We can hardly imagine any seasonal salad without tomatoes. You’ve also probably noticed that your dog doesn’t mind a tomato in their meal when given a chance.
However, the safety and health of our beloved furry friends should be our priority at all times. So, naturally, we should ask ourselves the following questions:
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Are tomatoes good for them?
Hopefully, with the help of this post, you’ll remove all doubts linked to this topic and make sure that you are making good, informed decisions about your dog’s diet.
Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Let’s answer the big question right away:
Dogs can eat tomatoes, but only in moderation. While ripe tomatoes are not harmful to dogs in smaller amounts, unripe tomatoes and the green parts of the plant are not safe for them.
What Makes Tomatoes Potentially Toxic for Dogs?
Tomato, a popular fruit used in various cuisines worldwide, is a powerful source of vitamins and oxidants. It is most rich in vitamin A, E, and C. Lycopene (a particular chemical found in many fruits) gives it its characteristic color.
However, what interests us most if we look at tomatoes from a dog parent’s perspective is the presence of potentially harmful chemicals. In the case of tomato, these mysterious components are:
- solanine,
- and tomatine.
Solanine is a substance found in the green parts of tomatoes, mainly the stem. It is toxic in larger amounts and may therefore be undesirable for your dog. Solanine is highly present in unripe tomatoes.
A similar case can be made for tomatine – while smaller amounts probably won’t be harmful, you never know when it can go overboard. For that reason, it is best to stay on the side of caution and avoid unripe tomatoes altogether.
What Amount of Tomatoes is Safe for My Dog?
Unfortunately, we cannot give you an answer to this question with 100% certainty.
The reason for this is that different breeds of dogs tolerate different amounts.
Generally speaking, you can take a medium-sized tomato and cut it into small slices. Then, gradually give your dog a slice by slice and observe their behavior.
We wouldn’t recommend anything more than one medium-sized tomato since you never know how much is too much.
Usually, health problems won’t arise from such a small amount. However, we recommend that you consult your vet beforehand to avoid unwanted situations and ensure your dog stays safe.
Make sure that the tomatoes you take are fresh and washed and as ripe as possible. We have already talked about the dangers of unripe tomatoes.
Another important thing is that tomatoes should be organic so your dog can’t ingest any potentially harmful pesticides.
Suppose your dog accidentally eats too many tomatoes or comes across the green parts of the plant somewhere around the house. In that case, they may be subject to tomato poisoning, and you should take the necessary action as soon as possible.
Signs of Tomato Poisoning
The most common symptoms that occur if tomato poisoning has occurred are:
- tremor,
- diarrhea,
- vomiting,
- gastrointestinal upset,
- lack of coordination and energy,
- drooling.
Dogs will most often suffer tomato poisoning when they eat either a large amount (several big tomatoes) or multiple parts of tomatoes rich in solanine.
What Should I Do Next When I Notice Poisoning?
If you notice any of the symptoms described above, call a veterinarian and your dog’s emergency service immediately!
Please try to stay calm and handle the situation appropriately.
Tomato poisoning is curable, and there is no reason to worry. However, it is essential to prevent your dog from eating more tomatoes so that the situation does not get worse.
Call your veterinarian at once and explain precisely how many tomatoes your dog ate, so the vet has a better idea of the situation.
In most cases, the veterinarian may prescribe certain antibiotics. By using antibiotics in just a few days, your dog will recover and be ready to continue running around and playing with you!
Dogs & Tomatoes – FAQs
Now, let’s answer some more common questions about tomatoes in your dog’s diet:
#1 – Can dogs eat tomato soup or tomato sauce?
Although a dog can eat raw tomatoes that are fresh and organic, the situation is different when it comes to storebought sauce or soup.
These products, as well as canned tomatoes, contain toxic additives that can further disturb your dog’s gastrointestinal system. Therefore, any type of serving of processed tomatoes is not recommended for your dog.
#2 – Can dogs eat cooked tomatoes?
Homemade cooked tomatoes may be potentially safe for your dog, but you should stay cautious. If you cook them with other strong spices (such as garlic, onion, salt, and pepper), you may end up upsetting your dog’s stomach regardless.
#3 – Are cherry tomatoes safe for dogs to eat?
Just like with regular tomatoes, ripe cherry tomatoes are safe for your dog in moderation. Still, the green parts of the plant remain harmful for dogs and should be avoided.
#4 – Are tomatoes good for dogs in moderation?
Tomatoes can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet.
Earlier, we mentioned which vitamins are found in tomatoes. It is only natural that these ingredients are suitable and healthy for your dog.
Still, we emphasize again that you take care of the amount and way of serving tomatoes to your dog before incorporating them into their diet.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Watermelon – Watch out For These Few Things
Conclusion
Now we are interested in your side of the story.
Do you serve tomatoes to your dog?
If so, do you use some particular method of serving?
In the comments below, please share your experiences and ways of serving with us!
See you in the next post!