Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? All You Need To Know

Have you been wondering – Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? The short answer is that plain eggplant is safe for dogs.

Although dogs may eat raw eggplant (it is not harmful), the flavor may not appeal to them. Therefore grilling, baking, or roasting is advised. You may serve plain cooked eggplant in little bite-size chunks without spice.

Allowing your dog to eat eggplant may not be a smart idea if they have a history of sensitivity to plants in the nightshade family. Nightshade fruits and vegetables might irritate your dog’s stomach and aggravate pre-existing disorders. Continue reading for more information.

Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?

In moderation, eggplant may be a safe meal for most dogs to eat. Nightshades are plants that are related to eggplant.

It comprises foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers, among others, and while not a problem for most people, nightshades can be a problem for those with autoimmune diseases, including dogs.

can dogs eat eggplant

If your dog has an autoimmune condition, arthritis, or a history of sensitivity to nightshade foods, he should avoid eggplant. For the rest, eggplant may be a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet.

It contains a lot of fiber and antioxidants, and minerals like manganese. The bright purple hue of eggplant is caused by anthocyanin, an antioxidant pigment.

A specific anthocyanin known as nasunin has been demonstrated to be particularly useful in the battle against free radicals through laboratory research. Because eggplant is low in calories, it might be a pleasant addition to your dog’s diet.

Dogs can eat eggplant since it is neither dangerous nor toxic to most dogs. There are, however, certain dogs who should not be fed eggplant.

To begin with, if your dog is sensitive to eggplant, you should avoid it for obvious reasons since it is likely to produce an allergic reaction. A second reason is that if your canine suffers from inflammatory issues like arthritis, you should avoid eggplant.

The reason for this recommendation is that eggplant might cause inflammation, which could aggravate your dog’s illness. While this impact cannot be guaranteed, it is prudent to avoid the risk.

Finally, if your dog has renal issues, you should avoid feeding it eggplant. The reason for this last restriction is because eggplant has a significant amount of oxalate, which might aggravate pre-existing renal problems in some dogs.

Eggplant Nutritional Stats

Eggplant is high in nutrients and includes a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. See the list below for a breakdown of some of the nutrients that eggplant may give.

Eggplant, Fruit, Vegetables, Food

Eggplant has the following nutrients in 99 grams:

  • 0.83 grams of Protein
  • 0.23 grams of Fat
  • 34 Calories
  • 8.65 grams of Carbohydrates ( 3.17 grams are Sugars)
  • 189 milligrams of Potassium
  • 2.6 grams of Dietary Fiber
  • 6 milligrams of Calcium
  • 0.13 milligrams of Zinc
  • 1 milligram of Sodium
  • 0.25 milligrams of Iron
  • 1.3 milligrams of Vitamin C
  • 15 milligrams of Phosphorus
  • 11 milligrams of Magnesium
  • 85 micrograms of Vitamin B6
  • 14 micrograms of Folate
  • 2.9 micrograms of Vitamin K

Flavonoids such as anthocyanins are also found in eggplant. Flavonoids are a kind of pigment that gives eggplant its distinctive dark purple color and is thought to have certain health advantages.

Eggplant Nutritional Facts

One cup (82g) cubed raw eggplant has 20 calories, 0.8g protein, 4.8g carbs, and 0.1g fat. Eggplant is high in fiber, manganese, and potassium. The USDA provides the nutrition information shown below.

Eggplants, Market, Vegetables, Food
  • Calories: 20.5
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 1.6mg
  • Carbohydrates: 4.8g
  • Fiber: 2.4g
  • Sugars: 2.9g
  • Protein: 0.8g
  • Manganese: 0.2mg
  • Potassium: 188mg

Carbs

One cup of raw eggplant has 4.8 grams of carbohydrate, almost half of which is fiber (2.4 grams). In addition, eggplant has about 3 grams of naturally occurring sugars. Eggplant has a low glycemic index. For a single serving, eggplant has a glycemic load of one.

Fats

Eggplant is almost entirely fat-free.

Protein

A single serving of eggplant has less than 1 gram of protein.

Minerals and vitamins

Most vitamins and minerals are not abundant in eggplant. However, the vegetable contains manganese (10% of daily requirements) as well as trace levels of potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, copper, and magnesium.

Eggplant is a low-calorie, fat-free source of complex carbohydrates that is high in fiber. It also contains manganese, potassium, and vitamin K in modest levels.

Health Benefits Of Eggplant For Dogs

Eggplants are high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B6, and K. Not only that, but they are high in manganese, potassium, copper, and folate. Eggplant is also abundant in dietary fiber, which is necessary for proper digestion.

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Not to mention that eggplants are high in phytonutrients like nasunin, a powerful potent antioxidant that shields the lipids (fats) in brain cell membranes from free radicals and aids in brain function.

