Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious Italian dish, but can your pup enjoy it too?
Before you share this savory dish with your furry friend, it’s important to know if dogs can eat eggplant.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Parmesan?
No, dogs should not eat eggplant parmesan. Eggplant contains solanine and other alkaloids which can be toxic to dogs in large amounts.
The Parmesan cheese used in the dish is also high in salt and fat, both of which can cause gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis if ingested by a dog in large quantities.
Additionally, many recipes for eggplant Parmesan include garlic or onions, which are both poisonous to dogs. Therefore it is best to keep this dish away from your pup.
Eggplants contain solanine, a natural toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and confusion in dogs if ingested in large amounts.
For this reason, it is best not to feed your dog any eggplant-based foods or treats. The other main ingredient in this dish is parmesan.
Parmesan cheese is not suitable for dogs as it contains too much salt, fat, and lactose. This makes it hard for them to digest and can lead to health problems such as pancreatitis or digestive upset.
Furthermore, Parmesan is often aged, which further increases its levels of fat and sodium. Moreover, some types of Parmesan contain ingredients such as garlic and onion powder, both of which are toxic to dogs in large amounts.
Finally, since Parmesan has a very strong flavor, it may be difficult for your dog to eat without becoming overwhelmed by the taste. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding your dog eggplant parmesan.
Alternative Options For Eggplant Parmesan For Dogs
Since Parmesan is very bad for dogs, there are a few ways you can replace it with another healthy ingredient for dogs.
Meatless eggplant and rice dish
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 cup of cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the diced eggplant on it in an even layer.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the eggplant evenly and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time.
- Once the eggplant is golden brown, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
- Place cooled eggplant into a large bowl and mix with cooked white rice.
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil, then pour in the eggplant and rice mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F, stirring once halfway through cooking time.
- Once fully cooked, remove from the oven.
- Serve when completely cooled down.
Homemade dog buiscits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked eggplant
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked eggplant until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add the whole wheat flour, vegetable oil, and eggs to the mashed eggplant and mix until everything is well combined into a dough-like consistency. Add a small amount of water as needed to bring the mixture together.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place the shapes onto an ungreased baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Leave to cool completely before serving to your pup!
- Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for up to one month.
Is Eggplant Safe For Dogs?
Yes, eggplant is generally considered safe for dogs in moderation. However, it should not be the main part of a dog’s diet because it does not provide many essential nutrients that are needed for canine health.
Eggplant can make a tasty treat for your pup and can even help add variety to their meals, but be sure to feed it in small quantities or mix it with other foods.
Additionally, some dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal distress after eating eggplant due to its fiber content so always monitor your pup when giving them new foods and remove any uneaten pieces before they can become choking hazards.
Effects of Eggplant on Dogs
Eggplants are not toxic to dogs, but they shouldn’t form a regular part of their diet. Eggplant is low in essential nutrients like protein and fat that dogs need to stay healthy, and high in carbohydrates.
Eating too much eggplant can lead to digestive upset for dogs, including gas and diarrhea. If your dog has eaten eggplant, watch for these signs of an upset stomach:
- vomiting
- lack of appetite
- lethargy
- changes in the stool.
It’s best to call your vet if any of these symptoms appear after a dog eats eggplant. The vet may suggest withholding food for 12-24 hours and then introducing plain foods back into the diet slowly over several days.
Toxicity Levels of Eggplants in Dogs
Dogs are not typically known to eat eggplants, so it is important to know if eggplants are toxic for them. Eating the wrong food could lead to serious health issues for dogs. So, it’s important to understand what levels of toxicity exist when it comes to eggplants and dogs.
Fortunately, most forms of eggplant are considered non-toxic for dogs when eaten in small amounts.
However, there have been reports of gastrointestinal upset after a dog eats large quantities of raw or cooked eggplant, as well as cases that have required medical treatment due to an allergic reaction.
The skin and seeds of the plant can also be dangerous if ingested by a dog, leading to digestive disturbances and even poisoning.
In general, it is best to avoid giving eggplants to your dog. If you believe that your pet has eaten a large amount of the plant or if they are showing signs of an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian right away. The vet may recommend further testing and treatment depending on the severity of the situation.
In Conclusion
Dogs shouldn’t eat eggplant parmesan more because of the unhealthy contents of parmesan than eggplant.
Although safe in moderation, eggplants should be given to dogs on an occasion.
If you are giving your dog eggplant for the first time, make sure to watch for any signs of allergies.
