog’s attention because of its oddly elongated shape and vibrant purple color, here’s what you need to know about feeding eggplant to your dog.

What are Eggplants?

Eggplant goes by many names, some of which can be a mouthful but it’s also best known as aubergine. It belongs to the nightshade family along with other nightshade vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, paprika, and more. Most of these nightshade plants are considered safe for dog consumption (except for potatoes). However, some should be taken cautiously and with the approval of your dog’s vet.

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Safely?

Let’s get back to the main topic in question. Can dogs eat aubergine? Are eggplants safe for dogs to eat? Yes, eggplants are safe for most dogs to eat, with a few exceptions. Dogs with food allergies, kidney issues, or arthritis should avoid eggplant. There are also other dog food options for dogs with food allergies that you can check out.

Eggplants contain oxalates that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones if eaten in large amounts. Additionally, there’s also a chemical called solanine in eggplants that can induce inflammation worsening the condition of dogs suffering from arthritis.

Lastly, suppose your pooch has a past history of having an allergic reaction to other nightshades like tomatoes. In that case, it’s also likely that they are allergic to eggplants. If it’s your first time feeding your dog an eggplant, it’s best to start with small bite-sized pieces so you can observe how your dog’s body will react to the food first.

Watch out for these common signs of allergy in your dog if they consume an eggplant:

• Vomiting
• Itchiness
• Upset Stomach
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Facial Swelling

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Health Benefits of Eggplant

You’re probably wondering why feed your dog eggplant in the first place? Eggplant is a great source of nutrients, especially if cooked without oil, butter, salt, or other additives. The best way to feed dogs eggplant is by boiling, grilling, roasting, or baking them.

Eggplant is great as a tasty treat or healthy snack for your fur baby with its high nutritional value. It contains many vitamins like Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Moreover, it also includes minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorous, Niacin, Folate, Magnesium, and Iron. All these are key nutrients that can help prevent heart disease.

Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, making cooked eggplant safe for dogs who don’t want to suffer from weight gain. It also has dietary fiber good for the dog’s digestive system. Eating eggplant is perfectly safe for your dog as long as consumed in moderation like any other human food.

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Parmesan?

As much as possible, avoid feeding your beloved furry friend eggplant parm. Eggplant parm contains a big load of parmesan cheese and can be harmful to your dog’s diet. Including too much dairy in your dog’s diet is not advised because it’s one of the most common food allergens in dogs and can get your dog sick.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggplant?

Dogs can eat eggplant raw or cooked. But, it’s just better to give your dog cooked eggplant because it’s tastier and much more appealing to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Eggplant?

Can dogs eat cooked eggplant? Absolutely, but it should be done right. Fried eggplant is a bad way to cook an eggplant because of all the oil and fat that your dog will consume. These unnecessary ingredients or additives can be toxic to a dog’s stomach.

A nutritious vegetable like an eggplant shouldn’t be stripped off of its nutrients and should be cooked naturally. Your dog will enjoy boiled, baked, or roasted eggplant just as much as you would.

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Skin?

Yes, dogs can eat eggplant skin. However, if your dog suffers from a sensitive stomach, it’s better to remove or peel off the skin because the skin is usually the richest source of fiber. Excessive fiber can worsen your dog’s condition and lead to constipation, gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

Related: Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Leaves?

No, eggplant leaves are toxic to dogs because of the high amount of Solanine found in the leaves. It’s a poisonous compound that can be dangerous when consumed in high amounts. Avoid this part of the eggplant and stick to the flesh only to get the best of its nutrients.

Conclusion

Can dogs eat eggplant? Yes! Unless, of course, they’re allergic. Overall, eggplant is a nutritious treat for our beloved canines. It’s good for promoting healthy dogs and using them as an occasional treat. Again, the most recommended way to serve eggplant is by boiling, roasting, baking, or grilling them. Raw eggplant is probably too boring to taste for dogs. Cooking eggplant without salt, cheese, or oil will still give that rich flavor without compromising its benefits.