Can Dogs Eat Eggplant?

Eggplant is a tasty addition to salads, entrees, and plenty of side dishes. But can dogs eat eggplant, or should they avoid this colorful garden staple? 

Good news: When fed in moderation, dogs can eat eggplant safely. Moderation is key, but a few small bites of plain, cooked eggplant are OK for healthy adult dogs on occasion. Just go slow to ensure your dog doesn’t get an upset stomach from the influx of fiber, and steer clear of any additives that could make them sick (like garlic or onion) that may find their way into your recipe. 

Here’s what you need to know about eggplant for dogs, including health benefits, recommended portion sizes, and how to prepare it safely.

Is Eggplant Good for Dogs?

Eggplant is rich in fiber and antioxidants. A small amount of plain, cooked eggplant is fine to share with your pooch and can even be a good way to boost their fiber intake.

Eggplant contains essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting your dog's overall health and well-being. Additionally, eggplant is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage and promote a healthy immune system.

But as with any human food, eggplant should never be considered a replacement for a balanced dog food diet—just given as a treat or topper to their usual dish.

Can Eggplant Be Bad for Dogs?

Not all dogs should eat eggplant, especially those with kidney issues or other digestive sensitivities. As a member of the nightshade family, eggplant does contain small amounts of the compound solanine. Too much solanine can lead to upset stomach, weakness, or difficulty breathing (though it would take a lot of eggplant to cause an issue). If you suspect your dog has ingested a significant amount of eggplant or is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact your vet ASAP.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs may also want to avoid eggplant. Like other fibrous foods, eggplant can cause digestive upset or diarrhea.

It’s possible, though unlikely, that your dog could be allergic to eggplant. As with any new food, watch your dog for any signs of an allergic reaction after they take their first few bites. If you notice any adverse symptoms, stop feeding eggplant and call your vet.

How To Safely Prepare Eggplant for Your Dog

While eggplant offers some nutritional benefits, dogs should only eat this fruit in moderation. The same applies to any fruit or veggie—offering too much can lead to digestive issues such as gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.

When preparing eggplant for a dog, wash it thoroughly and remove the stem. Peel your eggplant before feeding the flesh to your dog—the skin can be tougher for pups to digest. Dice the eggplant into bite-sized pieces to avoid a potential choking hazard.

Next, cook the eggplant. You can steam, boil or bake the fruit to make it more palatable for your furry friend. And always remember: Plain eggplant is best! Avoid any toxic ingredients or seasonings that could harm your pet.

Try mixing the cooked eggplant into your dog’s regular dog food to add some variety to his diet and boost his fiber intake. You can also offer eggplant as a treat for a healthy alternative to their other snacks.

How Much Eggplant Can Dogs Eat?

Even though cooked, plain eggplant is fine to offer your dog, only offer it in very small quantities—especially if your dog hasn’t had eggplant before. As with any treats, remember the 10% rule: treats (including nutritional fruits like eggplant) should only make up 10% of their daily calorie intake.

• Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) = Up to 1 teaspoon of plain, cooked eggplant 

  • Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

• Small dog (21–30 pounds) = Up to 2 teaspoons of plain, cooked eggplant 

  • Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature American Shepherds

• Medium dog (31–50 pounds) = Up to 1 tablespoon of plain, cooked eggplant 

  • Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs

• Large dog (51–90 pounds) = Up to 2 tablespoons of plain, cooked eggplant (or less)

  • Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = Up to 3 tablespoons of plain, cooked eggplant (or less) 

  • Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Other Fruits to Feed Your Dog

Generally speaking, the following fruits are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. As with any new food—even the safe, healthy kinds such as eggplant—only introduce fruit to your dog’s diet slowly and watch for any signs of digestive upset.

• Apples

• Banana

• Blackberries

• Blueberries

• Cantaloupe

• Kiwi

• Peaches

• Pear

• Pineapple

• Oranges

• Strawberries

• Raspberries

• Watermelon

Always talk to your vet before introducing new foods to your dog's bowl. They may have recommendations that take into account your pet’s health, age, and weight.