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Can dogs and cats eat eggplant?

Short answer on eggplant: safe only with care for dogs, toxic for cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

The verdict changes by species: caution for dogs and toxic for cats.

The two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line, named hazard, and signs to watch for your pet below.

  • Safety label differs
  • Bottom line differs
  • Named hazard differs
  • Signs to watch differs
Caution

Eggplant safety for dogs

Cooked, peeled eggplant flesh may be tolerated by some dogs, but eggplant contains solanine and oxalates and can also trigger digestive upset or an allergic reaction.

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-16

Toxic

Eggplant safety for cats

Eggplant should not be fed to cats. It contains solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and respiratory signs, especially when enough is eaten.

Toxic principle: Solanine in eggplant

Watch for

  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • drooling or throat irritation
  • abdominal pain
  • lethargy or slow reflexes
  • tremors or seizures
  • difficulty breathing

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-16

Questions owners ask about eggplant

Can dogs eat eggplant?

Cooked, peeled eggplant flesh may be tolerated by some dogs, but eggplant contains solanine and oxalates and can also trigger digestive upset or an allergic reaction.

Is eggplant safe for every dog?

Not necessarily. Cooked, peeled eggplant flesh may be tolerated by some dogs, but eggplant contains solanine and oxalates and can also trigger digestive upset or an allergic reaction. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.

Can cats eat eggplant?

Eggplant should not be fed to cats. It contains solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and respiratory signs, especially when enough is eaten.

What should I do if my cat ate eggplant?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with eggplant and cats?

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drooling or throat irritation, abdominal pain, lethargy or slow reflexes, tremors or seizures, difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.