Can dogs eat eggplant? Perhaps you find yourself wondering if you can share a bite with your dog while preparing some eggplant, and then prepare a hearty eggplant for the Sunday feast. If humans can eat eggplant, can dogs eat eggplant safely?
There is no short affirmative or negative answer to whether it is safe for dogs to eat eggplant. Technically, eggplant is not toxic to dogs, and it contains a decent amount of vitamins and minerals.
But many dogs may actually be allergic to eggplant, and dogs with arthritis or kidney problems should also avoid eggplant.
As always, you must ask your veterinarian before sharing any new human food with your dog. Here’s what you need to know about eggplants and dogs.
When is eggplant suitable for dogs?
Eggplant is not toxic to dogs. When it comes to the nutritional benefits of feeding dogs some eggplant, this vegetable contains plenty of vitamins B6 and K, as well as the minerals niacin, potassium, and folate.
In addition, eggplant is a low-calorie food that also contains a lot of beneficial fiber, which makes it a useful addition to the diet of any dog looking to lose weight.
When is eggplant bad for dogs?
If you decide to add some eggplant to your dog’s diet, it’s best to cook it before eating it. While dogs can technically consume raw eggplant, digesting it in its uncooked form can be a bit tricky.
Make sure to cook any eggplant you offer very simply and avoid using extra oils, spices, and salt.
The main potential problem with providing eggplant for dogs is that quite a few puppies are allergic to eggplant. This also applies to other vegetables in the nightshade plant, such as tomatoes.
If your dog is allergic to eggplant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and itching.
In addition, any dog with kidney problems or arthritis should also avoid eggplant, as it may aggravate their condition.