Furthermore, they contain antioxidant phenolics. Phenols provide excellent antioxidant defense against free radicals, which can help prevent cancer and heart disease.

Not only that, but eggplants are low in calories, making them a nutritious treat to serve your dog without adding a lot of extra calories.

Eggplant has a number of health advantages. Eggplant is high in nutritional fiber, for starters, which dogs require to keep their digestive systems healthy.

Eggplant is also low in calories and low in fat. This makes it a filling meal that is ideal for dogs on low-calorie diets since they will feel fuller for longer without overeating. Here are some more eggplant health advantages for dogs:

Brain’s health

Eggplants contain nasunin, a phytonutrient required for optimal brain function and can help prevent brain damage.

Combat’s cancer

Eggplants contain chlorogenic acid, which can aid in the prevention of cancer and germs, infections, and even high cholesterol.

Heart’s health

Eggplant can assist enhance circulation, heart health, and blood flow, all of which reduce the chance of developing heart disease.

Rich in Nutrients

Eggplant is high in vitamins B1, B6, and K. Copper, folate, manganese, potassium, calcium, niacin, and iron are also abundant. These are all necessary nutrients for dogs to have happy and healthy lives.

Can dogs eat boiled eggplant?

Fruit, Eggplant, Organic, Aubergine

Boiling eggplant is safe for dogs to consume. This is the most secure method of preparing eggplant for your dog. Boil it without any extra salt or potentially harmful seasonings.

Can dogs eat eggplant leaves?

Dogs should not eat the leaves of eggplant. These leaves poison dogs. If you cultivate your own eggplants in your backyard, keep your pet away from the plants.

Vegetable, Aubergine, Food

Abdominal discomfort, convulsions, trouble breathing, diarrhea, vomiting convulsions, weakness, incoordination, collapse, and death are all symptoms of ingesting eggplant leaves.

Can dogs eat raw eggplant?

Eggplant, Vegetable, Fruit, Violet

Although dogs may eat raw eggplant (it is not harmful), the flavor may not appeal to them. Therefore grilling, baking, or roasting is advised. You may serve plain cooked eggplant in little bite-size chunks without spice.

Can dogs eat fried eggplant?

Eggplant, Roasted, Vegetable, Yoghurt

Even while most fried foods are okay for dogs to consume, it is far better for their health if they avoid them. All of the oils in the charred eggplant might cause weight gain and other negative health implications.

Can dogs eat eggplant parmesan?

Eggplant parmesan is toxic to dogs. Dogs should avoid eating a lot of dairies because eggplant parm contains a lot of cheese. It’s essential to keep dogs away from this recipe, especially because it often contains a lot of garlic and onion.

Can dogs eat eggplant skin?

Yes, the skin may be eaten by dogs. The eggplant skin, on the other hand, is high in fiber. If your canine has a sensitive stomach, this fiber may cause irritation, so it’s better to peel it first.

Can Dogs Have Eggplant?

Yes. Dogs can have eggplant without getting sick. It is not poisonous to them and has a variety of nutrients and advantages for them.

Eggplant, Vegetable, Food, Fruit

The truth is, while dogs can eat eggplant, they probably won’t. Dogs typically dislike the flavor and texture of this unusual vegetable. If you want to encourage your dog to eat it, you may need to prepare or grill it to make it more appealing to them.

Are Eggplant Safe For Dogs?

When consumed in moderation, eggplant is healthy for dogs, but they should be properly observed thereafter if they have an adverse reaction. Tomatoes are also nightshade, and experts debate on the safety of feeding tomatoes to dogs due to alpha-tomatine.

Puppy, Dog, Pet, Cute, Brown Dog

Aside from being a nightshade, eggplant is a great source of fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive tract. It’s low in calories, and when paired with its high fiber content, it’s a perfect alternative for canines on a diet who don’t feel full on their usual meal.

Are Eggplant Good For Dogs?

Nasunin, an anthocyanin phytonutrient found in eggplants, promotes brain function and aids in the prevention of brain damage.

Bulldog, Dog, Pet, Animal, Domestic Dog
  • Eggplant includes chlorogenic acid, which aids in the fight against viral infections, dangerous germs, and high cholesterol levels.
  • Eggplant improves heart function, general blood flow, and circulation and lowers your dog’s chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
  • Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber.
  • Eggplant is high in vitamins B1, B6, and K.
  • Eggplant has a high concentration of manganese, copper, folate, potassium, niacin, calcium, and iron.
  • Eggplant has an extremely low-calorie count and is a far better alternative to give your dog than the far more starchy potatoes that belong to the same vegetable family.

Are Eggplant Bad For Dogs?

