Click to Skip Ahead
Tomatoes are commonly found in many people’s gardens and kitchens. These sweet, round, shiny fruits can be tempting snacks for your pup. But can canines eat tomatoes? Are they safe?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat tomatoes, so if your dog manages to eat one, there is no reason to panic and rush to the vet. These fruits can be a source of antioxidants and fiber and even have other potential health benefits. However, while tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, there are a few risks to be aware of.
In this article, we break down the benefits and risks associated with feeding tomatoes to your dog.
Can Dogs Safely Eat Tomatoes? Are Tomatoes Safe for Dogs?
Whole, ripe tomatoes are perfectly safe for your pup to snack on! While some dogs won’t be interested in eating a tomato, it can be irresistible to others that love the sweet flavor. Tomatoes are low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with moisture for added hydration. They are also loaded with vitamins C, A, and K and contain beneficial minerals like potassium, manganese, and phosphorus.
Tomatoes contain lycopene , a plant nutrient with antioxidant properties that give tomatoes their red color. Studies sugges t that lycopene may be beneficial during treatment of osteosarcomas in dogs.1
Of course, if your pup is eating a well-balanced diet, tomatoes are not necessary, but they can still make great healthy occasional treats if your dog enjoys them.
Potential Risks of Feeding Tomatoes to Dogs
The tomato plant is a member of the nightshade family of plants. Green tomatoes and the leaves, stems, and vines contain a toxic substance called solanine. It’s also present in small amounts in ripe tomatoes, though there is nowhere near enough to cause problems for a dog.
However, green tomatoes and the tomato plant itself can be dangerous to dogs, so you should keep your pup away from any growing tomato plants. In most cases, a dog would need to eat a significant amount to have any negative health consequences, but some dogs are more sensitive than others, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If your dog does manage to eat a large portion of a tomato plant or an unripe tomato, keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Dilated pupils
- Confusion
If you notice any of these clinical signs, take your dog to a vet immediately or speak with one of our veterinarians at PangoVet (from the comfort of your own home!)
Also, if you decide to give a fresh tomato to your dog, make sure it is clean and free from any pesticides. Tomatoes grown in your own garden are best, but they should still be thoroughly washed.
What About Cooked Tomatoes?
Many products contain cooked tomatoes, including sauces, soups, or juices, and these are best avoided for dogs. Most cooked tomato products contain added preservatives, sugar, spices, and other harmful ingredients that may cause problems for your pup; for example, onion and garlic are toxic. We highly recommend making your own recipes with cooked tomatoes, so you know what’s in them.
Final Thoughts
Tomatoes are perfectly safe to give your pup occasionally, and they even have potential health benefits. Just be sure to keep your pup far away from green, unripe tomatoes and the tomato plant itself, as these can be toxic. Additionally, while the whole tomato fruit is perfectly safe, we recommend avoiding sauces and soups, as they often contain additional ingredients that can potentially cause harm to your pup.
Additional Dog Reads:
- Yucca Schidigera for Dogs: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
- Turmeric Recipes for Dogs
- Things to Feed a Dog for Healthy Joints
