Yellow: with caution
Yes, in small pieces, preferably cooked. According to the American Kennel Club, aubergine is safe for dogs in moderation. The fruit is not toxic in normal amounts.
Why aubergine is marked yellow
Like tomatoes and potatoes, aubergines belong to the nightshade family. According to the AKC, they produce solanine, a glycoalkaloid that protects them from being eaten. It is most concentrated in the green parts, including the leaves and flowers, with less in the purple fruit. For the related tomato, the ASPCA lists the plant as toxic, but not the ripe fruit. Aubergine itself is not listed in the ASPCA database. Because only the fruit is suitable, and larger amounts of fibre can upset digestion, we mark it yellow here.
How to serve aubergine safely
- Peel and cook: Start with one small piece, peeled and cooked. Cooking makes it softer, although the AKC says it can also be served raw.
- Watch the skin: The skin is not toxic, but it is tough and can get stuck in the throat, especially in puppies.
- No oil or garlic: Fried aubergine, moussaka and aubergine dips containing garlic are off the menu.
- Plants in the garden: Do not let your dog nibble the leaves or flowers.
- Count it in: Vegetables supplement the daily food allowance; they do not replace dog food.
What if your dog has eaten too much?
According to the AKC, too much aubergine can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and changes in digestion. Offer water and keep an eye on your dog. If your dog seems lethargic, diarrhoea persists, or they have eaten leaves, flowers or a dish containing garlic, call your vet.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance
- Adding rice and potatoes to dog food: how to account for extras
- The first 30 days with a puppy: a plan for weeks 1 to 4
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Eggplants?; ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Tomato Plant (Lycopersicon spp), Toxic to Dogs, ripe fruit not toxic; ASPCA, Dogs Plant List (aubergine not listed).
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