Can dogs eat eggplant skin is a common question pet owners ask when they’re trying to decide what snacks are safe for their furry friends.
The answer is yes, in moderation, but there are several factors to consider before feeding your pup this potentially healthy snack.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Skin?
Yes, dogs can eat eggplant skin if they are not allergic to eggplants. Eggplant contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber that are beneficial for your pup’s health. But like with any other food, a dog might be allergic to eggplants.
The antioxidants in eggplant help to protect against cell damage and can also reduce inflammation. Eggplant is high in Vitamins B1, B6, and K as well as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, and manganese.
Vitamin K helps with blood clotting while the B vitamins help the body with energy metabolism and muscle contractions.
The magnesium in eggplant helps to regulate electrolytes and calcium levels which aids digestion. Eating eggplants may also improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
It is important to discard the large stem end of the eggplant as it can be a choking hazard for your pet.
Thinly slice the cooked eggplant into smaller pieces before giving it to your dog to ensure they don’t choke on larger chunks of the vegetable.
It is also important not to add any seasoning or spices when cooking eggplants for your pup as human seasonings may not agree with their digestive system.
See also: Can Dogs Eat Eggplant Parmesan? What You Need To Know
What Part Of The Eggplant Is Not Good For Dogs?
The leaves, stems and seeds of eggplant are all not good for dogs. The leaves contain solanine, a chemical that can be toxic to dogs if eaten in large amounts.
The stems also contain solanine, which could cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by your dog. Finally, the seeds of the eggplant can cause an obstruction in the digestive system if swallowed whole.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid feeding any part of the eggplant to your dog.
To clean an eggplant for a dog:
1. Begin by thoroughly washing the outside of the eggplant under running water.
2. Cut the stem using a knife and remove the leaves. Make sure not to leave any pieces behind as this can be harmful if ingested by your pet.
3. Cut the eggplant by length. Use a spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds.
4. Cut the eggplant into small, bite-sized pieces and rinse off any remaining skin or seed residue.
Is Cooked Eggplant Good For Dogs?
Yes, cooked eggplant can be safely fed to dogs in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Eggplants are low in calories and contain fiber and numerous minerals including folate, magnesium, and potassium.
They also provide some vitamins such as vitamin K and B6. Keep in mind that you should only feed cooked eggplant to your dog as raw eggplants contain solanine which is toxic for dogs if eaten in large amounts.
As with any human food, cooked eggplant should not comprise more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Additionally, you should watch out for signs of digestive upset or an allergic reaction when giving your pup eggplant for the first time. If all goes well and your pup enjoys the taste of eggplant, it’s perfectly safe to give them one to two small pieces per week as a special treat.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid adding any additional ingredients like salt or spices when cooking the eggplant for your pup.
As with other fruits or vegetables offered to dogs, it’s best to serve small portions of cooked eggplant as treats rather than make them a regular part of their diet.
If your dog enjoys the occasionally cooked eggplant treat, it can be a fun and interesting way to switch up mealtime!
How To Cook Eggplant For Dogs
Eggplant is a nutritious and tasty vegetable that can be added to your dog’s diet. Dogs love the earthy taste of eggplant, so it can make an excellent addition to their meals or just as a snack.
Here is how to cook eggplant for dogs:
Start with a fresh eggplant
Make sure you select one that is ripe but not overripe. Softened flesh indicates decay, so it’s best to avoid those.
Prepare the eggplant
Rinse it off before slicing it, then slice it into small cubes or strips depending on what type of dish you’re making. You could also grate it if desired.
Cook the eggplant
Place the cubes or strips in a lightly oiled skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also steam the eggplant for about 7-10 minutes or bake it at 375F for roughly 15 minutes.
Serve
Once cooked through, let cool before serving to your pup. Eggplant is great served on its own as a snack or added to their favorite dish.
Making sure that you are providing your pup with complete and balanced nutrition is important, so adding healthy foods like eggplant into their diet can help keep them happy and healthy!
Can Eggplant Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?
Yes, eggplant can cause diarrhea in dogs. Eggplants contain solanine, a toxic substance that can be poisonous to animals including dogs if ingested in large amounts.
While it’s unlikely for your dog to become seriously ill from eating an occasional bit of eggplant, make sure you are not feeding them a whole eggplant every day.
When it comes to human foods, it is important to always feed your dog in moderation. While eggplants can be eaten in smaller quantities, consuming large amounts of this vegetable could potentially cause discomfort in dogs.
Contact your vet immediately if there are any other symptoms present such as vomiting, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication that will help settle the stomach and alleviate any discomfort caused by the overconsumption of eggplants.
In Conclusion
While dogs can safely eat eggplant skin, you have to start off with small amounts of eggplant just to see if your dog is allergic to the vegetable. Dog allergies are more and more common in the last years and you have to be safe.
