Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that comes with a number of essential nutrients. Roasted, baked, or grilled, it can be a delicious and healthy menu at your dinner table.
With its interesting texture and deep purple color, you may find your dog getting curious about this vegetable.
However, if you want to share a portion of your eggplant parmesan or rolattini with your puppy, you need to do a bit research on whether it is safe for them or not.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?
If fed in moderation, eggplant can be safe for dogs. However, you should monitor closely afterward in case your dog has an allergic reaction to it.
It’s because eggplant belongs to the nightshade family, which is a common allergen for both human and dogs. Hence, you should be more cautious when feeding your dog with this type of foods.
Although it’s a nightshade species, eggplant is rich in fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients.
Considering its potential benefits and risks, you can responsibly incorporate eggplant into your puppy’s diet if you feel like it’s not getting full of its regular food.
Benefits of Eggplant
Eggplant is a good source of vitamin B, vitamin K, potassium, dietary fiber, and polyphenolic compounds. These nutrients can play an important role in protecting your dog from chronic diseases.
Another study published in 2016 shows the importance of potassium for a dog’s health. In this study, a 3-year old female Dachshund puppy was diagnosed with severe hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood serum).
After getting oral potassium supplementation with other medications, the dog made full recovery from the related disease.
Besides, eggplant contains a good amount of phytonutrients nasunin and chlorogenic acid that can fight diseases like cancer, neurological dysfunctions, and heart disease.
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Side Effects of Eggplant in Dogs
Being a nightshade species, eggplant may cause some allergies to your pet. These include minor itching, rashes, or upset stomach.
Major reactions include vomiting, facial swelling, and severe stomach pain. If your dog has previous allergy issues, it’s better not to feed them with eggplant.
You are highly recommended not to feed your pet with eggplant if they are suffering from kidney problems or arthritis. It’s because this vegetable may worsen the symptoms.
While the minor reaction will pass on their own, some dogs require antihistamine to get rid of the allergy. If you see any of the above symptoms in your dog after eating eggplant, immediately take them to the veterinarian for treatment.
How to Feed Eggplant to Your Dog?
If you want to feed your puppy with eggplant, it’s best to slowly introduce the vegetable to them. Give them a little piece one at a time and look for possible reactions.
Besides, eggplants are starchy vegetables, so it’s better for your dog not to eat them raw.
Cooking the eggplant thoroughly may reduce the risks for your dogs. However, frying them is not a healthy option. You can boil, grill, or bake the eggplant before giving it to your pet.
Avoid the following ingredients while cooking eggplant for your dog:
- An excessive amount of salt
- Soybean oil.
- Onions.
- Garlic.
- Spicy pepper.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Leaves?
Eggplant leaves are more harmful than the vegetable itself. Compared to eggplant, its leaves are fatally toxic and may lead to severe health disorders, even death.
So, if you are growing eggplants at your backyard or garden, make sure you keep your pet away from them.
Bottom Line
Eggplants can be good for your dog’s health if fed in a moderate amount. If your dog never had any allergic reactions to any food, you can easily give this vegetable without worrying much.
Always consult with your veterinarian before you introduce any new vegetable to your dogs, particularly if they are older and have kidney problems.
Remember, any human food should be given to the puppies as a treat or snack. These cannot be the replacement of their regular dog foods.
If your pet is on quality dog food, it’s not necessary for them to have human foods to be nutritionally balanced.
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