Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Is It Toxic Or Non Toxic?

Dogs usually show a willingness to follow commands, but their love for you sometimes drives them closer to where you’re eating. Once by your dinner table, they might occasionally grab the chance to nibble on some of your preferred snacks, possibly raw tomatoes or items containing tomato. If your pet ends up consuming a tomato, it’s natural to be concerned about the impact it might have. Today, we’re focusing on this exact topic. Let’s dive in and figure out if tomatoes are considered safe or harmful for dogs.

What Tomatoes Are Safe For Dogs, And What Not?

T0matoes hardly come in different types as melons do. So, for easiness, let’s assume there’s only one type of tomato. So, the simple answer to this query is that unripe tomatoes, leaves, and stems are all harmful to your dog for having a toxic element called Solanine. However, red ripe tomatoes are safer for your furry friend.

The tomato poisonous factor is because tomatoes belong to the nightshade family members, which have the toxic element described above.

Instead, ripe tomatoes contain nutrients like fiber, potassium, vitamin A, Vitamin C, and certain antioxidants. But, caution must be taken as safer doesn’t mean it can be given in large quantities. An occasional treat or a cheat diet are good options to be used. And make sure all other parts of the tomato are removed before giving it.

Even to red tomatoes, the dog may be allergic to them, which may show as diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, skin rashes, or upset stomach. Another important thing to note here is if your dog has any problem with his kidneys or bladder, even the red tomatoes are not good for him, owing to being high in oxalates, which can create urinary stones.

Common Symptoms Of Tomatine Poisoning In Dogs

The following symptoms may indicate that your dog has consumed green tomatoes or their stems and leaves, and tomato poisoning has stuck him:

• Mydriasis
• Vomiting or Gastrointestinal upset
• Diarrhea
• Excessive Drooling
• CNS Depression
• Drowsiness
• Appetite Loss

If you notice any of the above symptoms of tomato poisoning, it would be best to see a veterinarian.

The vet will perform a physical examination for any bloating or symptoms described above. He’ll examine his mouth to note any abnormalities if he’s drooling excessively. The vet may induce vomiting to check what exactly the dog has consumed. If he has diarrhea, his stool examination will be done to check if any internal parasite or bacteria has grown.

How About Giving Canned Tomatoes To Dogs?

Although tinned tomatoes are made from fully ripe red tomatoes, they are still unsuitable for dog consumption.

But why?

Canned tomatoes can’t be given to dogs because they contain preservatives, salt, and additional ingredients that may develop taste in human food but are toxic to dogs.

How About Giving Tomato Ketchup And Sauce

Giving your dog ketchup or tomato sauce in small quantities are generally safe, but when you let him eat too many tomatoes like crazy, the trouble will start.

Since ketchup is rich in salt and sugar, the dog’s digestive system may not assimilate this in large quantities, which would result in discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Tomato sauce is equally dangerous for garlic and onions, which can be toxic when taken in large quantities.

How To Safely Share Tomatoes With Your Dog?

The safest way of giving tomatoes to a dog is to keep it as a treat, not a regular meal – and, of course, the red one. A small tomato or a slice of a larger one is enough to treat to make him abide by the pet’s parents’ commands. After all, it’s better to avoid it all, as per AKC.

As far as the question of keeping your dog away from the tomato plant, it depends on how you grow them. If you use it to decorate or do kitchen farming, the pots should be placed above their reach. Avoid putting them at doorsteps or entries where the dog can dodge you when they want to. Or another way is to hand the pots of miniature cherries or grape tomatoes high from the ground where he can’t even jump.

If you plan to grow tomatoes in your garden, surround the plants with a fence, safe enough to keep dogs away.

Do Tomatoes Have Health Benefits for Dogs?

As per American Kennel Club (AKC), tomatoes have a lot of fiber that helps dogs in digestion. In addition to fibers, it has certain antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and Folic acid or vitamin B9. Floci acid plays an enormous role in cellular division, neural development, sulfur amino acid metabolism, homocysteine, and erythropoiesis in dogs.

Fun Fact

Do you know there was a famous court case concerning tomatoes, Nix v. Hedden, 149 U.S. 304 (1893), in which the plaintiff argued tomatoes be treated as fruit to get tax exemptions, but the court held otherwise on the basis that tomatoes’ commercial use is of vegetable

Some Other Food That Your Dog Can Not Eat

Fruits

• Tomato (without stems and leaves)
• Grapes +Raisins
• Cherry
• Avocado

Vegetables

• Onions
• Mushroom
• Brussel Sprouts
• Asparagus

The Bottom Line

The unripe green tomatoes are not fit for dog consumption, whereas ripe tomatoes can be given. But ‘can be given’ should be taken as a regular meal item. Instead, occasionally as a treat can be given. If by chance your dog consumes green tomatoes or stems and leaves and shows any symptoms like vomiting or others, consult your vet immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it ok to give your dog tomatoes? Are tomatoes good for dogs?

Only ripe tomato is ok to be eaten by dogs. On the other hand, your dog should avoid young green tomatoes and their leaves, as both are toxic for him

How much tomato is safe for your dog?

One tomato per week is safer for your dog. But it’s advised to check your pet’s reaction by giving a slice just to see his allergic reaction, if any. For example, if vomit or difficulty breathing is observed after your dog ingests it, you should stop giving further.

Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?

The rule remains the same whether it’s cherry tomato or any other type of tomato. Dogs can eat fully ripe red fleshy parts of the tomato plants only with the green parts.

What foods are toxic to dogs?

You must not give your dog to eat onion, garlic, chives, cooked bones, corn on the cob, chocolate, unripe tomatoes, Avocado, Artificial Sweetener, or other toxic ingredients, no matter if their products are like juicy steak for your dog.

Are cooked tomatoes OK for dogs? Do dogs eat cooked tomatoes?

Cooked tomatoes are ok for dogs as far as they aren’t cooked with any food that is toxic to dogs. Onion, garlic, or spices can upset your pup’s stomach for being toxic ingredients.

Can dogs eat ripe tomatoes and cucumbers?

Yes, you can feed your dog ripe tomatoes (without green parts) and cucumbers, but occasionally. Not a part of their regular meal. Keep them restricted to their pet food.