We all know that goats are versatile creatures. They can pretty much eat anything, right? Well, that’s not entirely true. While it’s true that goats can eat a wide variety of foods, there are some things that they should avoid. So, can goats eat eggplant? Let’s find out.
Can Goats Eat Eggplant?
Yes, goats can eggplant, but in small quantities.
While it’s not something you would typically associate with this farm animal, it turns out that goats enjoy the occasional eggplant snack.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re planning on feeding eggplant to your goat friend.
Eggplant contains solanine, a compound that can be toxic to goats in large amounts. More about this soon.
When eaten in small quantities, it is perfectly safe for goats. In fact, eggplant can even be beneficial to their health, as it contains vitamins and minerals that are essential to their diet.
If you’re thinking of feeding your goat eggplant, make sure to do so in moderation. No more than once per week.
Why It Isn’t Recommended To Feed Your Goats Eggplant
After all, goats are notoriously curious creatures, and eggplant is an inexpensive fruit that you might have lying around the house.
However, before you go ahead and give your goats a taste of this seemingly innocuous fruit, there are a few things you should know.
The eggplant is mostly thought of as a veggie when, in fact, it’s technically categorized as a fruit. It is part of the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes.
While nightshade fruits are perfectly safe for humans to eat, they can be quite dangerous for goats.
So why is eggplant so dangerous for goats? The answer lies in a compound called solanine, which is found in all members of the nightshade family. Solanine is a natural defence mechanism that helps plants ward off pests and diseases.
However, when consumed by animals like goats, solanine can cause neurological problems and gastrointestinal distress. In large enough quantities, it can even be fatal.
While some goat owners believe that feeding their animals small amounts of eggplant will build up their tolerance to solanine, this is actually not the case.
Once ingested, solanine stays in the goat’s system for weeks, meaning that the risk of toxicity is always present.
So if you want to keep your goats healthy and happy, it’s best to avoid feeding them eggplant altogether.
Conclusion
As tempting as it may be to share your eggplant with your curious goats, it’s important to remember that this fruit can be dangerous for them to consume.
Eating a larger amount of eggplant can cause gastrointestinal distress or pain, and in large quantities, it can be fatal.
So if you want to keep your goats safe and healthy, it’s best to keep this fruit out of their reach.
Thanks for reading! And as always, if you have any questions or concerns about your goat’s health, be sure to consult with a veterinarian.
Also read: Can goats eat kale
