When it comes to the question of whether our furry friends can indulge in the delightful world of tomatoes, opinions are divided. Tomatoes, celebrated for their numerous health benefits, have long been a favorite among health-conscious humans. But what about our beloved canine companions? Can they partake in the tomato goodness and reap similar health rewards?

As we explore the potential risks and benefits of feeding tomatoes to dogs, we’ll discover that the answer is not as straightforward as one might think. Beneath the vibrant red skin lies a story of nutrients like beta carotene and lycopene, which have been praised for their cancer-fighting abilities in humans and have even sparked interest as a potential aid in certain canine cancer treatments.

However, like any treat, moderation is essential, as an excessive amount of tomatoes or frequent feeding can lead to unforeseen dangers for our furry friends.

So, grab a tomato (or a dog treat) and join us on this intriguing journey as we uncover the truth about tomatoes and dogs, revealing whether this delightful fruit is a culinary treat or a potential health hazard for our beloved canine companions.

Read here to learn about can dogs eat bread.

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Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs?

Tomatoes are known for having many health benefits. Human enthusiasts of this bold and versatile little fruit can enjoy a generous wallop of Vitamin C, as well as ample fluids and fiber, both of which can assist in maintaining healthy digestion or even help alleviate constipation.

Tomatoes also provide beta carotene, as well as other important carotenoids such as lycopene. Evidence suggests that lycopene may help reduce the risk of cancer in human patients [1], and research has also shown promise in lycopene as a potential aid in the treatment of certain canine cancers such as osteosarcoma (an aggressive type of bone cancer) [2].

Feeding ripe tomatoes in small amounts on an infrequent basis is unlikely to be harmful to your dog’s health, and in some cases (when done carefully) may even be good for dogs. However, do be aware that feeding too many tomatoes, or feeding tomatoes too frequently can be dangerous.

What’s more, if you feed your dog a commercial, complete dog food, there is little need to supplement his or her diet with additional foodstuffs such as tomatoes. This is because these dog foods are formulated to contain everything your dog needs already, in balanced amounts.

Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs?

If you feed your dog large amounts of fruit or feed tomatoes frequently, this can be harmful to your dog’s health or even result in toxicity. You may also find that if your dog has a sensitive stomach, even one tomato could cause gastrointestinal upset.

Furthermore, whilst rare, a small number of dogs can have an allergic reaction to tomatoes which may be dangerous. Signs of an allergic reaction include wheezing or difficulty breathing, breaking out in hives, or even collapsing due to a drop in blood pressure.

Always monitor your dog when introducing new foods, and contact a vet immediately if your dog reacts oddly or develops any of these signs.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Tomatoes?

Canned or tinned tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, so long as they have been stored properly and do not contain any added sodium, onion, garlic or seasonings. Whilst it’s OK to let dogs eat cooked tomatoes in small amounts, remember that if you do want to add tomatoes they should only form a very small part of your dog’s diet as an occasional treat. And of course, never, ever feed green tomatoes to your pet.

Can Dogs Eat Fresh Tomatoes?

Yes, dogs can eat fresh, ripe tomatoes on an occasional basis. So, dog parents can safely share tomatoes (in small amounts) with their pets from time to time, without too much concern.

Feeding large quantities of this fruit should be avoided as this can result in your furry friend becoming unwell or even developing tomatine poisoning, as discussed below under ‘How to Treat Tomato Poisoning in Dogs?’

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Tomatoes?

Generally speaking all red tomatoes (including cherry tomatoes) are safe for dogs when fed in small quantities. So yes, dogs can eat cherry tomatoes as an infrequent snack.

Due to the high levels of Vitamin C and beta carotene cherry tomatoes contain, in some cases the occasional cherry tomato may even be good for dogs. As always though, take care not to overdo it, and avoid any tomatoes that are not fully ripe.

Can Dogs Eat a Full Tomato?

Yes, most dogs will be able to eat a full ripe tomato without any ill effects. Remember though, that if you do want to feed tomatoes, they should only be fed in small amounts as a very occasional snack. Green tomatoes (unripened tomatoes) should never be fed to dogs as they can make your dog sick or even cause tomatine poisoning.

Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce?

