Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?
Eggplant is a popular vegetable referred to as aubergine or guinea squash. Its name comes from its ovular shape, which resembles an egg. It is very nutritious and can be eaten with many dishes, depending on how you prepare it.
Can dogs eat eggplant? Yes, eggplant is okay for your dogs and will give them some nutrients for a healthy being. If you have queries about eggplants and canines, you are at the right place. Hang on as we learn something about this vegetable.
Benefits of Dogs Eating Eggplant
As earlier mentioned, eggplant is very nutritious, a reason why you should give it to your dog regularly. Let us look at some of the benefits eggplant has for your dog.
Essential for Bone Health
Dogs need strong bones to support their frames and for mobility. Eggplant is rich in manganese, which works in tandem with calcium and vitamin D for sound bone health. It helps boost bone density and hastens bone formation. It is suitable for puppies that need strong bones as they develop.
Fiber for Improved Digestion
Digestion issues can be hard on your dog, and one of the main reasons behind this is the lack of fiber in their diet. Eggplant will provide a decent dose of fiber to your canine, which aids in food motility. Additionally, it promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system that help break-down hard-to-digest foods.
Antioxidants
Eggplant has purple skin, which comes from its anthocyanin content. This substance is a robust antioxidant that will fight oxidative stress that can hasten aging, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Similar substances in eggplant include nasunin and chlorogenic acid. They are phytonutrients that shield cells from damage.
Disease Prevention
A diet of eggplant will make your dog less susceptible to diseases. It offers plenty of vitamins, such as A, C, K, and B6, which boost their immune function and strengthen white blood cells. It is an excellent vegetable to give young or aged dogs an extra layer of protection against diseases.
A Solution for Weight Problems
Eggplant has a spongy profile and is pretty fulfilling when consumed. It prevents overheating, which can contribute to obesity and related issues like cardiovascular diseases.
Related: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat
What Type of Eggplant is Good for Dogs?
Organically grown eggplant is the best type for your dogs. It lacks any chemical additives that can cause upsets.
You may get such eggplants from organic grocery stores or take up the challenge and grow the vegetable in your garden. The latter option is worth considering, as 100% organic foods are expensive.
How to Prepare Eggplant for Dogs
Preparation of eggplant for your dog is an effortless process. Clean and peel the eggplants and bring them to a boil. Some people are against the peeling part as the skin contains crucial antioxidants. Besides, dogs do not seem to have a problem eating the skin. Do not add oil or seasoning to the eggplants, as they can upset your pup’s stomach.
Some canines appear not impressed by plain boiled eggplant. The solution is to bake or grill them. It is an easy way of eggplant preparation, perfect for a barbecuing day. Serve them the grilled aubergine without any spices or seasoning.
The other way to go about eggplant for your dog is boiling and mashing. After oiling the eggplant, you mash them thickly, the same way you’d do with mashed potatoes. You can use plain broth or milk when mashing the vegetable.
Can dogs eat raw eggplant? Yes, dogs can eat raw eggplant, though many canine experts advise against it. The skin may be too hard for the dog to digest and may cause obstruction of the alimentary canal. Moreover, the skin might have pesticides or other farm chemicals. Ensure you wash raw eggplants before feeding them to your dog.
Dangers of Feeding Eggplant to Your Dog
Although eggplant has numerous health benefits for your canine, it has side effects that you should know about. The skin contains compounds that can upset your dog’s tummy. The situation could go overboard if your dog overate aubergine. Cooking this vegetable does away with this risk.
Raw eggplant presents a choking hazard, especially if not well-chopped. Also, some canines can be allergic to eggplant. When consumed, you will notice reactions such as swellings on the skin, excessive salivation, itching, general discomfort, and diarrhea or vomiting. Consult your pet doctor when having such an issue.
Your dog may also have problems with its tummy when you initially introduce eggplant to its diet. You may avoid this by ensuring that the vegetable cooks thoroughly.
FAQs
Can Puppies Eat Eggplants?
Eggplants will be an excellent addition to your young canine’s diet, presenting benefits like a boosted immune system and strong bones. However, you should be keen on how you serve eggplant to the puppies.
Start with mashed eggplant, which is easy to digest. Gradually, it will warm up to roasted and baked eggplant. Do not feed raw eggplant to puppies as their digestive systems may be too weak to handle it.
What is the Best Way to Serve Eggplant to Dogs?
The best way to prepare eggplant for your dog is to boil or steam it. Ensure it is soft for easy digestion. Roasting and baking are other excellent ways of cooking this vegetable.
Avoid oil, spices, and salt when preparing eggplant for your dog, as they may be harmful.
My Dog Reacts Every Time It Eats Eggplant; What Could be the Issue?
Not all dogs can tolerate eggplant. Keep the vegetable away from your dog’s bowl if it is not tolerant. It may be an allergy, or the food is too foreign for its digestive system. You can consult with your vet to know what the issue is.
Final Thought
Eggplant is a healthy dish that your dog can occasionally have. It is full of nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and minerals that your canine needs for it to be in tip-top shape. While your dog can eat eggplant, let it not be its primary dish. Let your furry friend have the vegetable twice a week at most.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Everything You Need to Know
- Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
- Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
- Can Dogs Eat Onions? Absolutely Not!