Sometimes disputes arise between four-legged owners on the topic: “Which vegetables are healthy for dogs and which are not recommended for consumption at all.” And, I must say, opinions on this matter are quite contradictory. Often, products such as cucumber, broccoli, tomato, bell pepper, and many others undeservedly fall into disgrace. One such question I have come across is “Can dogs eat eggplant?”
- Can dogs eat eggplant? YES, but only healthy dogs, in moderation, cooked, and with careful monitoring for allergies.
- Should eggplant be cooked? YES, it’s easier to digest and less likely to cause stomach upset.
- Does eggplant have nutritional benefits? YES, it contains fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Is eggplant a major part of a dog’s diet? NO, it should be an occasional treat.
- Can eggplant cause allergies? YES, some dogs may have adverse reactions.
- Can eggplant be dangerous for dogs with health issues? YES, dogs with kidney or arthritis problems should not eat eggplant.
Key Takeaways:
- Moderation is key: Eggplant is safe for healthy dogs in small amounts.
- Cooked is best: Serve eggplant cooked (boiled, baked, etc.) without seasonings to avoid upset stomachs.
- Some dogs shouldn’t have it: Dogs with existing kidney or arthritis issues must avoid eggplant.
- Watch for allergies: A few dogs may experience an allergic reaction to eggplant. Start with small amounts and monitor your dog for adverse reactions.
- Choking hazard: Cut eggplant into small pieces.
- Not a dietary staple: Eggplant should be a treat, not a major part of your dog’s diet.
Additional Notes:
- Eggplant offers some nutrients, but a balanced dog food should provide the majority of your dog’s nutritional needs.
- Solanine is present in eggplant, but the risk of solanine poisoning is low in the fleshy parts when served in moderation.
Contents
Are Vegetables Necessary In Dog’s Diet?
In general, a dog is a predator by nature, so the bulk of the diet, about 70-80%, should be foods containing animal protein: meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. The remaining percentage comes from vegetables and a small amount of cereals.
Probably every dog owner has often observed undigested pieces of vegetables in their pet’s feces. The thing is that dogs do not have enzymes that help break down the shell of plant fiber. For this reason, vegetables and greens are poorly absorbed by the animal’s body.
You ask: “So why then do dogs need vegetables if the animal’s stomach is not able to digest them?”
It is simply necessary to include this type of food in the diet of dogs. Vegetables are a source of indigestible fiber and are needed by the animal’s body as slow carbohydrates, a source of coarse dietary fiber, which creates the right prebiotic environment and helps to better digest meat.
Although fiber is not absorbed by the body, it perfectly regulates intestinal function and removes excess cholesterol from the body. In addition, vegetables are rich in vitamins and microelements, so necessary for every living organism.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?
Eggplant is rich in fiber, phosphorus, iron, and carotene. Generally, you can give eggplant to your dog but in moderation. It is also recommended to offer cooked, baked, or slightly stewed eggplant to your dog. However, it is not recommended to be given to animals with kidney disease. Eggplant can cause allergies in some dogs.
So, your dog can eat boiled eggplant but only in moderation. You must cut the eggplant into small pieces so that you can avoid any kind of choking hazard. Moreover, cook the eggplant without using any seasoning so that you can prevent health issues like stomach upset.
Eggplant contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to support the dog’s health. Feed eggplant to your pup only occasionally and in small quantities. Your dog must get most of its nutritional requirements from prescribed dog foods, so human food and treats must make up not more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
Eggplant Benefits for Dogs:
Eggplant is a delicious and nutritious vegetable if you prepare it without using fats, cheese, or oils. This vegetable contains some vitamins such as B6 & K, potassium, niacin, phytonutrients, and folate, which protect your dog against many diseases. Eggplants are also high in fiber and low in calories which help your dog feel full. So, here are some potential benefits of eggplant for your dog:
High In Fiber:
This vegetable is a fine source of fiber which helps your dog’s GI tract. However, you should not offer too much eggplant to your dog or it will bring more pose than offering benefits.
Rich In Antioxidants:
Eggplants are rich in chlorogenic acid and antioxidants, which help in lowering blood pressure in your dog. This vegetable also contains anthocyanin, which is a flavonoid that enhances blood flow, potentially improving brain function as well as reducing the risk of brain damage.
Vitamins:
This vegetable has many enriching minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins B6 And K, which help brain function, and blood clot respectively. Also, eggplant contains calcium and potassium, which help your dog’s bones and muscles.
Possible Risks Of Eggplants For Dogs:
While eggplant isn’t toxic to canines, there are some factors you need to consider before you incorporate eggplant into your dog’s diet. Here are the factors that you need to consider:
Allergies:
A few dogs are allergic to some vegetables like eggplants. It is crucial to offer any new food gradually to your dog and monitor any negative reactions because of the food. Common indications of allergy may include rash, itchiness, sore tummy, vomiting, facial swelling, or upset stomach. Consult with the vet in case your dog holds any of these signs after consuming eggplant.
Solanine Poisoning:
Eggplants are rich in solanine which often triggers poisonous reactions, especially when your dog eat it in large amount. The tubers and leaves of eggplant have high solanine levels, so make sure to remove the tubers and leaves before cooking it for your dog.
Kidney Stones:
Also, eggplants contain oxalates, a compound that affects your dog’s kidneys, and some parts of eggplant contain solanine, which is a poisonous alkaloid that’s harmful to dogs.
You should not offer eggplant to dogs with arthritis or kidney issues. If a dog with arthritis or kidney issues consumes eggplant then their condition will worsen. This happens because the eggplant contains oxalates, which block calcium absorption in the bloodstream and lead to bladder and kidney stones if consumed in large quantities.
FINAL WORDS
Eggplant in moderation is perfectly okay for a healthy dog, but those dogs prone to kidney issues should not consume vegetables that have oxalates in them.
So, make sure to moderate your dog’s eggplant consumption for the explanations mentioned above, and to prevent your beloved dog from getting ill. As I mentioned earlier, a large amount of eggplant to an allergic dog can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or an upset tummy, you need to be very careful and look for allergic signs like these.
Also, make sure to cut the eggplant into small pieces so that you can avoid any kind of choking hazard.
