It’s very tempting to spoil dogs. However, the truth remains that though they can eat and have any kind of food or treats, not all are still good for their daily consumption.
For instance, eggplant has been proven to be good for dogs to eat due to its perfect nutritional components such as vitamins, minerals, fibres, calcium and many more. But still, allowing your dogs to consume it much can result in numerous health issues.
There are many more to know and understand about your dogs and their favourite eggplant. So if you are eager to make some helpful discoveries, then keep reading.
Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?: Nutritional Needs Of Dogs
Before we dive into the main focus of this article, let’s enlighten ourselves on the basic nutritional needs of dogs.
As you know, dogs are omnivores which means that they are a type of animal or pet that can eat any type of food. But wait? Hope you aren’t also about shoes and other objects that can be chewed since they can chew food. Hell no! Shoes and those objects aren’t included. Here, we are strictly referring to organic food grown in gardens or farms.
Different nutrients must be included in any kind of food that you feed your dogs. They are categorized into six. They are what makeup what we referred to as a completely balanced diet for healthy pets. They include:
1. Water
The first nutritional component in your dog’s diet is water. The main reason why water should be included is that it will help to always keep your dog hydrated. Also, for your dogs to grow healthy, they will need to drink clean water daily.
Water makes up 60%-70% of a full-grown adult dog’s weight. As such, they need to drink an average of about 50ml-75ml of water a day per kilogram of their body weight.
Oftentimes, dogs don’t necessarily drink all the time because the majority of canned dog food tends to provide dogs with 78% of the water they need. So therefore if you are a dog owner, you will need to make sure that your dog regardless of its breed, size and condition must always drink water.
Furthermore, when the temperature rises, dogs can easily get dehydrated quickly. So that is another reason why it must be constantly fed with water. When it’s hot, you can give your dog an ice cube in place of water so that it will absorb the water slowly.
2. Protein
Another essential nutrient that your dogs will need for healthy growth is protein. Protein digestion will allow your dog to obtain amino acids which are important for its bodily development. The most preferred source of protein is animal protein rather than plant-based protein. Your dog needs to consume between 2-6 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight.
3. Minerals
Minerals are also important in any diet that your dogs are eating. They contribute to your dog’s well-being. Some of the minerals that greatly impact Include iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium. They help to keep your dog’s bones healthy, strong, and solid.
Additionally, it’s what ensures that there are good metabolic reactions for the proper functioning of the body. Every dog will need calcium of about 0.25 grams and phosphorus of about 0.2 grams per day and kilogram.
4. Fat
Dogs love and need fat in their nutritional diet. However, it is advisable not to feed your dogs too much fat as it will cause some problems in their system. Make sure that you keep a close watch on every treat that they feed on and avoid ones with excessive fat content.
Preferably, you can go for industrial food as they contain the right amount of fat for your dog’s needs.
5. Vitamins
Just like human beings and the need to always eat lots of vitamins, so does it apply to dogs. They need vitamins to grow and live healthily. When there is a presence of vitamins in your dog’s diet, it helps to facilitate the various vital exchanges inside their body.
However, ensure that the dog’s food is well-balanced with vitamins. Nevertheless, it is still important to only feed your dogs with the appropriate amount of vitamins and avoid exceeding them. Excessive intake can also cause a great problem.
6. Fibres
Another nutritional need in your dog’s diet is fibres. By fibre, we mean carbohydrates. They are the integral needs of dogs. It provides energy to the rest of the body and also allows the retention and use of protein properly.
The amount of carbohydrates that a dog’s body absorbs needs to be monitored daily. However, dogs need around 7-10% fibre in their diets.
Potential Risks Of Feeding Non-Nutritional Foods To Dogs
Below are the risks associated with not feeding your dogs the right nutritional diet. They include
1. Change In Faeces
When your dog isn’t feeding on the right amount of nutritional needs, it will cause the dog’s bowel movement to change such as the colour of its faeces.
