Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, dogs can eat tomatoes but only in small, infrequent amounts. Ripe tomatoes are considered non-toxic to dogs. They can make good occasional snacks if your dog enjoys the sweet and tangy flavor of tomatoes.

When are tomatoes unsafe for dogs?

For starters, unripe green tomatoes aren’t safe for dogs to eat. Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family. Plants that fall under this group are known for producing an alkaloid called solanine, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large amounts. Dogs that suffer from solanine poisoning may exhibit a number of different symptoms including bleeding, excessive drooling, and heart problems.

While rare, some dogs may also be allergic to tomatoes. This is why dog owners should take precaution whenever they feed something new to their pets. You never know if your dog has an allergic to something as innocent as a ripe tomato.

Ripe tomatoes can also contain toxic alkaloids like solanine and tomatine. They are mostly concentrated in the leaves and stems. Make sure these parts of the tomato are safely discarded and kept out of the dog’s reach.

Cooked tomatoes are safe for dogs but only if they are cooked plain using methods like baking and roasting. You should avoid feeding your dog any tomatoes that have been fried or tomatoes that are cooked with unhealthy additives.

How much tomato can a dog eat?

To be on the safe side, you shouldn’t be feeding your dog more than one ripe tomato per week. Start with a tiny amount if this will be the first time your dog will be having tomatoes. This can help you check whether your dog will have a negative reaction to tomatoes without making the dog feel too sick.

What about cherry tomatoes?

The same rules apply to most varieties of tomatoes, including cherry tomatoes and beef tomatoes. Your dog should be okay with eating a small amount of these tomatoes as long as they are ripe and have the stems and leaves discarded. You can find out what else is or isn’t safe to eat for dogs by visiting our pet food safety list.