Can Pugs Eat Eggplant?
Eggplant is a nutritious veggie because there are several ways to prepare it. Like many pet parents, you’re tempted to share food off your plate with your four-legged friend. Especially if they stare at you with their big brown eyes. But can Pugs eat eggplant?
Is Eggplant Safe to Feed Pugs?
If fed in moderation, eggplant is not toxic or poisonous to most dogs. However, if dogs that suffer from arthritis, kidney issues, and allergies, should avoid the vegetable, as it can make the symptoms worse. Eggplant like tomatoes belongs to the nightshade family, which triggers allergies in some humans and pets.
If your Pug is healthy and doesn’t have any underlying medical issues, feeding them in moderation can benefit them, as Eggplant aka garden egg is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
There’s a huge list of vegetables safe for Pugs. It’s up to you as a pet owner to know what you’re feeding your pup.
Eggplant Nutritional Facts
One cup raw eggplant (82 grams) contains:
| Nutrients | Quantity |
| Calories | 19.7 |
| Protein | 0.8 grams |
| Vitamin C | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 22.1 IU |
| Sugars | 1.9 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 grams |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 10.7 mg |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 51.7 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Choline | 5.7 mg |
| Phosphorous | 20.5 mg |
(source)
One serving of the purple vegetable is also high in water and low in calories, which can make a great treat if you’re looking for healthy treats for your four-legged friend.
Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Eggplant to Pugs?
Eggplant is considered to be nutritious because it contains a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The veggie is a good source of phenolic compounds such as caffeic, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids that are endowed with antioxidant properties. These fight off diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurological dysfunction.
The skin which is known as nausunin is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger that can protect cells from damage.
The purple vegetable is also bursting with vitamins A, C, fatty acids, and minerals like choline, manganese, folate, and niacin.
A dog that consumes high-quality dog food likely consumes a balanced proportion of the recommended vitamins and minerals. It doesn’t hurt to have a healthy treat that provides them with more.
That being said, some dogs can have some negative reactions, especially if they’ve never eaten the vegetable before.
Side Effects from Eating Eggplants in Pugs
It can make allergies worse in allergy sufferers in humans and pets. The cause of allergies is unknown, but it is believed to develop from a reaction of the protein allergens that are unique to eggplants.
Allergy sufferers will typically notice signs while eating or shortly after eating the veggie. You’ll most likely notice an itchy throat or mouth and know to stop.
However, your Pug can’t tell you what’s wrong, so you’ll want to monitor them closely when feeding them eggplant.
Watch closely for signs of itching, rashes, or an upset stomach. If your dog has a more severe reaction, they may experience vomiting, belly pain, hives, or facial swelling.
If you notice any type of symptoms, stop feeding them and contact our veterinarian to see what you should do. They’ll likely want you to continue monitoring them for the next 24-48 hours, as most symptoms will usually pass on their own.
Some dogs may require an antihistamine, while others will be fine once the food as passed through the digestive system.
If your Pug has allergies, it’s best to stay away from feeding them any foods from the nightshade family. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Eggplant?
Dogs can eat raw eggplant, but they likely won’t enjoy the bitter taste or spongy texture. If feeding them the vegetable raw, ensure you wash it completely to rid it of harmful pesticides.
Organic vegetables are best for dogs, as they are likely to have less exposure to chemicals. That said, all vegetables should be washed thoroughly before consumption by you or your pet.
What About the Stems?
The stems are supposedly the most delicious part of the plant, but they are not safe for your dog to consume. It’s okay to feed your dog the skin, and inside, never feed them any part of the stem.
If you grow your own eggplants, keep them away from the flowers and leaves of the plant, as it can make them sick. That’s where the most toxic solanine is concentrated.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Eggplant?
Dogs will prefer eating the cooked variety as it tastes better. That said, some dogs still won’t like the creamy texture.
When preparing eggplant to share with your pet, avoid using any salt, butter, garlic, or any other seasonings that can be toxic for your pet.
How to Feed Your Pug Eggplant
Grill, bake, or boil the purple plant before feeding it to your plant. Avoid frying it, as fried foods are not good for you or your dog.
Keep it simple and avoid any complicated recipes you find online. If you prepare some for your dog, keep it separate from your portion, so you don’t mistakenly season it.
Keep the portions small. Serve in small bite-sized pieces, especially if your dog is a gobbler instead of a chewer. Serving too big of pieces can cause them to choke.
A small dog like a Pug should have no more than 1-2 bites of this vegetable per serving. It’s also not a vegetable you want to feed your dog daily, instead serve it as a special treat or occasion.
Alternatives To Eggplant For Pugs
If your Pug has allergies, it doesn’t mean they can’t eat fruits and vegetables. There are plenty of healthy human foods that are beneficial for our four-legged friends.
The vegetables below are not only tasty, but they don’t belong to the nightshade family and are much safer to give to your dog. That said, moderation is always the key whenever feeding your dog any type of food.
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Eggplant
As long as your Pug doesn’t have any underlying health issues or allergies, feeding them eggplant in moderation is fine. Plain, cooked eggplant is the best option for feeding your four-legged friend.
Start out slowly, especially if they’ve never consumed nightshade vegetables. Monitor them closely for any adverse reactions.
Ensure you’re not substituting your dogs regular diet with eggplant or other vegetables. Your dog’s treats should consume only 10% of their daily calories.
If your Pug enjoys eating eggplant, but you don’t want to risk feeding it them, consider feeding them other fruits and vegetables that have little or no known allergens associated with them.