Can dogs eat Tomatoes?
In small amounts, with care
In moderation, ripe only - a little ripe red tomato flesh is safe, but the green parts are not. Unripe tomatoes, leaves and stems contain a harmful compound, so keep dogs out of the tomato patch.
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What happens
The ripe red flesh of a tomato is safe for dogs in small amounts and even turns up in some dog foods. The problem is the green parts - unripe tomatoes and the leaves and stems of the plant contain solanine and tomatine, natural compounds that can make a dog ill. So a bit of ripe tomato is fine, but a raid on the plant is not.
How much is safe?
A small piece of ripe, red, deseeded tomato flesh now and then is the sensible limit. It should never be a big part of the diet, and there is no need to make it a regular treat. Keep it within the daily treat allowance.
How to prepare it
Use only fully ripe, red tomato, with the green stem, leaves and any hard core removed, cut into small pieces. Serve it plain. Avoid tomato sauces, ketchup and tinned tomato dishes, which often contain onion, garlic, salt and sugar.
Symptoms to watch for
Eating green tomatoes or plant material can cause drooling, stomach upset, vomiting, lethargy and, in larger amounts, more serious effects such as weakness or an abnormal heart rate. Ripe tomato in excess may simply cause a mild upset stomach.
When to call the vet
If your dog eats unripe tomatoes or chews the leaves or stems and then drools heavily, vomits, becomes weak or seems unwell, contact your vet. A raid on tomato plants is worth a call even before symptoms appear.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat ripe tomatoes?
A small amount of ripe, red tomato flesh is safe for most dogs. Remove the green stem and any leaves, deseed it, and keep the portion small and occasional.
Why are green tomatoes bad for dogs?
Unripe green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and tomatine, compounds that can cause drooling, stomach upset and, in larger amounts, more serious effects. Only ripe red flesh is safe.
Can dogs eat tomato sauce or ketchup?
No. Sauces and ketchup usually contain onion, garlic, salt and sugar, several of which are bad or toxic for dogs. Stick to a little plain ripe tomato if you offer any at all.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Food Hazards in Animals MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.