Hi! My name is Freddie and I am a German Shepherd.
When I’m not barking at the rain or finding the biggest sticks for my Mum to throw for me, I like to eat.
Like most dogs, I will eat most foods. My Mum and Dad keep a close eye on what they feed me and, recently, I sat like a good boy waiting for some food they were preparing in the kitchen.
The food in question was eggplant and, although it didn’t have the strongest scent, it looked new and delicious so I wanted to try it. I sit and wait for food quite a lot but I understand I need to behave to get treats.
This time, my Mum was unsure if she could give me any eggplant. They said they didn’t know whether it was safe for dogs to eat.
I had to find out whether I could eat this new, mysterious food so I got my paws on some information about whether eggplant is safe for dog consumption.
As you will read below, eggplant is generally safe for dogs to eat but owners should be careful when feeding this vegetable to us. This is because eggplant is known to be an allergen for humans and canines.
I have my eye on a new stick in the park so I have to pick that up soon but first, read on as I discuss whether eggplants are safe for dogs and, if so, what the health benefits are from eating this deep purple vegetable, although it looks grey to me!
Is it safe for dogs to eat eggplant?
Aside from digging holes in my garden, I like to dig up some information. Today, I have unearthed some fascinating facts on eggplants and the benefits and disadvantages of feeding the veggie to your dog.
Overall, eggplant is a superbly healthy vegetable. It has a rich source of vitamins and minerals which are important to your health. This is probably the main reason many people eat eggplant.
Another reason is its delicious taste in a range of dishes when prepared correctly. It is possible to bake, cook, or fry eggplant so you should find it very easy to prepare to your personal taste.
When my parents were cooking it, I immediately ran to the kitchen to find out what the delicious aroma was that filled the air.
Although I wanted to eat whatever they were cooking right away, I understand that dogs cannot eat everything that humans can. Maybe eggplant is another one of these foods.
Thankfully, dogs can eat eggplant and most are completely safe to do so. However, you must be extra careful the first time you feed your pooch an eggplant.
It is recommended that you introduce this vegetable to your dog’s diet first. This way, you can notice any signs of unusual behavior that could be symptoms of a reaction to the food.
Like humans, I and my furry friends can suffer from hypersensitivity or food allergies and become very ill with some foods.
If you notice any signs of these problems in your pet, stop feeding the eggplant to them immediately.
Although some dogs may develop problems from eating this vegetable, the majority should be safe.
Just keep a close eye on your pooch at first and if no problems arise, your best friend should be fine to eat it from then on.
The health benefits of eggplant
Dogs require a healthy, balanced diet just like humans. Feeding us vegetables and fruits packed with vitamins and nutrition is vital to keep our immune system, digestive system, and energy levels in peak condition.
Eggplant offers many health benefits that can be a part of your dog’s balanced diet. This tropical based vegetable is rich in dietary fiber which dogs require to keep their digestive tracts healthy.
It is crucial you don’t feed too many fatty foods to your dog as this can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiac problems.
Fortunately, eggplant is very low in calories making it a great food for dogs on a diet because they will feel fuller without the need to overeat.
Other health benefits include brain health as eggplants contain nasunin, an antioxidant that is needed for healthy brain function as well as helping to prevent brain damage.
Eggplants help to fight cancer due to a chlorogenic acid found within. This helps prevent cancer as well as infections, bacteria, and high cholesterol.
Your dog’s heart health will benefit too. The eggplant helps improve circulation and blood flow, lowering the risk of heart disease which becomes a higher threat in older dogs.
Eggplants contain vital nutrients such as vitamins B1, B6, and K to keep your dog in tip-top shape.
They are also abundant in copper, manganese, folate, potassium, niacin, calcium, and iron which all contribute to your dog living a long and healthy life.
Disadvantages of eggplant
While there are several benefits from eggplants, this veggie can pose a threat on rare occasions.
Firstly, you should never feed your dog eggplant leaves as these can be toxic, making your hound sick and can even lead to death.
Some dogs may suffer from allergic reactions but, as I mentioned, keep an eye out for any symptoms such as itching, rashes, or upset stomachs when you first feed eggplant to your dog.
These reactions can be severe in some cases with facial swelling and vomiting. If you believe your dog is having an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately.
In Summary
So, dogs can eat eggplants due to their nutritional value but you shouldn’t make it the main staple of our diet.
Dog food is perfectly balanced for our needs and gives us all the necessary nutrients to live healthily.
I and my hairy pals generally need more meat in our diets than vegetables and if we don’t get enough meaty goodness, we will soon become depressed and less playful.
Discuss with your vet to find out which is the best way to prepare eggplant for your dog, whether it’s raw or cooked thoroughly.
It is usually best to cut it up into tiny slices and cook eggplant to err on the side of caution and avoid possible side effects.
Time to find that new stick in the park!