Inflammation is a danger with eggplant. This plant family contains alkaloids like solanine, which might cause inflammation or arthritis in your dog. Potential concerns are connected with Nasunin and Iron Absorption.

puppy

Nasunin binds to iron content in eggplant plants, removing it from cells. This iron deficiency may aggravate pre-existing diseases such as anemonia. Finally, there are hazards associated with the high oxalate level of eggplant.

Oxalate may increase the likelihood of kidney stone development. Kidney stones can cause kidney mortality or acute oxalate nephropathy in severe circumstances. Finally, as long as the eggplant is properly cooked, it is fine to serve your dog.

The most important reason why eggplant is safe to eat is that it is neither harmful nor toxic to dogs when consumed. Consider giving your dog organically farmed eggplant if you are concerned about pesticides.

What are the Allergic Reactions in Dogs to Eggplant?

If your dog has never tasted eggplant before, offer them a very little bit to observe if they have any reaction. Dogs with a history of allergies should avoid eating eggplant, but if they’ve never had an adverse response to anything, the eggplant should be okay.

Itching, rashes, or an upset stomach are examples of modest reactions. A more acute response will manifest as vomiting, stomach discomfort, or even face edema. If it’s a small response, a check-up with your veterinarian to see what they recommend.

Some dogs may require antihistamines, while small responses will resolve on their own. A significant response, especially if it includes vomiting or a swollen face, should be treated right away by your veterinarian.

How To Feed Eggplant To Dogs?

Some canines adore any and all forms of human food. Those people will most likely cheerfully eat raw eggplant right out of your hand. While raw eggplant is completely healthy for dogs to eat, most people prefer it prepared.

Australian Shepherd, Dog, Pet, Canine

Cooked eggplant may be fed to your dog in a variety of ways. Grilling, baking, and roasting are a few favorites. However, this is not how your dog should be fed eggplant.

The vast amounts of oil (fat) and cheese in eggplant parm are, hopefully, self-evident, but they have no place in a dog’s diet.

Use as little additional fat as possible and dog-friendly seasonings when preparing eggplant for your dog (if any at all).

One of the popular ways to eat this vegetable is with an air fryer eggplant. The end product is very tasty crispy cubes of eggplant that go well with a variety of major meals.

You can simply adapt the recipe for your dog by changing the ingredients (omit garlic, paprika, and reduce salt) if you have an air fryer.

Another way our dogs appreciate eggplant is in the form of our eggplant jerky dish. There are oven and air fryer techniques, and it’s a terrific nutritional treat for your dog to love!

Final Thoughts

To summarise, dogs may safely consume eggplant. In actuality, eggplant is good for your dog if consumed in moderation. Too much eggplant can be harmful to the dog’s health for a variety of reasons.

The first reason is that eating too many vegetables might be difficult to digest. The content of alkaloids in nightshade vegetables is another. So, if you truly want your canine to appreciate eggplant, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Don’t exceed our advised dose, and prepare it without salt or seasonings. Fried eggplant may be delicious for you, but feeding it to your pet is not the best idea in the world.

Boiling and baking vegetables are the healthiest options because they don’t require any oil. Fats and oils are difficult for dogs to digest. Thus they should be avoided at all costs!

FAQs

Can dogs eat sesame seeds?

Yes, as long as they eat them in moderation, sesame seeds are okay for dogs to ingest. Sesame seeds have the capacity to relieve constipation or keep your dog regular due to their high fiber content. Sesame seeds include calcium, which helps to build strong bones, and copper, which aids in the treatment of joint discomfort. Sesame seeds can aid dogs of any age that have difficulty getting iron into their systems. Many foods, including sesame seeds, contain antioxidants that have been shown to help prevent cancer.

Can dogs eat turnips?

Yes! Turnips are good for your dog’s health since they include vitamins C and B6, as well as folic acid and magnesium. These vegetables are good for your dog’s metabolism, assist in maintaining a healthy neurological system, and are useful to dogs with renal illness since they increase kidney function.

Can dogs eat water chestnuts?

Yes, in rare circumstances, water chestnuts are a safe treat to enjoy with your dog. Because they are a highly crunchy sort of food, your dog will like them more if you steam or prepare them (without salt or spices) beforehand.

Can dogs eat wheat thins?

No, dogs should not consume Wheat Thins since they are high in salt, sugar, fats, and carbs. While Wheat Thins are not wholly toxic to dogs, they do contain BHT, a preservative that can be damaging to our dogs’ health. Wheat Thins should be avoided if your dog is allergic to wheat.

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Author
Gulshan
Hi, I am Gulshan, a pet blogger, and author. I've been working with the local pet groups for the past five years. I have been fascinated by our pets and am here to share that wonder with you.