Can dogs eat tomatoes?

 

Quick takeaways about tomatoes

• Only feed your dogs raw, ripe tomatoes as underripe ones can be toxic.
• Tomato leaves and stems can also be poisonous for your dog.
• If your dog eats too many tomatoes, they could get solanine poisoning – a rare but treatable condition.

 

Tomatoes can be such a crowd-pleaser for us humans – they work in everything from sauces to salads. And while they can be okay as a occasional treat for dogs, there are a few things to be wary of.

You should only feed your dog raw, ripe tomatoes. Underripe or green tomatoes are toxic to dogs. In fact, any other part of the plant such as the leaves and stems are poisonous to them, too. Here’s what else you need to know…

 

Are tomatoes bad for dogs?

Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family of plants, which also includes peppers and aubergines.

All nightshade plants contain something called solanine. Tomatoes also contain a second, similar chemical called tomatine.

Young, green tomatoes as well as the stems and leaves contain both substances – which can be poisonous in large quantities.

To be safe, only ever feed your dog small quantities of ripe tomatoes.

 

What if I grow my own?

If you’re growing tomatoes at home – indoors or in the garden – make sure to either keep them out of reach of your dog or fence off any growing plants.

This is so they definitely can’t accidentally snack on the poisonous parts.

 

Signs your dog has tomato poisoning

Solanine poisoning in dogs is very rare, and your pooch would have to have eaten a lot of tomatoes to be affected.

But, it’s always worth knowing what to look for in an emergency. Signs include:

• Upset stomach
• Lack of coordination and balance
• Tremors
• Muscle weakness

The good news is that solanine poisoning is treatable, so if you’re worried take your pet to the vet immediately.

 

How to feed tomatoes to your dog

If your pooch loves to ‘help’ when you’re cooking, it won’t do any harm to slip them a slice of tomato.

To make it canine-friendly, choose bright red, ripe fruit and wash it thoroughly. Ideally, select organic tomatoes as they won’t contain any pesticides.

 

Dogs and tomatoes FAQs

Can dogs eat cherry or plum tomatoes?

Yes, as long as you stick to ripe fruit. All types of tomatoes are best cut into pieces so that they’re not a choking hazard.

 

Can dogs eat cooked tomatoes?

Dogs shouldn’t eat commercial brands of cooked tomatoes such as pasta sauce. This is due to high salt and sugar levels and the possibility of other added, toxic ingredients like onions.

Small amounts of homemade, stewed and cooled tomatoes with nothing else added should be safe. But, there are probably easier tasty alternatives!

 

Can dogs eat chopped tomatoes?

No. This is because they usually contain preservatives, salt and added ingredients, which can be toxic. It’s best to avoid pasta sauces and tomato sauces all together.

 

Can dogs eat sundried tomatoes?

Sundried tomatoes can contain added salt or other ingredients like garlic and onion, so best to steer clear.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients – including high-quality meat, fruits and vegetables – to help keep your dog healthy and happy.