Normally, the colour of your dog’s faeces should be brown, malleable like playdoh, contain no foreign objects and be free of mucus.
However, any abnormality apart from this for more than 24-48 hours should be considered a sign of some health digestive issues due to nutritional deficiency.
2. Depression
Another problem will be depression. As funny as it might sound, dogs have feelings. Sometimes, you might notice that your dog has been acting weird of late and you might be wondering why.
Within that period you will also notice some abnormal changes in the way it feeds and its bowel movement as well. This can be a result of malnutrition which can also cause some problems leading to depression and lethargy. So always keep an eye on your dog’s condition.
3. Skin Or Coat Disorders
The lack of vitamins and minerals which are the essential nutritional needs of every dog is not added to the diet of your dog for a couple of days, you will start noticing some changes such as hair loss, skin diseases and infection.
4. Lack Of Energy
Malnutrition can cause your dog to lack energy especially when it hasn’t fed on any carbohydrates which is the fuel source of energy. It will make your dogs weak and sick. To fix the problem as it wouldn’t look good on your dog and its appearance.
5. Digestive Problems
Feeding your dogs raw or uncooked food will cause some digestive upset, diarrhoea, vomiting and even bacterial infections. This is mostly with protein or carbohydrates, which are the primary energy sources.
6. Unbalanced Diet
When your dogs aren’t fed the right amount of food that is required with the complete nutrients. It tends to cause some problems. However, to avoid these risks, it is important to feed your dog a well-balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients your dog will need.
Also, while buying your dog’s main diet, always look out for descriptions stating that it is “complete and balanced” on the product label before buying.
Furthermore, if you are unsure of the right food to buy, you can contact your veterinarian or nutritionist to help by providing you with a complete and balanced diet outline for your pet.
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Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?
You might be wondering whether your dogs can eat eggplant or if it is good enough for them. Well, the answer to this question is “Yes”, it is good for your dogs to eat eggplant as it is not poisonous. They can eat it raw. However, it is still harmful especially when you don’t know the right amount to feed your dogs. It should be little quantities and not large quantities to avoid problems which we will be discussing as we move forward.
Nutritional Content Of Eggplant For Dogs
Eggplant is very nutritious and contains a wide range of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Below is a breakdown of some of the eggplant’s nutritional contents.
For instance, a 99 grams eggplant:
a. 0.82 grams of Protein
b 0.23 grams of Fat
c. 35 Calories
d. 8.64 grams of Carbohydrates ( 3.17 grams are Sugars)
e. 188 milligrams of Potassium
f. 2.5 grams of Dietary Fiber
g. 6 milligrams of Calcium
h. 0.12 milligrams of Zinc
i. 1 milligram of Sodium
j. 0.25 milligrams of Iron
k. K1.3 milligrams of Vitamin C
l. 11 milligrams of Magnesium
M. 85 micrograms of Vitamin B6
N. 14 micrograms of Folate
O. 2.9 micrograms of Vitamin K
Also, eggplants contain flavonoids. It is a pigment that provides some health benefits and gives eggplant its distinct dark purple colour.
Potential Benefits Of Eggplant Nutrients For Dogs
Below are the benefits of eggplant nutrients for dogs. These nutrients can benefit your dog’s digestion, bones, muscles, blood, skin, nerves, brain and heart. They include
1. Fibre
This nutrient can be found in eggplant. They help keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly and prevent constipation or diarrhoea.
2. Manganese
This is a mineral which supports bone health, a strong immune system and energy metabolism.
3. Potassium
This is also another essential mineral that eggplant has which helps to regulate the body’s fluids and support muscle function and overall vitality.
4. Vitamin K
This is one of the essential vitamins in eggplant. It helps in blood clotting and bone health.
5. Vitamin C
This is another vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to protect your dog’s immune system from diseases like arthritis.
6. Vitamin B6
This is another vitamin that helps to produce infection-fighting white blood cells and support brain function.
