Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Although your dog may want to eat just about everything in your house, there are a lot of foods that must be kept out of their reach for their own safety. Food products such as chocolate and avocado or anything containing xylitol or garlic are big no-no’s for dogs because they contain ingredients that are toxic to them. However, there are also many items in your pantry that are okay for them to enjoy in moderation, such as eggplants.

An eggplant is a dark-colored, nutrient-rich food that is used in a variety of dishes. The fruit is not poisonous to dogs, however the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant are potentially poisonous as they contain solanine.

Health Benefits of Eggplants

Eggplants, also known as aubergines, aren’t as popular as some other fruits and vegetables, but they’re a good food option for humans and some dogs to eat because they’re packed with nutrients and are low in calories. If you have an overweight dog that loves to snack on treats, you can use little chunks of eggplant as a healthier alternative. It’ll help them consume fewer calories throughout the day, and it will keep them full for longer because eggplants are rich in fiber.

Eggplants contain many vitamins and minerals, such as protein, manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, niacin, copper, and magnesium. They’re also high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are essential for the body and help protect it from different types of diseases. Eggplants are even a safe snack for diabetic dogs because they’re low in carbohydrates and help maintain blood sugar levels due to them being high in fiber. It can also help with digestive problems.

We could not find scientific studies into safe amounts of eggplant for dogs so caution is advised. Although eggplants may have some nutrition benefits for your dog, they should still be given in moderation and should only be given as a snack and never as a full meal or part of their daily diet.

Which Dogs Should Avoid Eggplants?

Most dogs don’t suffer from allergies and other health conditions, but some dogs aren’t as fortunate and need a strict and controlled diet to keep them safe and healthy. Some sources recommend avoiding egg plant in urinary tract problems as they contain a small amount of oxalates.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Eggplants?

Although eggplants are typically well tolerated by dogs, they can cause sensitivities and even allergic reactions because they’re a fruit-bearing plant species that belongs to the nightshade family.

Tomatoes and potatoes also belong to this family of flowering plants, which is known to cause allergic reactions in humans and dogs. Therefore, you should never just assume that your dog won’t react to eggplants but, instead, introduce them to your dog slowly and in small quantities.

You’ll quickly know if your dog is allergic to eggplants because they’ll start to display a few or several of the following signs:

If your dog exhibits any of these signs, don’t keep on trying to reintroduce eggplants, as they’re likely allergic and would do better on a different type of healthy snack that doesn’t cause them pain and discomfort.

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Summing Up

Most dogs can enjoy a chunk of eggplant as a snack every now and then because it is not poisonous. However, it should be introduced to your dog slowly and in small quantities, as some dogs are allergic to the fruit.

Related Read:

• Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat (& Ones to Avoid)

• 18 Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (with Infographic)

Featured Image Credit: Srattigan, Pixabay