Can dogs eat tomatoes?
By Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) MRCVS
Yes, ripe red, yellow or orange tomatoes are healthy for dogs. They make a nutritious and tasty snack that adds variety to your dog’s meals – both in taste and texture. Plus, tomatoes come with added health benefits.
Always serve tomatoes plain, without any condiments, and avoid sauces like pasta sauce. You can offer them cooked, raw, sliced or diced – most dogs enjoy the variety!
#Are tomatoes bad for dogs?
As with most things, too much of one food can cause problems. Eating a large quantity of ripe red tomatoes in one go may lead to tummy troubles. Signs to look out for include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and lethargy. In some cases, a vet visit might be needed for medication or supportive fluids.
When offering treats or snacks, remember the 10% rule – no more than 10% of your dog’s diet should come from treats. The remaining 90% should come from your dog’s usual complete food to keep their diet balanced and nutritious.
Most importantly, unripe or green tomatoes are bad for dogs. They contain tomatine, a natural toxin. If eaten in large enough amounts, it can cause tomatine poisoning in dogs. The good news? Your dog would need to eat a lot – and we mean a lot – of green tomatoes to be at risk.
#Are tomato plants bad for dogs?
Yes, you should not let your dog eat any part of the tomato plant other than a ripe tomato. This includes the leaves, root, stem and stalk the tomato grows on. The tomato plant belongs to the nightshade family and contains a natural toxin called tomatine. As a tomato ripens, the amount of tomatine drops to low or non-existent levels – making ripe tomatoes safe to eat. However, unripe tomatoes and parts of the tomato plant still contain unsafe levels of tomatine and can cause illness if eaten.
Thankfully, tomatine poisoning in dogs is very rare. Signs associated with tomatine poisoning in dogs include:
- Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea and reduced appetite
- Incoordination
- Tremors or seizures
- Drooling or hypersalivation
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet clinic straight away.
#Are tomatoes healthy for dogs?
Yes, ripe tomatoes are healthy for dogs. They provide natural fibre, which supports digestion and helps with normal stool formation. Tomatoes also contain antioxidants, which play a role in cell repair and regeneration. They’re a source of vitamins K, C, A and E, as well as potassium and folate – all important nutrients in a balanced, complete diet for dogs.
Many dogs enjoy the texture and taste of tomatoes – just remember to offer them as an occasional treat or meal topper.
#Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat cherry tomatoes. Ripe cherry tomatoes are safe to feed, as long as all the green parts are removed. For smaller dogs, it’s a good idea to cut them into pieces – this helps reduce the risk of the tomato getting stuck in the oesophagus if swallowed too quickly.
#Can dogs eat tomato sauce?
No. Tomato sauce is a concentrated purée of tomato and other ingredients, making it too rich for your dog’s digestive system and likely to cause tummy upset. Some added ingredients – like garlic or onion – are even toxic to dogs, so tomato or pasta sauces should always be avoided.
What about tinned tomatoes? Plain tinned tomatoes can be safe in small amounts, but always check the label. Some contain salt, sugar or garlic, which aren’t suitable for dogs. If there’s anything other than tomatoes listed, it’s best to steer clear.
#Conclusion
Ripe red tomatoes are safe for dogs to enjoy as a healthy snack. Just remember to stick to the 10% rule – no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake should come from snacks or treats, to help maintain a balanced diet. Dogs can enjoy tomatoes cooked, tinned or fresh, and ripe tomatoes are a great source of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants.
Unripe green tomatoes and other parts of the tomato plant contain tomatine. If eaten in large amounts, this can make your dog unwell. While tomatine poisoning in dogs is very rare, the effects can be serious – so it’s best to avoid any risk. Thankfully, most dogs don’t enjoy the taste of unripe tomatoes, so they naturally steer clear in favour of a ripe, juicy one.
If you’re a keen gardener, protect your tomato patch with secure fencing and train your dog to stay out of your fruit and veg beds. Giving them their own play area, with toys and games to keep them busy, can help stop them from getting into mischief!