7. Niacin
Another vitamin is niacin. This is a vitamin that helps to convert food into energy and supports skin health.
8. Copper
This is another mineral that helps to form red blood cells and maintain healthy nerves and bones.
9. Magnesium
Another essential mineral is magnesium. It helps to regulate nerves and muscle function. It also supports no e-health.
10. Anthocyanins
This is a type of pigment with antioxidant properties that can protect your dog’s cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Anthocyanins may also improve heart health and blood flow to the brain.
Health Benefits And Risks Of Eggplants For Dogs
Below are the health benefits of feeding your dogs eggplants. They include:
1. Supports Bone Health
Eggplants are a good source of manganese which is a mineral that’s needed for several functions in the dog’s body. When eggplant is consumed by your dog, it helps to nourish the skin, maintain bone health or formation and reduce bone mineral density.
2. Reduces Cell Damage
Eggplants contain fairly high amounts of various types of phytonutrients such as nasunin and chlorogenic acid, which can be used to help protect cells from damage and lower the risk of heart disease.
3. Weight Maintenance
Plant-based diets and diets rich in fibre are associated with healthy weight maintenance and a reduced risk of obesity. When your dog consumes a high-fibre diet, it helps them to maintain a healthy weight.
Also, epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that dietary fibre intake is inversely related to metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
4. Protection Against Chronic Diseases
Since eggplants are incredibly high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are those compounds that fight oxidative stress, a phenomenon caused by the over-accumulation of free radicals in the body. Such antioxidants are anthocyanins which are common in eggplants that are known to guard your dog’s body against various chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart diseases.
5. Aids Digestion
Eggplant is loaded with dietary fibre. However, fibre contained in eggplant is 3 grams out of every 100 grams of raw eggplant. It helps to aid digestion and is well-documented.
Fibre mainly supports your dog’s digestion in two ways. First, it nourishes his gut microbiome. Gut microbiomes are microscopic organisms that live through an animal’s alimentary canal, which enhances food digestion and metabolism. Studies have shown that a healthy balance of these organisms might reduce the risks of certain metabolic disorders.
Secondly, it also adds bulk to stool. Bulkier stools translate to more regular bowel movements and the more frequently your dog empties his bowel, the less likely he will develop digestive issues like constipation.
Risks Associated With Dogs Consuming Eggplants
Below are the risks of consuming eggplants for dogs. They include:
1. Oxalate Poisoning
Oxalates are compounds in many plant species. High exposure to oxalates is harmful to dogs. These compounds are particularly risky for dogs especially the ones with a long history of arthritis or kidney health problems.
They block the absorption of calcium in the bloodstream which will result in conditions like the development of kidney stones.
The slow absorption of calcium will reflect negatively on your dog’s bones Including other problems such as degenerative bone diseases Including canine osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. However, oxalate poisoning is never an issue for healthy dogs since the nutritious properties of eggplant far outweigh its potential oxalate issues.
2. Solanine Poisoning
Solanine is another compound present which can cause problems or harm to your dogs when they eat eggplant. They act as a natural pesticide, contributing to the healthy growth and development of nightshade plants.
However, it is described as an alkaloid that can trigger a host of adverse effects in dogs.
Common symptoms of solanine toxicity include;
a. Nausea and lack of appetite
b. Severe GI upset, often marked by vomiting and diarrhoea
c. Constipation, resulting in flatulence and severe abdominal pain
d. Weakness
e. Throat irritation
f. Dehydration, resulting from vomiting and diarrhoea, and usually marked by dry eyes or mouth
g. Hypersalivation excessive drooling
h. High or low heart rate
i. Fever
j. Fatigue
k. Drowsiness
l. Slow reflexes
m. Behavioural changes, such as withdrawal, pacing, aggression, or non-active demeanour.
However, solanine is more abundant in eggplant skin and leaves and its toxicity will be low on your dogs if you feed them with only the eggplant flesh.
