Eggplants are a healthy food for humans. But many Yorkie parents want to know if their pets can eat eggplants.
Eggplants are safe for Yorkies, but there are some things you should know first.
Can Yorkie Dogs Eat Eggplants?
Yes, Yorkie dogs can eat half an eggplant per day. When feeding an eggplant to a Yorkie, it must not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Eggplants are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your Yorkie’s overall health. However, it is important to introduce eggplants gradually into your pup’s diet so that their digestive system can adjust accordingly.
Eggplant should always be cooked before feeding it to your Yorkie since some Yorkies might be sensitive to raw eggplants. Also, avoid seasoning or adding any sauces that may contain ingredients that could be toxic for dogs.
Additionally, make sure to cut the eggplant into small, bite-sized pieces so that your pup does not choke on them. When introducing new foods such as eggplant to a Yorkie’s diet, it is important to monitor him carefully for any signs of digestive upset or allergy-related reactions.
If you notice any adverse symptoms after giving your pup eggplant (not common), it is best to discontinue feeding it and seek veterinary advice.
| Eggplant Nutrients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 19.7 |
| Protein | 0.8 grams |
| Vitamin C | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 22.1 IU |
| Sugars | 1.9 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 grams |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 10.7 mg |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 51.7 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Choline | 5.7 mg |
| Phosphorous | 20.5 mg |
(See also: Is Fried Eggplant Good For Dogs? (Vet Answer!))
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Eggplant to Yorkies?
Yes, there are many benefits to feeding eggplant to Yorkies including:
1. Improved Digestion
Eating eggplant can help improve digestion in Yorkies, as it contains dietary fiber which helps move food through the digestive tract.
2. Low-Calorie Food
Eggplant contains only 20 calories per cup, making it an ideal low-calorie food for Yorkies that are prone to weight gain.
3. Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Eggplant is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B1, magnesium, and potassium, making it beneficial for your pup’s overall health.
4. Good Source of Antioxidants
Eggplant also contains powerful antioxidants like anthocyanin which may reduce oxidative stress in the body and defend against diseases like cancer.
5. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
The dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium in eggplant can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Enhanced Skin Health
Eating eggplant regularly can enhance the skin health of your pup, as it is rich in flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties that protect against skin diseases.
7. Boosts Immunity
The antioxidants found in eggplant also boost immune system health, helping to keep your pup healthy and strong.
8. Improved Cognitive Function
Eggplant contains choline, a B vitamin that helps improve cognitive function by aiding with memory and learning ability. This makes it especially beneficial for older Yorkies.
(See also: Is Raw Eggplant Good For Dogs? (Answered!))
Side Effects From Eating Eggplants in Yorkies
Eggplants can cause digestive upset in some Yorkies, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Additionally, eggplants contain oxalates which can potentially lead to the formation of calcium-oxalate crystals in the urinary tract, resulting in struvite or calcium oxalate stones if consumed in large amounts.
In rare cases, eating large amounts of eggplant can also result in anemia due to a decrease in red blood cell count. Therefore it is important to feed your Yorkie only small amounts of eggplant (up to half a medium-sized eggplant a day).
If you notice any changes in behavior or digestion after feeding your pup eggplant, it is best to discontinue offering this food item immediately and consult with your veterinarian for further advice about diet and nutrition for your Yorkie.
(See also: Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? An In-Depth Feeding Guide)
Can Yorkies Eat Raw Eggplant?
Yes, Yorkies can eat raw eggplant, but it is not recommended. Eggplant contains a compound called solanine which can be toxic to some animals. If a Yorkie were to eat raw eggplant, it may experience digestive upset and general discomfort.
It is best to cook the eggplant before feeding it to your Yorkie, as this will reduce the potential for adverse reactions. Additionally, avoid adding any seasoning or sauces that could further irritate their sensitive stomachs.
Always consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about giving your pet any types of foods that may be unfamiliar to them. They can provide you with expert advice on what is safe for your pup and what isn’t.
Can Yorkies Eat Eggplant Stems?
No, Yorkies shouldn’t eat eggplant stems because they contain solanine which is toxic to dogs. Solanine is a toxin found in the nightshade family of vegetables and eggplant stems are part of this family.
The solanine found in these vegetables can cause digestive problems if ingested, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps.
Therefore it is best to avoid feeding your Yorkie eggplant stems to prevent any health problems that may arise from ingesting them.
Can Yorkies Eat Cooked Eggplant?
Yes, cooked eggplant is generally safe for Yorkies to eat in moderation. Before feeding it to your pup, it’s important to make sure that the eggplant has been properly cooked.
Raw eggplant can be difficult for dogs to digest and could cause an upset stomach. Additionally, some parts of the plant (the stem) may contain toxins that can be harmful if ingested.
If you’re giving your Yorkie cooked eggplant, try to avoid adding any salt or other seasonings as these can also upset their digestive system.
You should also make sure to remove any seeds, stems, or leaves since these are not easily digested by dogs and could lead to an intestinal blockage if eaten.
How To Prepare Eggplant For Your Yorkie
Here are three ways to prepare eggplant for your Yorkie:
1. Roasted Eggplant
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Wash one medium-sized eggplant and cut it into small cubes. Place the cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with olive oil (or another healthy cooking oil). Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before feeding your pup!
2. Eggplant Puree
Cut one medium-sized eggplant into cubes and place them in a pot with enough water to cover the cubes. Boil for 10 minutes or until tender. Strain the cooked eggplant and add it to a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a puree consistency, adding more water if necessary. Allow cooling before serving your pup!
3. Eggplant Bites
Preheat oven to 375°F. Wash one medium-sized eggplant and cut it into thin slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle olive oil (or another healthy cooking oil). Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before feeding your pup!
In Conclusion
Yorkies can eat up to half a medium-sized cooked, fried, or grilled eggplant.
Although Yorkies could eat raw eggplant, it might cause gastrointestinal upset.
