Dog health & Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

We like to feed our canine friends whatever we eat, but what about tomatoes? Can dogs eat tomatoes? Are tomatoes poisonous to dogs?

Being a member of the nightshade family of vegetables, tomatoes for dogs is a significant question for most dog parents. Our mischievous dogs always try to feed on whatever we eat, sometimes, it is hard to stop them, and we wonder whether we should feed our dogs tomatoes.

The answer to this question is not that simple. It may be safe for dogs to eat tomatoes, and sometimes it may not be. Let’s find out the detailed answer.

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes Raw or Tinned?

Dogs can eat tomatoes, but only ripe red tomatoes. The green tomatoes or the green stem and other green parts of tomatoes are bad for dogs. The dogs and tomatoes are not good friends as the sensitive stomach of dogs cannot digest the tomatoes and causes reactions in them.

The ripe red tomatoes can be fed but only in moderation, just like the treats you give to your dog. Not in bulk or as a part of the meal but a little bit like treats because certain substances in tomatoes can cause severe illness in dogs.

But when feeding your dog tomatoes, remember to give him only raw, organic tomatoes, not tinned tomatoes. You cannot provide the tomatoes in the form of other food items like tomato soups or tomato sauces in spaghetti or pizza toppings. These food items contain different ingredients and tomatoes like onions and other preservatives, which can be unhealthy for dogs, especially dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs?

When the dogs eat tomatoes in large quantities it can be harmful to them. Tomatoes contain many toxic substances called solanine and tomatine, mainly present in green parts of tomatoes like the unripe tomatoes, green leaves and stems.

can dogs eat tomatoes raw

In some cases, when dogs have tomatoes in large amounts, it can cause tomatine poisoning in dogs which can be toxic.

Tomatine Poisoning in Dogs

Tomatine poisoning can occur when dogs eat tomatoes in bulk. The smaller dog breeds and the tiny puppies are more susceptible to tomatine poisoning than the larger breeds.

If your dog eats tomatoes in large amounts, then look for the following symptoms in them:

  • Seizures
  • Lack of coordination
  • Cardiac abnormality
  • Tremors
  • Upset stomach (diarrhea, vomiting)
  • Dilated pupils
  • Weakness

If you observe these symptoms on your dog after eating tomatoes, rush to the vet to avoid severe health problems. Your vet will take the necessary steps and take different tests to check the severity of the poisoning.

How Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes Safely?

Tomatoes are not that harmful to dogs if you give them in moderation, in small amounts, just like treats. So, if you want to give your dog tomatoes, be vigilant and try to avoid any green parts. It would be better to prepare this tomato treat by dicing the tomatoes, separating any green parts, and strictly avoiding unripe and green tomatoes.

Tomato soups and purees are not allowed as they contain preservatives, salts, onions, garlic, and other ingredients that can be toxic to your dog. So, avoid these foods as a tomato treat for your dog.

When starting to feed your dog tomatoes, go for small amounts like one or two medium-sized tomatoes in a week and see if your dog show any allergic reaction. If yes, stop giving your dog tomatoes to avoid any health disorders.

FAQs

What happens if a dog eats a tomato?

If your dog eats tomatoes in large amount then look for the symptoms in them:

  • Seizures
  • Lack of coordination
  • Cardiac abnormality
  • Tremors
  • Upset stomach (diarrhea, vomiting)
  • Dilated pupils
  • Weakness

If you observe these symptoms on your dog after eating tomatoes then rush to the vet to avoid any serious health problem. Your vet will take necessary steps and take different tests to check the severity of poisoning.

How many tomatoes are toxic to dogs?

When starting to feed your dog tomatoes, go for small amounts like one or two medium sized tomatoes in a week and see if your dog shows any allergic reaction. If yes then stop giving your dog tomatoes to avoid any health disorder.

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