Alice White
When it comes to the eggplant, opinions differ. While some love vegetables, others prefer to avoid them completely. It is similar with dogs: some hate the taste, others love it. But be careful: raw and unripe eggplants are poisonous to dogs. We reveal why your pet is only allowed to eat the nightshade family when it is cooked.
Can Dogs Have Eggplant?
Eggplants are nightshade plants that are difficult for dogs to digest. The vegetables can be harmful to dogs, especially when they are raw because they contain so-called alkaloids, which can lead to poisoning. The cooking process renders the toxins harmless. That is why dogs are only allowed to eat eggplant cooked.
Eggplant is not suitable for dogs with pre-existing conditions such as kidney problems or osteoarthritis. The pulp contains oxalates, which can promote inflammatory processes and kidney stones.
Raw and Unripe Aubergines: Dogs are not Allowed to Eat Them
Eggplants contain the substance solanine, which is one of the alkaloids that are poisonous for dogs. Especially in unripe and raw vegetables, the solanine content is dangerously high, so that consumption can lead to poisoning. Modern breeds contain less solanine and are therefore largely harmless, but are nonetheless unsuitable for raw consumption.
Caution: raw and unripe eggplant is poisonous for dogs!
When the dog has eaten raw eggplants
Many dogs automatically avoid eggplants because they are deterred by the bitter taste. If your dog eats large amounts of raw vegetables, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Solanine poisoning manifests itself through typical symptoms of poisoning:
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea up to bloody diarrhea;
- Irritation of the mucous membranes;
- Apathy and disorder of brain function.
Cooked Eggplant: Dog is Allowed to Eat it in Moderation
If ripe eggplants are cooked, the bitter toxins are lost and the vegetables are safe to eat. Nevertheless, you should only feed your dog cooked aubergines in small quantities, for example as part of a BARF menu.
Only feed eggplants unsalted
In any case, the nightshade plant may only be completely cooked to the dog and fed without the addition of salt or other spices. Roasted and pickled eggplants are taboo for dogs, as roasted substances, oils and spices can lead to digestive problems or even poisoning.
