Our canine friends have ferocious appetites. They can sniff out food from a mile away! Everyone knows that dogs are carnivorous animals and love to eat meat of all types. But what about vegetables? Can dogs eat eggplant?
Any dog owner can tell you how painful it is to see their pet fall sick or suffer from pain. To avoid such circumstances, you must know what you can and cannot feed your dog. Let’s take a closer look at eggplants or aubergines to learn if they are safe for your dog.
Is Eggplant Good for Dogs?
Eggplants belong to the nightshade family. They are summer vegetables that come in a variety of shapes and colors. But the most common color is a deep purple. The flesh inside is spongy with seeds. Eggplants have a lot of health benefits, and you can feed them to your dog.
- Vitamins: Eggplants contain many vitamins, such as B6, which boosts brain function, and vitamin K, which helps blood clotting. They also contain potassium and calcium, essential for your dog’s muscle and bone development.
- Antioxidants: Eggplants also contain antioxidants crucial for normal body functioning and overall health.
- Fiber: Eggplants have a good amount of fiber in them. This helps your dog’s gut health and keeps its digestive system healthy.
You can feed your dog eggplant in small amounts. But make sure to cut them into tiny pieces to avoid choking.
Is Eggplant Bad for Dogs?
There is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing!’ Although eggplant is healthy and nutritious and holds many benefits for your dog, giving it too much eggplant can lead to several health concerns. Issues that can arise from feeding eggplants to your dog include:
Allergies
Some dogs may be allergic to eggplants. Therefore, when giving your dog eggplant for the first time, give it a tiny amount and monitor your dog for a few hours to watch for any adverse reactions.
Oxalates
Eggplants contain a lot of oxalates. Oxalates block the absorption of calcium and magnesium and can cause kidney and bladder stones. If your dog is already suffering from kidney problems, you should avoid giving it eggplant.
Solanine Poisoning
Plants from the nightshade family contain a chemical called solanine. If consumed in large amounts, solanine can cause poisonous reactions. The leaves and stems of eggplant contain solanine in large quantities, so never give them to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggplant?
Yes, your dog can eat raw eggplant. In fact, it’s best to feed it bland food and avoid seasoning or salt because too many spices or seasoning can be harmful to your dog, causing diarrhea and upset stomach.
When feeding raw eggplant, always cut it into small pieces so it’s easy to chew, swallow and digest. But feed it in small amounts because it contains fiber, which can be hard for some dogs to digest. The texture of raw eggplant is also quite tough and sponge-like, which can add to tummy problems. This is why eggplant should be introduced gradually into a dog’s diet, and you should always keep an eye on your dog after feeding it eggplant to ensure there are no adverse effects.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Eggplant?
If you enjoy cooking and making lavish meals for your beloved pet, then you can try out different eggplant recipes for your dog because dogs seem to enjoy cooked eggplant more than raw!
You can grill, bake, or cook on the stovetop to soften the eggplant before feeding your dog. As far as seasonings are concerned, it’s best to avoid them or add minimal quantities of salt and sugar. Too much flavor and seasonings can be harmful to your dog’s stomach.
Cooking the eggplant also reduces the level of solanine, thus decreasing the chances of poisoning. That’s why many dog owners and vets believe it is best to feed your dog cooked eggplant rather than raw. Also, be careful with how much oil you add to your pup’s food. Too much oil can also lead to an upset tummy.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Seeds?
Eggplant seeds, like eggplant itself, should be given in moderation. Seeds may cause some stomach problems, especially in dogs that are allergic to eggplant.
However, if you have properly and thoroughly cooked the eggplant, the seeds will soften, making them much easier for your dog to chew and digest.
Eggplant for Dogs
There are several ways in which you can introduce eggplant to your dog.
Steamed or Boiled Eggplant
This is the most basic way to feed eggplant to your dog. Simply cut the eggplant into small cubes, place it in a steamer or strainer over a pot of boiling water, and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. Then, check the pieces of eggplant. If they are soft, it’s done. Cool, and let your dog enjoy!
If you want to boil eggplant, add it to a pan with a splash of water. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 minutes.
Eggplant Puree
You can steam or boil the eggplant, and after it has cooled, blitz it in a grinder or blender. You can add this eggplant puree to your dog’s regular food or mix it with some kibble or minced meat.
Grilled Eggplant
Cut the eggplant into thin slices. Heat your grill and place the eggplant slices on it. Let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until charred on each side. Then, remove the slices from the grill and let them cool.
You can give your dog these slices of grilled eggplant as a treat or mix them with its regular food.
Feeding and Exercise Considerations
When introducing new foods like eggplant to your dog’s diet, it’s important to consider their overall health and daily routine. For instance, many pet owners wonder, “Can I walk my dog 30 minutes after eating?” This is a common concern because exercising too soon after a meal can lead to digestive issues such as bloating or gastric torsion, particularly in larger breeds. To ensure your dog’s safety and comfort, it’s generally recommended to wait at least an hour after feeding before engaging in vigorous activities like walking or playing. Understanding the best practices for feeding and exercising can help maintain your dog’s health and well-being.
Conclusion
Introducing a new food to your dog can be exciting! Letting it taste new food groups is a great way to help its digestive system expand. But it can be dangerous, too, if not done properly. Dogs, like humans, can have many allergies, so it’s best to test with a small amount of something new before giving it to your dog.
Many dogs enjoy fruits and vegetables as much as meat. So, it’s a great idea to try giving your dog eggplant to see if it enjoys the taste.
FAQs
My Dog Accidentally Ate Some Eggplant, What Should I Do?
A small amount of eggplant won’t harm your dog. Just keep an eye on it to check for an allergic reaction. If it has symptoms, then take your dog to the vet.
Are Eggplants Toxic for Dogs?
No, eggplants are not toxic for dogs, but it’s a good idea to remove the stems and leaves, as they contain solanine, which can have a poisonous effect.
