Many pet parents want to know if dogs can eat eggplant.
Eggplants are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, but can dogs consume them?
In fact, dogs can benefit from eating eggplants, but only when fed in moderation.
Read on to find out more about how much eggplants can dogs eat.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?
Yes, dogs can eat fried, cooked, and raw eggplant but the amount should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake. Eggplant is a low-calorie vegetable and an excellent source of dietary fiber and minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B1.
Cooked, fried, or raw eggplants are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Keep in mind that If a piece is too large and not properly cooked, it could be a choking hazard.
When serving small amounts of cooked or fried eggplant as part of a dog-friendly meal, make sure that all seeds and stems have been removed first. These can pose a choking risk and may contain toxins that are harmful to pets.
Eggplants are full of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and C, and magnesium. Furthermore, it contains dietary fiber which helps to regulate digestion in dogs.
It also contains some antioxidants which can help protect your pup from certain types of diseases. However, it should be noted that the skin of the eggplant is difficult for some dogs to digest so it should be removed if you notice that your dog is having digestive problems.
Eggplant is also rich in antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation as well as protect the body from damage caused by environmental toxins or free radicals.
Health Benefits of Eggplant For Dogs
- Great source of vitamins and minerals
- Rich in fiber
- Rich in antioxidants
- Low in calories and fat
- Improves skin and coat health
- Supports bone health
- Natural detoxifier
Eggplant is a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable that can provide a number of health benefits for dogs. Here is a list of how eggplants benefit dogs:
1. Provides High Levels of Vitamins & Minerals
Eggplant is a great source of vitamins and minerals essential for your pup’s health, including Vitamin K, B6, C, thiamin, and niacin. These vitamins help support their immune system and keep them healthy in the long run.
2. A Natural Source of Fiber
Eggplant is a great source of dietary fiber which helps to promote healthy digestion and keeps your dog’s digestive tract in top shape. It also helps to control blood sugar levels and improve nutrient absorption.
3. Rich in Antioxidants
Eggplant contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids that work to protect against cell damage, reduce inflammation, and help to prevent many types of cancer.
4. Low in Calories & Fat
Eggplant is naturally low in calories and fat which makes it a great addition to your pup’s diet if they need to lose weight or maintain their current size. It can also help them feel full longer since it contains fiber which helps to slow down digestion.
5. Improved Skin & Coat Health
Not only does eggplant contain vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, but it also helps to improve the overall health of your pup’s skin and coat. The antioxidants found in eggplant help fight off free radicals that can lead to premature aging as well as other diseases such as bladder stones.
6. Supports Bone Health
Eggplant is a great source of manganese which helps to support bone health and prevents osteoporosis. It also provides calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium which help to keep your pup’s bones strong and healthy.
7. Natural Detoxifier
The antioxidants found in eggplant can help your pup detoxify its body by eliminating harmful toxins that may cause cancer or other diseases. Eggplant also helps to improve liver function by aiding the digestive system in breaking down food more efficiently.
(See also: Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Skin? 90% of Dogs Can!)
How Many Eggplants Can a Dog Eat?
Large dogs can safely eat one medium size eggplant while smaller breeds can eat half medium-sized eggplant per day.
Eggplants are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, but they should not be a staple of your pup’s diet. Generally speaking, dogs should only eat between 1/2 and 1 eggplant per day as part of their daily meals. Too much eggplant can lead to digestive issues and other health problems.
Therefore, it’s important to monitor your pup’s intake and adjust accordingly if necessary.
Lastly, it’s best to avoid adding any seasonings or condiments when serving up this vegetable as those may contain ingredients that are harmful to canines.
Is Eggplant Toxic If Not Cooked?
No, eggplant is not toxic for dogs if it is not cooked. However, it’s important to make sure that your dog doesn’t eat too much of it as it can cause digestive issues and other health problems.
Additionally, the skin of the eggplant should be removed before feeding as this may also cause digestive distress.
How To Cook Eggplant For Dogs
Eggplant can be used in many variations and is a great treat or an addition to your dog’s daily food.
Here are three eggplant recipes that you can prepare for your dog:
1. Baked Eggplant Dog Treats
Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease a baking sheet. Peel and finely dice one large eggplant, then spread out on the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Serve as a treat or add to your dog’s food as a healthy topping.
2. Eggplant and Rice Dog Food
Cook one cup of uncooked white rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, cube one medium eggplant and lightly sauté in a bit of olive oil until softened, about 8 minutes.
Add the cooked rice and eggplant cubes to four cups of low-sodium chicken broth or stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until all ingredients are cooked through. Cool before serving as part of your pup’s regular meal routine!
3. Eggplant Parmesan Dog Bites
Preheat oven to 400F and lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Peel and slice one large eggplant into ¼ inch discs.
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray, then bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and top each slice with Parmesan cheese.
Return to oven and bake another 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and eggplant is softened. Cool before serving as a tasty snack or treat.
(See also: Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Parmesan? What You Need To Know)
In Conclusion
Dogs can safely eat raw, fried, and cooked eggplants as a treat or an addition to their daily diet. On average, a large dog can eat up to one medium-sized eggplant while smaller breeds should eat half of that.
