Can dogs eat tomatoes? The answer is both yes and no. While ripe tomatoes can be given as a healthy snack to your dog from time to time, the unripe variety and tomato plants should not be served to your pup.
It is best if you keep your dog away from your tomato plants. You can either fence off or supervise your dog when around tomato plants. Your dog and plants will go to great lengths to thank you for this small gesture.
There are over 500 different types of tomatoes, including cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes. Most of these types are safe when ripened. Ensure to consult your vet if your dog has any allergies.
Health benefits
Many people wonder whether tomatoes are poisonous to dogs. Pet food companies use tomatoes in their formulas because they are so full of nutrients & other important stuff! Tomatoes are suitable for dogs, so it stands to reason that they have some benefits.
- Tomatoes are powerful antioxidants and contain a range of essential vitamins & minerals, including potassium, vitamin C & vitamin K. The quality of tomatoes can make a significant difference in the amount of these healthy nutrients your dog consumes.
- Tomatoes are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber is helpful for digestion and maintaining the blood sugar levels of your dog. It also helps to remove toxins from the body. Whole tomatoes have less fiber than pomace, as they do not contain the liquid removed from pomaces.
- Tomatoes contain a substance called lycopene, which helps grow strong bones and reduces the risk of stroke.
Risks
Tomatoes are safe for dogs, but only when they are ripe. Unripe tomatoes contain solanine, which increases with time. Once it reaches the mature stage, this poison decreases quickly.
Tomatoes also contain a potentially toxic element called tomatine. Consuming large amounts of it can be hazardous to dog health, but ripe tomatoes have such a low amount that even if your pet wolfs down more than you’ve ever imagined, they will not get sick.
Unripe tomatoes contain more tomatine, but the difference is probably not significant. The tomatine levels vary from stalk to leaves—with the highest levels found in the flowers.
Dogs are more likely to experience mild gastrointestinal upset when they eat tomato plants. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and appetite loss. Larger grazing animals have the most potential for tomato toxicity due to their high volume of consumption. That being said, there is still a possibility that symptoms could be even more severe in small animals because of their limited ability to process said plant material.
Feeding method
You should know never to give your dog green tomatoes as a pet owner. You have to make sure they are ripe and red with the stems, leaves, and vines removed. And serve them small pieces without any additives like salt.
FAQs
Can Dogs Eat Raw Tomatoes?
Dogs can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation. Raw tomatoes are usually safe for your dog, but parts of the tomato like the stem, leaves, or even the core might be toxic to them because of solanine.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Tomatoes?
Cooked tomatoes or tomato sauces can be their thing for a bit of a treat for your pup. But steer clear of foods with garlic and onion and any spices like salt and pepper.
Can a dog have canned tomatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat canned tomatoes. There are no known significant side effects that would cause harm to the dog. Just make sure that the canned tomatoes do not contain high salt content.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
