Many families enjoy eating eggplant as part of their weekly menu, and these unusual vegetables are included in many of our favorite recipes. You may have been tempted to share some eggplant with your dog, but is this a good idea? Can dogs eat eggplant, or is eggplant toxic to them?
Can dogs eat eggplant?
Yes, dogs can eat eggplant, and there are several nutritional benefits to feeding eggplant to dogs. They tend to prefer eating cooked eggplant rather than raw, although it can be safely fed to dogs in either form.
When served to your dog correctly and safely, eggplant is a healthy and nutritious treat that many dogs will enjoy.
What are the health benefits of eggplant?
Eggplants are a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable which makes them ideal for dogs that are overweight or prone to weight gain. The high fiber content will help to satisfy hunger and also maintain the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal system.
This flavorsome vegetable also contains high levels of vitamins A and C, which have antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants help to protect cells against damage from free radicals and reduce the risk of age-related degenerative disorders. The vitamin K in eggplants also helps to maintain effective blood clotting mechanisms.
What should I be aware of when offering eggplant to my dog?
Although dogs can eat raw eggplant, they – like us – prefer this vegetable when it has been cooked. It can be grilled, roasted, or baked, but should never be seasoned with salt and pepper or flavored with garlic, onion, or spices.
A small amount of healthy oil such as coconut oil or olive oil can be used when cooking eggplant for dogs. Chop the eggplant into bitesize pieces before cooking, making sure to remove the tough stem.
Eggplants should never be fed to dogs with a history of kidney problems, as they contain oxalates. Healthy dogs can eat vegetables that contain oxalates without any problems… But they can be problematic for dogs that are prone to kidney stones.
Some dogs may also be allergic to eggplant. If your dog develops an upset stomach or rash after eating eggplant, it’s best to avoid it in the future.
And finally, too much of any type of fruit or vegetable such as eggplant can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. This is the case even in healthy dogs, so keep eggplant as an occasional treat!
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