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