Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? - Waggel Answers Your Questions

In this article, we'll be discussing everything related to the question, can dogs eat tomatoes? From the nutritional benefits of tomatoes for dogs to whether or not they're safe to eat, we'll cover it all!
 
So, sit back, relax, and let's get started on learning all there is to know about feeding our furry friends tomatoes.

Well, the answer is yes AND no. We know that’s a tad confusing, but allow us to explain.
 
We all understand the health benefits of the tomato fruit for humans, but the main difference in terms of safety for dogs is between ripe and unripened tomatoes as well as the leaves and stems. 
 
Ripe tomatoes are a fruit that is safe for dogs to eat. The flesh, seeds, and skin of the fruit are all safe for your dog to consume. 
 
However, some dogs may have trouble digesting tomatoes or have an allergic reaction so it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek advice from your vet, especially if your pup has had a reaction to certain foods in the past.
 
If you're ever unsure about whether or not your dog can eat something, always ask your veterinarian for advice.
 
It is important to note that the leaves and stems of the plant are not safe for your dog to eat as they contain a substance called alpha-tomatine. Unripe tomatoes also have a concentration of solanine as well as a risk of tomatine poisoning. 
 
This substance is toxic to dogs and can cause them to become very ill. If you think your dog has eaten any part of the plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
 
Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family as well as aubergine, bell peppers and other common vegetables. This family of vegetables is known to cause problems for dogs.

White potatoes are another member of the nightshade family and can be toxic to dogs in large quantities, especially if eaten raw. Dog owners should also steer clear of the allium family which includes onion, garlic, and leeks. 

The good news though is that tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C. However, as with any food, you should introduce tomatoes to your dog slowly to see how they react. Some dogs may have an upset stomach if they eat too many at once.

As with anything, moderation is key—a little bit of tomato sauce probably won’t hurt your pup, but feeding them an entire bowl of the stuff is a bad idea. Dogs can eat ripe and cooked tomatoes and their products in small amounts without any problems.
 
However, tomatoes also contain a substance called solanine, which is toxic to dogs (and humans) in large quantities. This is especially the case with the green parts of the plants and the raw tomato. 
 
Symptoms of tomato poisoning include loss of coordination, loss of appetite, and stomach issues so be sure to look out for this if your little fluffer has managed to get into a ketchup bottle. 
 
With that warning, it's also best to know that tomato sauces generally contain high amounts of sugar and salt which is not recommended. Therefore, tomato sauce should be avoided.

While we couldn't find any reports of harm from dogs eating tomato soup, there are reports of dogs becoming ill after eating tomatoes.
 
The lycopene and alpha-tomatine in tomatoes can cause an upset stomach in dogs and can also lead to diarrhoea.
 
It is therefore advised not to feed your dog tomato soup mainly due to the addition of salt and sugar. Simply put, we don’t recommend swapping out your dog’s usual dinner for a bowl of tomato soup anytime soon!

Dogs should not eat tinned tomatoes because many contain high amounts of preservatives and salt. High levels of salt can be dangerous for dogs and can cause seizures, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
 
Preservatives can also be harmful to dogs and can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
 
Due to this, we would never feed our dog canned tomatoes although a small amount will not be harmful to your pup.

Cherry tomatoes are a type of small round tomato that is commonly eaten as a snack or used as a garnish. While these little red fruits are not poisonous to dogs, there are some potential risks associated with feeding them to your pet.
 
As with any new food, introduce cherry tomatoes to your dog slowly and in small amounts. Some dogs may be allergic to tomatoes and can experience gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea if they eat too many.
 
Cherry tomatoes also contain a small amount of the toxic compound solanine. While the level of solanine in cherry tomatoes is not high enough to cause poisoning in most dogs, it can still make your pet ill if they eat a large quantity.
 
If you choose to feed cherry tomatoes to your dog, do so in moderation and only as an occasional treat.

While many people think that human foods such as fruits and vegetables are good for their dogs, there are many that should be avoided. Tomatoes are okay if they are ripe and fresh but remember, never give a dog green tomatoes.
 
The reason for this is that they contain a substance called solanine, as well as alpha-tomatine which are poisonous to dogs. These are found in the stem, leaves, and fruit of the tomato plant, but it is most concentrated in the green parts.
 
It can also be found in other members of the Solanaceae family, such as potatoes and eggplants. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include gastrointestinal upset, weakness, seizures, and death. If you think your dog has eaten any part of a tomato plant, call your vet immediately.
 
So, with so many issues which COULD arise from a dog eating tomatoes, we'd say it's probably best to avoid them. As we said the answer is yes and no but the above information should guide you to the best decision for your pup.
 
If you're still unsure, call your vet as they will be more familiar with your particular pet's medical history and can offer professional advice.