3. Iron Deficiency
The presence of nasunin can cause harm to your dogs. It absorbs iron from blood cells. Therefore, it triggers iron deficiency which isn’t helpful to your dog.
4. Blood Sugar Issues
Eggplants contain a significant amount of sugar which is about 3.5 grams for every 100-gram serving of the vegetable. Dogs do not need sugar in their diet and eggplant containing 3.5 is already way too high for them. So, it is advisable to only consume a little of the eggplant to avoid sugar issues.
5. Allergic Reactions
Dogs are omnivores, which implies that they can safely consume a diet comprising both plant- and animal-based products.
However, dogs require more meat than veggies in their meals. So when a dog eats more vegetables, it can cause some allergic reactions. Here are a few symptoms of eggplant allergy in dogs:
a. Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhoea.
b. Skin problems like a rash, itchiness, and swelling.
c. Respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.
Other factors like your dog’s age, breed, activity levels, metabolic rate, and general health condition also determine how severe the side effects of eggplant allergy will be. Positively, the allergies are less common and less severe when it occurs.
Health Conditions Or Dietary Restrictions That May Affect A Dog’s Ability To Eat Eggplant
If your dog suffers from any of these conditions, you might want to start looking at his diet.
1. Obesity
Obesity is a growing problem in dogs around the world. Most Dogs with that condition don’t need to consume too much food or vegetables.
So consider how active your dog is and what type of ingredients are making up the calories in his food. Working and active dogs are going to need a lot more calories than your average pet.
Many ingredients, such as corn and soy, are often packed with calories but offer little to no nutrition, therefore, making it necessary for your dog to consume more food to get enough vitamins and minerals. This leads to an increase in calories, which leads to obesity.
2. Poor Skin And Coat Condition
The skin is the largest organ of the body for all animals and is affected by nutrition. A diet that is lacking essential fatty acids is going to quickly be reflected in your dog’s skin and coat condition. Dull, brittle coats and dry, flaky skin may be signs that your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients.
Other causes are allergies and endocrine, such as thyroid. The omega-3 fatty acids that your dog is most commonly deficient in are those found in fish and flaxseed oils.
Fortunately, adding these essential fatty acids is becoming a popular trend in foods, so a deficiency is becoming less common. Still, if your dog is showing poor skin and coat condition, you might want to look at the food he’s eating and consult with your veterinarian.
3. Reduced Immunity
A lack of proper nutrition means your dog’s body isn’t getting what it needs to function at the highest level. One of the first things to begin suffering is the immune system.
You might see this appear as wounds that don’t heal, infections that take longer to clear up, or even allergies. While your dog may be allergic to some of the ingredients in his food, it’s also likely that he will become sensitive to environmental allergies.
The immune system will struggle to control a yeast or fungal infection on its own, leading to an increase in hot spots and ear infections. Some owners have claimed that a change in diet has alleviated environmental allergies in their dogs by strengthening the immune system.
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a very serious condition that may be related to a poor diet. This inflammation of the pancreas leads to the leakage of digestive enzymes, causing the pancreas to begin digesting itself. There are acute and chronic forms, both related to poor diet, and both are life-threatening conditions.
Dietary fat is known to be associated with pancreatitis in dogs, and that’s why we often see the acute condition after a dog gets table scraps of bacon or other high-fat foods.
A diet high in unnecessary fats from grains is also thought to contribute to chronic pancreatitis. Veterinarians have found that the more processed the foods, the higher the potential risk of pancreatitis in dogs.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs is often associated with a poor diet. Diabetes mellitus is the type most often seen in dogs and is often a genetic condition. It may also be a secondary condition related to improper nutrition.
Diabetes has many causes but is often triggered by obesity and chronic pancreatitis both related to the quality of diet consumed by the dog. Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be controlled with insulin injections and a strict diet. So, avoiding foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as corn, soy, rice, bread, and other grains, will help reduce the risk of diabetes and help manage it should your dog be diagnosed.
