There are lots of healthy recipes for it, but can dogs eat eggplant? Read this guide and keep your pet safe if they eat eggplant.
When it comes to veggies, most dogs are big fans! But what about eggplant? Can dogs eat eggplant safely? Keep reading this guide to find out if eggplant is ok for dogs and how to keep them safe.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating eggplant.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant
Yes. dogs can safely eat eggplant. It is not toxic for them and actually has lots of nutrients and benefits for them.
The thing is, even though dogs can eat eggplant, most probably won’t. Dogs usually don’t enjoy the taste or texture of this odd vegetable. If you want to encourage your dog to eat it, you might have to cook or grill it so it’s tastier for them.
Keep reading and learn about all the different types of eggplant and whether they are healthy or safe for your pet to eat.
Another term for eggplant is aubergine. So, if you don’t live in America and you ever wondered, “can dogs eat aubergine” then this is the guide for you!
Is Eggplant Safe For Dogs
There are a few safety concerns about dogs and eggplant. If your pet has shown sensitivities to other nightshade plants (such as tomatoes) then you might want to keep them away from eggplant. These types of foods can cause an upset stomach in some dogs.
There are also some dogs that are allergic to eggplant. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog eats eggplant, contact your veterinarian:
- Itchiness
- Rash
- Upset Stomach
- Facial Swelling
- Vomiting
You should also keep your dog away from eggplant if they have kidney issues or arthritis. Eggplant contains oxalates, which blocks the absorption of calcium in the bloodstream. It’s safe for dogs to eat, but if your dog is prone to kidney stones, they should avoid it.
Are Eggplants Good For Dogs
Yes, eggplants are a very nutritious vegetable for dogs to eat, as long as they are healthy and not allergic to them.
Further in this post I’ll explain the most popular eggplant recipes and whether your dog can eat them.
Eggplants themselves are packed with nutrients and vitamins. They are an excellent source of potassium and can give your dog energy from the vitamin B6. They also have folate, vitamin K, and niacin.
Is Eggplant Bad For Dogs
Eggplant is potentially bad for dogs. It all depends on their current health and how they react to it. If your dog has arthritis, kidney issues, or food allergies, it’s best to play it safe and don’t give them eggplant.
Thankfully, the most common symptoms are ones of allergies, but you should still talk to your veterinarian if you have questions.
Dogs And Eggplant Recipes
Can dogs eat cooked eggplant? Since there are a bunch of common recipes, let’s look at the most popular ones and see how safe (or dangerous) they are for your pet.
This guide to spices dogs can eat is a fantastic place to start. There are some spices like garlic and onion that are actually toxic to dogs. Never give your dog anything with them in it.
If you make eggplant with cheese or dairy, read this guide for information on feeding dogs cheese.
Can Dogs Eat Boiled Eggplant
Yes, dogs can eat boiled eggplant. This is the safest way to prepare eggplant for your dog. Boil it without any additional salt or unsafe spices.
Can Dogs Eat Breaded Eggplant
Yes, dogs can eat breaded eggplant in moderation. Lots of breaded eggplants are also covered in garlic powder, so don’t give it to your dog if they used garlic or onion.
Breadcrumbs are high in carbs and calories, so any kind of breaded foods should only be given to your dog in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated Eggplant
As long as the dried eggplant was dehydrated with a minimal amount of salt and no unsafe spices, dogs can safely eat them in moderation. This is also a safe way to share eggplant with your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Parm
Eggplant parmesan is problematic for dogs. Dogs should not eat lots of dairy and eggplant parm has a good amount of cheese in it. It’s best to keep dogs away from this recipe – especially since it usually has lots of garlic and onion in it too.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Eggplant
Even though dogs can safely eat most fried foods, it’s so much better for their health if they avoid fried food. All the oils on the fired eggplant can lead to weight gain and related health effects.
Can Dogs Eat Grilled Eggplant
Yes, dogs can eat grilled eggplant. If you are going to grill the veggie for your dog, don’t use very much salt or any spices. Just grill them plain.
Can Dogs Eat Pickled Eggplant
No, dogs should not eat pickled eggplant. It’s almost always made with garlic. You should never give your dog anything made with garlic.
Can Dogs Eat Roasted Eggplant
Yes, dogs can eat roasted eggplant. It’s safe for pets as long as it doesn’t have any garlic or onions or too much salt in it.
Can Dogs Eat Steamed Eggplant
Yes, dogs can eat steamed eggplant. They might not like the mushy texture if you try to give it to them, but it’s safe.
Can Dogs Eat Japanese Eggplant
Japanese eggplants are long and slender. They are just as safe as traditional eggplants. You can give it to your dog in the same ways.
Different Eggplant Colors
There are also a bunch of different types and colors of eggplants out there too. Let’s look at how safe each of them are for your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Green Eggplant
When green eggplant is cooked, it has a slight bitterness. For this reason, most dogs won’t want to touch it. It is safe for your dog, but they probably won’t like it.
Can Dogs Eat Purple Eggplant
The eggplants that you usually see at the Farmer’s Market or the store is a purple one. Yes, these are safe for your pet in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Red Eggplant
The red eggplant looks a lot like a tomato and is usually found in Rotonda, Italy. It has a bitter flavor too, so dogs probably won’t like it. It is safe for dogs to eat as long as you roast or grill it first.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Eggplant
These are round yellow plants that looks like yellow tomatoes. They are dense and crunchy and very bitter. Dogs probably won’t like them at all.
Some purple eggplants turn yellow if they are overripe or have too much exposure to the sun. If that’s the case, then do not give them to your dog at all.
Dogs And Eggplant Parts
What about growing eggplants in the garden? Let’s look at the entire eggplant, um, plant, and how safe each of the parts are in case your dog gets into the patch.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Leaves
Protect your dog from eating the eggplant leaves in your garden. The leaves contain concentrated amounts of solanine. Do not let them eat the leaves.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Skin
Yes, the skin is safe for dogs to eat. You do not have to peel the eggplant before you cook it. However, there is a lot of fiber in the eggplant skin.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, this fiber could upset it, so it might be best to just peel it first.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Seeds
The seeds in the eggplant are so tiny and soft that they won’t harm your dog. It is safe to give your dog eggplant with the seeds.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Vine
No, do not allow your dog to eat the vine. The vine has no nutrients in it and it has way too much fiber to sit well in your dog’s stomach.
Final Thoughts
Eggplant is a funny-looking plant that packs a healthy punch! It has lots of nutrients in it which makes it a healthy snack to share with your pet.
Just remember to always cook it without too much salt, cheese, or fat. And don’t give them unsafe spices or herbs.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some articles about other human foods and whether they are safe or toxic for your dog to eat.
- Are Lima Beans Good for Dogs
- Can Dogs Eat Celery
- Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts
- Is Basil Safe for Dogs
- Is Liver Good for Dogs
- Is Peppermint Toxic to Dogs
- Is Zucchini Good for Dogs
Find even more articles on human food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
📌 Pin this to save and share 📌
Leave a Reply