Although ripe, cooked tomatoes are safe for dogs if fed occasionally, it is not recommended to let your dogs eat tomato-based sauce or pasta sauce. This is largely due to the fact that ingredients such as garlic and onion are typically included in tomato sauces to make them more appealing to human tastes, along with seasonings that may not be suitable for pets.

In some cases, tomato sauce or certain brands of low-sugar ketchup may even contain artificial sweeteners that could be dangerous for your dog, such as xylitol. So, save the sauce for your own juicy steak, and keep it away from pet food!

Pasta sauce and spaghetti sauce should not be fed to dogs for the exact same reason that you should hold off on feeding tomato sauces: because of the frequent inclusion of other, potentially harmful ingredients. It’s also a good idea to avoid feeding your dog human foods more generally, as this is one of the main causes of vet visits due to gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea).

Can Dogs Eat Tomato Soup?

Whilst dogs can eat tomatoes that have been plainly cooked, you should avoid letting your dog eat tomato-based soups and stews. Like spaghetti sauce, these meals are crafted to suit a human palate and so tend to contain ingredients that are not suitable for pets.

How to Treat Tomato Poisoning in Dogs?

Dog owners may be surprised to learn that the humble tomato plant is actually a member of the nightshade family; yes, the same family containing deadly nightshade! The tomato plant (especially the green parts: the stem, leaves, and green unripe tomatoes themselves) contain a potentially toxic substance called tomatine [3]. If tomatine is consumed in large quantities, severe poisoning can result.

Even fully ripe tomatoes contain tomatine in low levels, yet these are generally considered safe for dogs to eat. This is because a fairly large amount of tomatine needs to be consumed for significant toxicity to occur.

Signs of tomatine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, cardiac dysrhythmias, weakness and neurological signs such as ataxia (uncoordinated movement) and confusion. Treatment for tomatine poisoning is purely supportive, that is, aimed at addressing and managing the clinical signs of the toxicity. It is not recommended to attempt to treat tomatine poisoning yourself at home.

What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Green Tomatoes?

If your dog ate green tomatoes, or you believe your dog is suffering from tomatine poisoning, contact your local veterinarian immediately. Information to have to hand during the call includes how many green tomatoes your dog ate (or even better, the weight of green tomatoes that was consumed); the time that your dog ate the green tomatoes; and whether any other green parts of the plant were also eaten.

Do Ripe Tomatoes Contain Tomatine?

Yes, even a fully ripe tomato will still contain some tomatine. However, the levels of tomatine in the ripe fruit are low enough that these tomatoes are safe for human and canine consumption, in moderation. It’s worth being aware that ripe-but-bitter tasting tomatoes may contain a higher than usual level of tomatine, which has a characteristic, sour taste. You (and your dog) should avoid eating any such tomatoes.

Are Tomato Plants Safe for Dogs?

The green parts of tomato plants are not safe when ingested by dogs due to the amount of tomatine they contain. A tomato garden is a dangerous place for curious and/or hungry pups, who may chew on or ingest parts of the tomato plant including the tomato leaves and stem as well as unripe raw tomatoes.

As discussed above, this can result in stomach upset or even tomatine poisoning. Contact your vet immediately if you believe your dog has eaten the green parts of a tomato plant such as the stems and leaves.

Do Your Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Feed Them in Moderation

In the age-old debate over whether dogs can safely indulge in tomatoes, we find ourselves navigating the fine line between health benefits and potential risks. Just as tomatoes offer a generous wallop of vitamin C and vital nutrients for us humans, their nutritional profile has sparked curiosity about their effects on our four-legged friends.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to balance and knowing what’s best for our furry companions. If you choose to share the occasional tomato treat with your dog, do so carefully and consult with a veterinary professional to ensure it aligns with their dietary needs.

Read about dog dental care and best dry food for dogs.

Reference List:

[1] Story, E.N., Kopec, R.E., Schwartz, S.J. and Harris, G.K. An Update on the Health Effects of Tomato Lycopene. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology. (2010)

[2] Wakshlag, J.J. and Balkman, C.E. Effects of lycopene on proliferation and death of canine osteosarcoma cells. American Journal of Veterinary Research. (2010)

[3] You, Y. and van Kan, J.A.L. Bitter and sweet make tomato hard to (b)eat. The New Phytologist. (2020)