6. Kidney Disease
Eggplant contains oxalates which can cause kidney damage. Dogs with kidney disease should avoid eating eggplant or other foods high in oxalates such as spinach, rhubarb, and beet greens.
That’s why it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
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Preparing And Serving Eggplants For Dogs
If you decide to give your dog eggplant, it’s best to prepare it in a way that is safe and healthy for them. Below are the four best ways to do so:
1. Cut To Size
Cut the eggplant into small pieces so that it is easier for your pup to chew and digest. This will also help to prevent them from eating too much at once.
2. Cook It First
Eggplant is a bit bitter when eaten raw, so it’s best to cook it first. You can either bake it or steam it. Also, avoid adding salt, sugar, or oil to the eggplant, as these are not healthy for dogs.
Furthermore, by cooking it first, it will help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction as the allergen has been destroyed.
3. Feed It In Moderation
Eggplant is a high-fibre food, so it’s important to feed it in moderation. Too much fibre can cause diarrhoea, weight gain, and other digestive problems in dogs. So, start with a small amount and see how your pup does.
4. Avoid Frying It
Frying eggplant can be bad for your pup’s health. The oils used in frying are not healthy and can lead to weight gain and other health problems. It also kills off the beneficial nutrients in the vegetable. Instead, bake or steam the eggplant.
However, the best way to use and still achieve your aim is through baking, grilling, and roasting them. It will help in softening and giving your dog a warm treat.
Proper Preparation Techniques For Removal Of Potential Toxins For Dogs
To make eggplant more enticing to your dog, you’ll likely have to cook it. However, if you want to serve up something fancier, there are plenty of recipes out there for dog-friendly eggplant treats such as the one below
1. Eggplant Jerky
If you’re looking for something unique, try out this recipe for eggplant jerky. It’s safe for dogs, and you might even enjoy it, too
To make eggplant jerky, you’ll need:
A dehydrator or oven
Eggplants
Preparation
a. Take your whole eggplants and trim off the ends.
b. Cutting lengthwise, slice the eggplants into thin strips. A thickness of ⅛–¼ an inch is perfect. You can do this with either a mandolin or a knife. The thicker you slice it, the longer the eggplant takes to dehydrate.
c. Using a Dehydrator: If you have a dehydrator, the strips may be added directly inside for 3–4 hours at 135°F (57°C). For a crisper texture, leave the jerky in a little longer.
d. Using an Oven: If you don’t have a dehydrator handy, then an oven will work! After drizzling some olive oil on top and spread the slices out on a baking sheet. Bake them for 2–3 hours at 175°F (79°C). Once they’re crispy enough for you, remove them from the oven.
e. Allow the jerky to cool down before serving it to your dog.
Note: While you can add seasoning (like a small amount of salt), it’s not recommended. Sodium isn’t something your dog needs very much, so adding it to their treats isn’t a good idea. If you want to add a small amount of salt to help the dehydration process it will be totally fine, but remember that it should be way less than you would use for yourself.
2. Grilled Eggplant
If you want to take a simpler approach, then you can always grill your eggplant.
Preparation
a. Set the eggplant onto your grill and allow it to rest for 30–60 minutes on low heat. It will eventually “collapse”.
This is when many people would deem it to be ready, and it is ready to serve your pooch. Again, go light on the seasoning, or better yet, no seasoning at all.
Introducing Eggplants To Your Dog’s Diet
Below are the best comfortable ways that you can introduce eggplants to your dog’s diet. They are as follows:
1. Remove all stems and leaves from the eggplant. This is because these parts are known to contain solanine, a toxin that can harm dogs if ingested.
2. Cut the eggplant into small pieces as this will help to make it easier for your dog to chew and swallow, and also reduce the risk of choking.
3. You can grill, bake or boil the eggplant, but avoid frying it or adding any oils, spices, salt or garlic. I prefer cooking as it will help to reduce the amount of solanine in the eggplant.
