Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat tomatoes, whether raw or cooked! Tomatoes are perfectly safe for dogs and can be a fun occasional treat. However, dogs don’t need much fiber in their diet, and tomatoes are rich in fiber, among other nutrients, so moderation is key.
You’ve probably heard somewhere that green tomatoes are toxic to dogs. While that is true, tomato toxicity is incredibly rare. A thousand other things are more dangerous for dogs than tomatoes, so I wouldn’t worry much about it—even if you have a garden where your dog rummages freely.
Why are green tomatoes dangerous for dogs?
Green tomatoes (as in unripe tomatoes) are toxic to dogs because they contain tomatine. Tomatine is a toxin that can cause muscle weakness, vomiting, and heart issues. According to the ASPCA, as the tomato ripens, the tomatine levels decrease, which means ripe tomatoes are safe for your dog! The highest concentration of tomatine—about 5%—is found in the leafy greens and blossoms of the plant, with only a minor concentration in green tomatoes themselves. This is official information from the Pet Poison Helpline.
There’s another substance called solanine that’s present in all green parts of the tomato plant and, to a lesser degree, in green (unripe) tomatoes. Solanine is a natural toxin found in many plants in the nightshade family. In large amounts, solanine can be harmful to dogs. The highest concentration of solanine is in the stems and leaves of the tomato plant, with much lower levels in the actual fruit (tomato is technically a fruit, even though I think of it as a vegetable).
What’s really important to remember is that it would take a significant amount of solanine and tomatine to harm your dog. This means your dog would have to eat a large quantity of green tomatoes or consume a lot of tomato plants, including the leaves and stems, from your garden. I really doubt any dog would do that—neither green tomatoes nor tomato leaves taste good.
So, all the worry about green tomatoes being toxic to dogs is a bit overblown, as green tomato poisoning in dogs is not very common.
Are tomatoes safe for dogs?
Yes, red, juicy, ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs. As with most fruits and vegetables, it’s important to give your dog only a small piece here and there, as dogs really don’t need additional vitamins and minerals. They get their complete nutrition from their dog food.
The only dangerous part of the tomato is the actual plant and the green, unripe tomato, which, unless you have a garden, your dog wouldn’t even get in touch with. And if you have a garden, make sure there’s a barrier that your dog can’t cross to get to the tomato. And check out what they do while they’re playing outside. There’s a good chance that your dog won’t find the tomato plant interesting.
Are there any health benefits of tomatoes for dogs?
Well, tomatoes are healthy, as they have lots of vitamin K and potassium. They are a staple of many diets and for a good reason. Now, if your dog likes tomatoes, you can share a piece every now and then, but make sure not to overdo it. Also, tomatoes have lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.
The main problem with dogs eating too many tomatoes is the fiber content that will make them sick, their tummy swollen, and cause temporary diarrhea and maybe even vomiting.
Raw vs. cooked — which is better?
Can dogs eat raw tomatoes? Yes, they can. The only thing they need is for the tomato to be washed and ripe. If you have a small dog, don’t give them a whole tomato to play with, as they will have trouble chewing it properly, and they will make a mess in your apartment. My dog used to play with cherry tomatoes and enjoyed squishing them on my bed… oh, my poor bedsheets, had to wash them way too often.
Cooked tomatoes are also safe for dogs, but you need to be careful how you cook them. If you’re making grilled or oven-baked veggies, then you can share some tomatoes with your dog as well. This is a good way to give them not just tomato but also zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and carrots.
Cooked tomatoes are also easier to digest as cooking breaks down the fiber, so it’s easier for dogs to handle. But many tomato-based dishes are not safe for dogs, especially stuff where you add spices, garlic, and even salt!
Types of tomatoes and whether they are safe for dogs
This is good news, as all tomatoes are safe for dogs when they’re ripe and ready to eat!
Cooking with tomatoes — what is safe for our dogs?
Now, cooking with tomatoes can be tricky. I personally had to fight my dog not to eat my Bolognese (where I add garlic), and then I worry about him because cooked tomato is a bit acidic, right? And I know that doesn’t sit well with a dog’s gentle stomach.
Can dogs eat tomato sauce?
No, dogs can’t and shouldn’t eat tomato sauce. While it’s not toxic to them—even if it has garlic, spices, and sugar, and even if they eat a whole jar—tomato sauce will upset your dog’s stomach. You shouldn’t give them food with this sauce. That means no meatballs, no Bolognese, nothing.
If it’s just a small meatball with some tomato sauce, then okay, you can share. The same goes for pizza. Dogs can eat pizza in moderation, of course, as a one-time-only special treat. Pizza is high in fat, carbs, and calories. A tiny amount of tomato sauce is okay-ish, but anything with a lot of tomato sauce is really not.
Can dogs eat tomato soup?
Generally, no. Just like tomato sauce, tomato soup is a bit acidic and can cause digestive issues. Tomato soup often contains cream, salt, and seasonings. While these aren’t toxic, they can upset your dog’s stomach.
Can dogs eat sun-dried tomatoes?
No, these are not toxic, but they are preserved in sunflower oil, which makes them a terrible choice for dogs. Please don’t share!
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat canned tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are generally fine as long as they are unsalted and don’t contain added garlic. However, there’s no need to give your dog canned tomatoes. This information is more to give you peace of mind if you cook something with canned tomatoes and your dog accidentally eats some.
Is it safe for dogs to eat tomato paste?
Tomato paste is not toxic and won’t harm your dog. However, it’s highly concentrated and can contain a lot of sodium, so use it cautiously. If you cook with tomato paste, it gets diluted and won’t cause any harm in small amounts.
Can dogs eat unripe tomatoes?
No, unripe (green) tomatoes are not safe for dogs. They can be toxic in large amounts due to tomatine and solanine, natural toxins that can cause vomiting or even more serious health issues.