Do you often give your dog juicy tomatoes? Does your furry friend enjoy eating tomatoes from your garden? If yes, then here’s a word for caution for you – Tomatoes aren’t always good for dogs.

Wait! But, tomatoes are rich in nutrients and vitamins. How can they not be good for dogs? You are about to find out the answers to all your questions right here. Also, read Can Dogs Eat Peaches?

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Yes! Dogs can absolutely eat the tomato fruit. Just like us humans, many dogs also love them for the same reason; they are yum! If you want to feed a tomato to your dog, a small quantity won’t hurt them. 

Veterinarians generally recommend feeding a few table scraps to dogs, every once in a while as a snack. Tomatoes are one such snack. However, they also warn dog owners of the risks associated with dogs eating tomatoes. 

As a dog parent, you have to keep three things in mind when feeding tomatoes to your dog:

• • The quantity you feed them
  • The part of tomato you give them
  • The ripeness of a tomato 

How many tomatoes can a dog eat?

While there is no defined number of tomatoes a dog should be given, moderation is the key.

“Tomatoes in moderation are not toxic for dogs,”
– Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, Veterinarian

You might have heard often, ‘excess of everything is bad.’ In this case, it can lead to severe health problems for your dog. 

So, the ideal way to feed tomatoes would be as a treat, that too occasionally (weekly). If you are giving tomatoes to your dog for the first time, a slice or two would be the right quantity to figure out how well they respond to it. In a minority of cases, an allergic reaction is a possible risk.

Are tomatoes poisonous for dogs?

The tomato fruit is a member of the nightshade family of plants. Its plant contains compounds called glycoalkaloids (mainly solanine), which defend the tomato plant against bacteria, fungi, and insects. These are found in the stems and leaves of the tomato plant and can cause harm to dogs in large quantities. Green tomatoes also contain higher amounts of solanine than ripe red ones. 

The issue is for those dog owners who have a tomato plant in their garden. They have to constantly worry about their dogs chewing on the stem and leaves or eating green tomatoes. Hence, it is best to keep the tomato plant out of your dog’s reach, either by adding fencing around your garden area or by monitoring your dog carefully especially in the garden.

That said, if your dog has consumed a large quantity of the tomato plant, it is recommended you call your dog’s veterinarian right away for advice.

Also, food items that contain tomato, viz., sauces, soups, or juices, are unhealthy for dogs. Because they have artificial flavors, salt, sugar, etc. It’s best to avoid giving your dog any such products.

Signs of tomato poisoning in dogs:

If your furry friend has tomato poisoning, the symptoms you are likely to see are:

1. Gastrointestinal distress
2. Seizures
3. Tremors 
4. Muscle weakness
5. Loss of coordination
6. Cardiac distress
7. Dilated pupils
8. Lethargy
9. Drooling

In case, your dog displays any of these symptoms after eating tomatoes or the tomato plant, rush him to a vet right away. 

Can dogs have tomatoes in unripe form?

Feeding your dog an unripe tomato is a strict NO. Vets suggest that pet owners should ensure to never let their dogs eat green tomatoes. Even a small quantity could prove to be toxic and harmful to your dog’s health.

However, ripe tomatoes are generally safe to give to dogs. But, remember to remove the elfish green hat from the top of the tomato. While tomatoes are not harmful, don’t give too much to your four-legged friend as it can upset their stomach. Being highly acidic, tomatoes could definitely lead to health issues in a dog with a sensitive stomach.

Key Takeaways :

• It is advisable to not apply human guidelines to your canine pals when feeding them tomatoes. 
• A ripe tomato for a dog – nothing to worry about – but do look for signs of distress in your dogs as it can irritate their stomach.
• An unripe or green tomato – can be toxic for your dog – hence avoid feeding your furry pals.
• Stems and leaves of the tomato plant – an absolute NO!
• A small amount given occasionally is the ideal way of feeding tomatoes to dogs.
• Lastly, always consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of distress in your dog after eating tomatoes or the tomato plant.