• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Dog Food Genius

What Can Dogs Eat?

  • Can Dogs Eat…
  • Dog Food
  • Breed Info
  • Health
  • Grooming
  • Names

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Published January 23, 2021 by DFG Staff

Share
Tweet
Pin

Have you been wondering if dogs can eat tomatoes? A lot of people prefer to feed their dogs diets that are made up of whole or natural foods, rather than the chemically processed dog foods found in grocery stores. The problem is, even though a whole-food diet is healthier for dogs, not all human foods, even some of the healthiest ones, are good for dogs.

So, can your dog have tomatoes? And if they can, are tomatoes actually good or bad for dogs? After all, they are acidic, so they may not be the best food choice. As long as you are only giving your dog certain parts of the tomato, it isn’t going to hurt them, and your dog will get a lot of important nutrients in its diet.

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes

Contents

  • 1 What Part of The Tomato Can Dogs Eat?
  • 2 Health Benefits of Tomatoes For Dogs
  • 3 Allergic Reactions To Tomatoes
  • 4 How Much Tomato Can I Give My Dog?
  • 5 Yes, Dogs Can Eat Tomatoes in Moderation

What Part of The Tomato Can Dogs Eat?

While tomatoes can be a good part of a healthy diet for dogs, there are parts of the tomato that you should never give to your dog. The stems, leaves, and roots are not safe for dogs to eat. These plant parts are high in tomatine (as much as a 5% concentration), which is a toxic substance for dogs. It is a form of solanine, which is a poison found in all nightshade family plants, including tomatoes.

Also, never give your dog green tomatoes. Red, ripe tomatoes are the only safe option. Green tomatoes contain more tomatine than ripe tomatoes. Of course, just like with anything that you give to your dog, tomatoes should be given in moderation. In the case of puppies, it is best to avoid giving them tomatoes all together.

The skin is the part of the tomato that has the most toxins. If you are going to give your dog tomatoes as a treat, make sure that you peel off the skin. At the very least, if you are unable to remove the skin, wash the tomato thoroughly. This is very important, especially if you aren’t using organic tomatoes, as non-organic produce is sprayed with pesticides.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes For Dogs

Tomatoes are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as being low in calories and high in fiber. They are also rich in lycopene and beta-carotene, carotenoids that can help prevent certain diseases.

Tomatoes are also loaded with vitamins A, B12, and C, as well as many minerals, such as folate, chromium, and potassium. Some of the many health benefits of tomatoes for dogs include:

  • Lycopene helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, promotes good bone health, and helps to prevent some cancers
  • Beta-carotene helps to improve cognition and prevents metabolic syndrome
  • Vitamin C helps keep the immune system healthy, lowers the risk of heart disease, and helps support the fast healing of wounds
  • Potassium helps keep blood pressure regulated, and is good for the nerves and muscles
  • Vitamin A is necessary for healthy eyes, and it helps speed up the healing of wounds

Allergic Reactions To Tomatoes

Just like any other type of food, there is always going to be the chance that a dog is allergic to tomatoes. It is not a common thing for dogs to have this allergy, but it does happen occasionally. The problem is, there really is no way to tell if a dog is allergic to tomatoes, or anything else, until they have eaten them and have a negative reaction.

If you have fed your dog tomatoes and you notice the following symptoms, chances are they are allergic to them and you should never give them tomatoes again.

  • Itchiness
  • Bright pink or red skin on the ears
  • Rashes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Licking the feet

Another issue to be aware of is poisoning from the tomatine. If you have given your dog tomatoes, and they exhibit the following symptoms, contact your vet right away.

  • Tremors, convulsions, or seizures
  • Weakness in the muscles
  • Loss of coordination
  • Cardiac issues
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Dilated pupils
  • Drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Changes in behavior

How Much Tomato Can I Give My Dog?

Dogs love tomatoes, and they will eat as much as you will give them. But, it is not a good idea to give them too much of anything, including tomatoes. If you are giving your dog tomatoes for the first time, limit it to a couple of slices.

Then, watch them for any signs of allergic reactions or poisoning. If you don’t see any of these signs, it should be okay for you to give your dog tomatoes once in a while. A good rule of thumb to follow is to give your dog one large, or one or two small, red, ripe tomatoes weekly. Cherry tomatoes are okay too, as well as any other type of tomato.

Yes, Dogs Can Eat Tomatoes in Moderation

If you want to give your dog tomatoes as a treat, go right ahead. Just make sure that they are washed well, or even better, peeled. Tomatoes are even healthier for dogs if you cook them, because they are in lycopene, an anti-oxidant, which is easier to absorb when tomatoes are cooked. Tomato sauce is also healthy for dogs to eat.

Share
Tweet
Pin

How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating?

Most healthy dogs can go up to five days without eating. While puppies and dogs need food to survive, your pet can last ... [Learn More]

Pomeranian Cost

How Much Does A Pomeranian Cost?

Like other dog breeds, Pomeranians vary in price based on a range of factors. On average, Pomeranians cost between $500 ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Do you love to eat shrimp and other shellfish and seafood? Does your dog stare at you with those adorable, puppy dog ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Curry

Can Dogs Eat Curry?

Many people enjoy eating curry and Indian food because of all of the amazing flavors that come together in one dish. But ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal

Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?

Do you like oatmeal for breakfast? Are you wondering, can dogs eat oatmeal too? Actually, oatmeal is quite healthy for ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

Nothing beats eating cantaloupe, watermelon, or honeydew out in the yard on a hot summer day. But, oftentimes, we wonder ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Ginger

Can Dogs Eat Ginger?

We all know about the health benefits of adding ginger to our diets. But, can dogs eat ginger as well? Or maybe a better ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Peaches

Can Dogs Eat Peaches?

In general, dogs get their required nutrients from dog food and don’t need any added fruits and vegetables in their ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky

Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky?

Most of us love to chew on beef jerky once in a while, but is beef jerky bad for dogs? After all, it is made with beef, ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Pickles

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

Does your dog come running every time you open a jar of pickles? Do you have trouble resisting those sad eyes that are ... [Learn More]

Primary Sidebar

Popular

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Best Dog Food For Boxers

Best Dog Food For Boxers

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Best Dog Food For Yorkies

Best Dog Food For Yorkies

Best Dog Food For Chihuahua

9 Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas

Best Dog Food Brands

Best Dog Food

Things You Need For A New Puppy

New Puppy Checklist: Things You Need For A New Puppy

Search

Recent

Famotidine For Dogs

Pepcid AC For Dogs

How To Bury A Dog

How To Bury A Dog

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?

Pepto Bismol Dogs

Can I Give My Dog Pepto Bismol?

German Shepherd Life Span

German Shepherd Life Span: How Long Do German Shepherds Live?

Neosporin For Dogs

Neosporin For Dogs: Can You Use Neosporin On A Dog?

Can Dogs Eat Persimmons

Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

Best Dogs For First Time Owners

11 Best Dogs For First-Time Owners

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

Can Dogs Eat Butter

Can Dogs Eat Butter?

Copyright © 2021 Dog Food Genius | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Information |