It is good for dogs to have a healthy diet to maintain strong bones and a strong immune system, however, feeding them with human foods can pose health risks if eaten by dogs in large dosages.
Human foods come in great varieties and can offer dogs great benefits, however, it is important to know the food you are sharing with your dog is appropriate.
Giving your pet some of your food can be both beneficial and harmful, which is why it is important to monitor your dog’s reaction when you feed your dog with human food.
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Can Dogs Eat Eggplants?
Eggplant is not edible food for your dog, but it can be given in minimal amounts. Some dog owners get worried if their dogs have eaten this vegetable because there are possible risks and health effects.
However, you don’t have to worry if you are an eggplant lover and want to share this vegetable with your dog. Eggplant is a safe food for your dog but you have to observe moderation.
It is important to know that the eggplant is a member of the nightshades plant which is known to have a toxic substance that is harmful to both humans and dogs. Some people produce allergic reactions after eating eggplants, and your dog is not exempted.
Although eggplants have toxic substances, their benefits outweigh their disadvantages. Eggplants are rich in fiber, and it is a good source of Vitamin B, Potassium, and Vitamin K. Moreover, eggplants have polyphenolic compounds that important for your dog’s immune system.
Polyphenic compounds protect your dog from chronic diseases while keeping your dog enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle.
Allergic Reactions To Eating Eggplant
As mentioned above, eggplant is edible for your dog, however, it is still advisable to give only a small amount on regular basis. There are dogs that produce allergies and it is important that you observe your dog’s reactions.
- Several side effects that are noticeable in your dog include rashes and itching.
- Your dog may also experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, digestion problems, and an upset stomach.
- Severe reactions include struggling to breathe and body swelling.
If your dog is having these problems, it is best that you seek medical assistance immediately.
Feeding Your Dogs Eggplant
Feeding your dog your eggplant can be very easy. You have to slowly introduce this food to your dog’s diet, only giving a minimal amount. Once you have fed your dog a slice of this food, you have to monitor your dog’s reaction such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal distress.
It is important that you cook the eggplant thoroughly before you feed it to your dog to remove the strong flavor. You should remember that seasoning, salt, and other flavorings are not beneficial to your dog and will only produce negative effects on your dog’s health. Check out our article “Can Dogs Eat Pretzels?” which also talks about the negative effects of salty foods on your dogs.
Moreover, salt and seasonings will likely produce illnesses and may cause deterioration of health. If your dog is responding very well, you can regularly incorporate this food into your dog’s diet.
Choose To Feed Your Dog Organic Eggplants
It is also advisable to feed your dogs an organically grown eggplant. Commercial eggplants are obviously grown with pesticides which are not good for your dog’s health.
The disadvantage with buying organic eggplants is that they are more expensive than commercially grown eggplants. However, if you want to invest in your dog’s health, as well as yours, you will want to choose to buy organic ones.
Cooking Eggplants For Your Dog
To ensure that your dog is safely eating your recipe, it is important to thoroughly cook the eggplant before you feed it to your dog.
Raw eggplant is not a good option for your dogs because it poses a much higher risk of health issues. The best cooking methods for cooking your eggplant are boiling, grilling, or baking.
You should remember that frying your eggplant is not an option for your dog to eat. Fried food produces illnesses and will affect your dog’s health in a major way.
Additional ingredients that you add to your eggplant should not be offered to your dog too because this will only harm your dog’s health. It is better to only feed your dog with eggplant without salt or flavoring.
Benefits Of Feeding Eggplants to Your Dog
There are many benefits of eating eggplant, and your dog can certainly obtain the needed vitamins for a healthy body.
- Eggplant is a good source of anthocyanin polynutrient called nasunin which is known to protect the brain from damage and improve brain function.
- Your dog will also benefit from the chlorogenic acid known to fight viral infections, harmful bacteria, bad cholesterol, and most important fight against cancer.
- A healthy heart is important for your dog to stay active, and incorporating eggplant into your dog’s diet can improve heart functions. Eggplant also enhances better blood circulation and protects your dog from cardiovascular diseases.
- Eggplant can also provide your dog with the right amount of fiber needed for proper digestion.
- Eggplant is also rich in vitamins such as vitamins B1, B6, and K, as well as minerals such as manganese, copper, folate, potassium, niacin, calcium, and iron.
- Because eggplant is low in calories, this vegetable is a great option if you want to maintain the weight of your dog.
Conclusion
Your dog needs to eat healthy in order to remain active, alert, and free from bacterial and viral infections. Although there are several risks to feeding eggplant to your dog, you should also consider its benefits.
It is important to closely monitor your dog after feeding it with a slice so that you will know if your dog is allergic or not. And remember that not all vegetables are healthy for your dog. Check out a related post, “Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos?”
However, if your dog is already suffering from a kidney problem, it is best that you avoid feeding it to your dog. We would love to hear your comments. Share with us your thoughts.