4. Feed your dog in a smaller amount or moderate size since you are trying to incorporate it into their diet for a start. You can start with a teaspoon or less, depending on the size of your dog, and see how they react.
5. Some dogs may have difficulty digesting eggplant or be allergic to it, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, itching, rashes, upset stomach or headaches. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop feeding your dog eggplant and consult your veterinarian.
6. If your dog tolerates eggplant well, you can increase the amount over time but it mustn’t exceed 10% of its daily calorie intake. Eggplant should not replace your dog’s regular food but rather complement it as a treat or snack.
Alternative Vegetables For Dogs
Below are other vegetables that have the same amount of vitamins and minerals as well as other potentials that dogs need. They include
1. Carrot
Dogs usually love carrots, which are sweet, crunchy, and fun to chew on. Feed them fresh, cooked, or frozen. Just like other vegetables, ensure that you cut them down to a proper size for Fido or blend them to make sure they are easy to digest and don’t present a choking hazard.
Benefits
a. Carrots are an excellent source of potassium, fibre, and vitamin A
b. Noshing on these veggies may even improve your dog’s dental health by gently scraping teeth to prevent plaque build-up.
2. Sweet Potatoes
They are super nutrient-dense and offer a huge range of health benefits for both humans and canines. You can serve baked, roasted, or pureed.
Raw sweet potatoes are poorly digestible and risk obstructing if large pieces are swallowed. Additionally, they are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, potassium, and antioxidants.
Benefits:
a. High in vitamin A, which helps promote healthy skin and coat and also provides benefits to eyes, muscles, and nerves.
b. They can help to add more fibre to your dog’s diet and may be able to offer soothing relief if your furry one is experiencing an upset stomach.
3. Peas
Many pooches enjoy pea pods right off the vine, but you can also feed your dog frozen peas. Just avoid canned varieties, since they may have added sodium or preservatives. They are an excellent source of protein, fibre, folic acid, and a ton of vitamins, including most of the B-complex vitamins, as well as Vitamins A, C, and K
Benefits:
a. These tiny treats feature both protein and fibre, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and K.
b. Their small size makes peas great for training treats.
c. Peas are a healthy and easy meal topper since they don’t require any chopping.
4. Broccoli
Dogs usually aren’t as picky as kids when it comes to eating their greens. They can enjoy it. However, you can serve it raw or cooked so long as you skip any seasoning, or simply give some frozen broccoli as a quick and easy snack.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and fibre. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Most importantly, there is a risk associated with this cruciferous veggie as it contains compounds called isothiocyanates. These can cause gastric irritation in some dogs when too much is fed, ranging from mild to severe. Moderation is the key when it comes to offering broccoli.
Benefits:
a. Broccoli is low in fat, which makes it an excellent treat for dogs who need to lose a few pounds.
b. This green vegetable is rich in vitamin K, which improves bone strength and density.
5. Green Bean
The natural sweetness of green beans makes them a palatable choice, while their many nutrients (protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K, to name a few) make them a healthy occasional treat option.
If your dog is overweight, you can reduce calories by replacing some of your dog’s kibble with unsalted green beans, whether canned or frozen. Your pooch will enjoy his meal just as much without realizing that it’s helping him slim down and improve his health.
Benefits:
a. The iron in green beans helps promote the production of red blood cells.
b. Green beans can help your dog feel full without loading on fat and calories, which is a big bonus if your pup needs to lose some pounds.
Conclusion
Eggplant is safe for dogs to eat, but it’s a bit of an acquired taste. Many dogs do not particularly like the taste and texture, so don’t be surprised if your pooch turns its nose up at your offering.
However, the healthiest and safest form of eggplant to share with dogs is when it is completely plain. It can be grilled, boiled, baked, or raw, but refrain from adding oil, butter, salt, or seasonings.
In case of any further reaction, do well to consult your veterinarian immediately to determine the cause and provide solutions or recommendations.
