Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Dec 7, 2023
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 7, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Tomatoes are a favorite among humans and most of us have tomatoes at home in our kitchens or even in our gardens.
There are some humans who just hate tomatoes, but most of us love them and how they are a wonderful addition to salads, sandwiches and any type of pasta.
Tomatoes are filled with vitamins A and C as well as beta-carotene which helps with cognition as well as lycopene, which helps reduce the chances of heart disease.
But, can we share tomatoes with our dogs?
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Are Tomatoes Safe for Dogs?
The answer is no.
While the red part of the tomato is OK for dogs to eat, the green parts of tomatoes are very toxic to dogs.
Why Are Tomatoes Unsafe For Dogs?
While the red parts of RIPE tomatoes are OK for dogs, the green parts of the tomato, particularly the stems and vines, and unripened tomatoes, have a toxin that is called solanine.
While tomatoes have only a small amount of solanine, if a dog eats a lot of tomatoes, it can cause problems.
Of course, if your dog were sick, you wouldn’t hesitate to get your dog care, but having pet insurance will certainly help in this situation. It can be a huge relief, financially and emotionally.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
Dog owners who grow tomatoes where dogs can easily eat unripened tomatoes and its stems need to keep the dogs away from the plant and garden area.
Of course, products that have tomatoes such as juice, any sauce or artificial flavor can also be harmful to dogs due to their high salt content and sugar and should never be given to dogs.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
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Symptoms of Tomato Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has any of the following symptoms and you either fed your dog’s tomatoes or have a tomato plant, you will want to take your dog the vet immediately:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal Heart Rate
- Confusion
- Tremors
While these symptoms are rare and only occurs if your dog eats too many tomatoes, it’s important to be aware of the signs.
Your dog might even have a mild allergic reaction to tomatoes which can lead to other symptoms that aren’t as serious but you should stop feeding your dogs any tomatoes and get to your vet for treatment.
Some Allergic Reactions to Tomatoes Might Include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Hives
- Diarrhea/Vomiting
- Swelling on your dog’s body
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How To Safely Keep Your Dogs Away From Tomatoes
If you grow tomatoes at home, make sure that the area where the tomato garden is located is covered and your dog can’t get to that area.
If you have tomatoes in your refrigerator or like to cook with them, the first thing you should do is remove the stem which is the most toxic part of the tomato.
If you leave the stem in the trash, make sure that the bag is fully closed and secure to keep your dog getting to them.
Other Safe Fruit & Vegetable Options for Dogs
While tomatoes can be unsafe for dogs to eat, there are other fruit and vegetable choices that you can feed your dog in small amounts:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Mangos
- Strawberries
- Watermelon (without the seeds)
Keep your dogs’ away from both grapes and raisins as they are very toxic to dogs.
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Pet Insurance Can Help With Tomato Poisoning
If your dog eats too many tomatoes and has tomato poisoning or even a mild reaction, you will want to get immediate treatment for your dog.
If this happens after hours or over the weekend, the cost of medical care and treatment can be very expensive.
Any of the bills associated with this condition or situation will be covered by a pet insurance policy.
There are many different pet insurance companies, like Healthy Paws, Figo or Embrace, that will cover up to 90% of all the bills necessary. And, of course, any other medical condition that might occur with your pup.
Final Thoughts on Tomatoes For Dogs
While some veterinarians are OK with some dogs eating just a ripened tomato without the stem, it is best to check with your vet if tomatoes are OK for your particular dog.
If you are like a lot of dog owners and don’t want to even take a chance on feeding your dog tomatoes, just make sure to keep them away from your dogs while cooking with them or including them in a sandwich.
Of course, a little bite or a tomato slice wouldn’t be enough to cause an adverse reaction, but it’s always best to know what could occur if your dog eats too many or the wrong part of the tomato.
To find out more about the other fruits, vegetables and other food that is safe (and not safe) for your dog to sample, our ultimate safe food guide is a good resource to review.
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Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
No, dogs should not eat tomatoes. While the red part of the tomato is safe for dogs, the green parts, especially stems and vines, contain a toxin called solanine that is toxic to them.
Why are tomatoes unsafe for dogs?
Tomatoes, particularly unripened ones and their stems, contain a toxin called solanine. While the red parts have only a small amount of solanine, consuming a lot of tomatoes can cause problems for dogs, making them unsafe.
What are the symptoms of tomato poisoning in dogs?
If a dog has tomato poisoning, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potentially more severe reactions. If these symptoms occur after your dog has ingested tomatoes, seek immediate veterinary attention.
How can I safely keep my dogs away from tomatoes?
If you grow tomatoes at home, ensure the area is covered and inaccessible to your dog. When handling tomatoes, remove the stems, which are the most toxic part. Additionally, keep products with tomatoes, like juice or sauce, away from dogs due to their high salt and sugar content.
What other safe fruit and vegetable options are there for dogs?
While tomatoes are unsafe, dogs can consume other fruits and vegetables in small amounts. Some safe options include carrots, blueberries, and watermelon. However, grapes and raisins should be avoided as they are toxic to dogs.
Can pet insurance help with tomato poisoning in dogs?
Yes, pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care in case of tomato poisoning. Many pet insurance companies, such as Healthy Paws, Figo, or Embrace, offer coverage for various medical conditions, including those resulting from ingesting harmful substances.
Should I consult my vet before feeding tomatoes to my dog?
Yes, it is advisable to check with your vet before feeding your dog tomatoes, even if some veterinarians may permit dogs to eat ripe tomatoes without stems. It’s essential to know if tomatoes are safe for your specific dog.
Are there other foods I should be cautious about giving my dog?
Yes, there are various foods that can be harmful to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and more. It’s crucial to be aware of what foods are safe and unsafe for your dog. You can refer to our ultimate safe food guide for more information.
How can I ensure the safety of my dog around tomatoes?
To ensure your dog’s safety, keep tomato plants and unripened tomatoes out of reach. When cooking with tomatoes, remove the stems and secure trash bags to prevent access. If in doubt, consult your vet about the safety of specific foods for your dog.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.