Can dogs eat tomatoes We know people can, and do, eat LOTS of tomatoes and tomato based products.
Fresh tomatoes are one of those food staples that we just leave hanging around in the kitchen counters and tables. Many of us will also have a tomato plant in our own backyard or patio so we can enjoy some fresh, homegrown tomatoes.
And we use them is all sorts of ways. They go so well with pastas, salads, sandwiches and some folks even munch on them as a snack – we know we do!
Not only are tomatoes delicious, they are also nutritious. Tomatoes provide a lot of nutrients that are good for our bodies.
Now most dogs want to eat whatever we eat. So we if we offer them a tomato, they’re going to eat it. (In fact, dogs want to eat just about everything including poop). But are tomatoes safe for our dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, tomatoes as dog treats are okay… as long as it is not part of their regular diet. To put it simply, dogs can eat tomatoes, but there are risks.
It is important to be aware of the risks of feeding your dogs tomatoes, so read on.
Tomato stems and leaves contain a component called Solanine which is harmful to dogs when eaten in large quantities. Solanine is found on a tomato’s stem, leaves, and those really young green tomatoes. So if you are going to feed a tomato to your dog, make sure that it is ripe and that you don’t feed your dog tomatoes too often.
Also, it’s important to note that if you are growing tomatoes in your garden, keep your dogs away from them. They might accidentally eat the stems and the leaves. If this happens, make sure to monitor your dog for signs of tomatine poisoning. The signs include gastrointestinal upset, muscle weakness, tremors, cardiac effects, loss of coordination, and seizures.
The signs mentioned above are rare, and the prognosis for dogs who suffered from tomatine poisoning is generally good. If your dog shows any of these signs, it is crucial to call your vet immediately.
So, to summarize, yes, dogs can eat tomatoes as long as it is ripe and they are fed tomatoes in moderation. Avoid the stems, the leaves, and unripe tomatoes. And, lastly, keep your dogs away from your garden.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Please check out other articles in the series including: Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
