This is a question that many dog owners ask themselves. After all, eggplants are not specifically harmful to dogs but they shouldn’t be fed as the only thing in their diet.
Many people consider this dietary vegetable suitable for both human and animal consumption, but there might be some issues with it. You should think twice before offering your pet any eggplant dishes because even though they’re healthy, eggplants can lead to digestive problems which means that you shouldn’t make them a part of your dog’s regular meal plan. Eggplant also contains solanine (a glycoalkaloid poison) which will harm the nervous system of our four-legged friend. This toxin is contained in all parts of the plant, so make sure to wash the eggplant thoroughly before cooking it.
The quickest way to find out if your pooch is able to eat eggplant or not is to introduce a small amount of cooked eggplant in his regular diet. Watch your pet carefully during a period of a few hours after a meal, and you will easily notice if he suffers from any unpleasant symptoms after eating this vegetable. Keep an eye on him for about six hours just to be sure everything’s fine with his health – if by then there are no adverse reactions you can consider giving him this vegetable as a supplement from time to time.
On the other hand, dogs which suffer from digestive problems such as gastritis, colitis or IBS should avoidplants too because they’ll only make the problems worse. Eggplants contain high amounts of fiber which means that they’re suitable for dogs who suffer from constipation, but you should never give them eggplant skin because it contains solanine. Also take into account that your dog shouldn’t eat eggplant seeds either, since they’re easily digestible and will cause diarrhea.
So, to answer the question can dogs eat eggplant – yes, this veggie is safe for our pets when given in moderation, but if your pooch suffers from digestive problems or other medical issues avoid giving him eggplants at all costs.
Will eggplant hurt dogs?
no it won’t, but some dogs are more sensitive to eggplant than others. If you make sure not to give your dog too much eggplant and clean the veggie carefully before cooking it, there won’t be any hazardous side-effects.
Can dogs eat the seeds of an eggplant?
no, dogs should never eat eggplant seeds because they’re easy to digest and can cause diarrhea.
How many times a week can you feed your dog eggplant?
a couple of times, but only if it’s cooked thoroughly and has no traces of solanine. Some eggplants are very bitter which means that your dog should learn to eat them gradually.
Can eggplants be fed to dogs for a period of time and then stopped?
yes, but if your dog’s digestive system is sensitive you can’t feed him eggplant more than two times a week. Make sure not to give him the skin and seeds of this plant – they’re the most hazardous parts.
Can you give cooked eggplant to dogs?
sure, but raw eggplants are much healthier for your pet than cooked ones. You should slice this fruit into small pieces and cook it well before offering it to your dog – if he enjoys the taste he’ll gladly eat any cooked eggplants in the future too.
Can dogs eat eggplant skin?
yes, a small piece of eggplant skin won’t hurt your dog’s health – it contains low amounts of solanine and can be eaten safely. However, dogs with digestive issues should avoid consuming any vegetables with high fiber content. In case the eggplant skins contain too many solanine compounds your dog should never eat them.
How many eggplants can dogs eat?
only a couple of slices at a time, but no more than that. Some eggplants are very bitter which means that if your pooch doesn’t like the taste he won’t want to have more. Also keep in mind that dogs can’t eat cooked eggplants and eggplant seeds because they’re poisonous.
Are eggplant leaves toxic to dogs?
yes, eggplant leaves contain toxic solanine which means that dogs shouldn’t eat them. If your dog chews on an eggplant leaf you should take him to the vet as soon as possible – this plant is very dangerous for canines.