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Tailwise

Vegetable

Can dogs eat tomatoes?

A little In moderation

Ripe tomato flesh is fine in small amounts. The green parts — leaves, stems and unripe fruit — contain solanine.

Why Solanine and tomatine in green parts

Photo: Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine (CC0) via flickr

If your dog ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Signs to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Lethargy

How much, how often

A slice or a couple of cherry tomatoes.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Ripe red fruit only
  • No sauces, ketchup or seasoned dishes

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

Ripe tomato flesh is fine in small amounts. The green parts — leaves, stems and unripe fruit — contain solanine.

How much: A slice or a couple of cherry tomatoes.

Cats In moderation

A little ripe tomato is safe; keep cats away from tomato plants.

How much: A small piece.

Can cats eat tomatoes?

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Ripe tomato flesh is fine in small amounts. The green parts — leaves, stems and unripe fruit — contain solanine.

How much tomatoes can a dog have?

A slice or a couple of cherry tomatoes.

What makes tomatoes risky for dogs?

Solanine and tomatine in green parts.

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

vomiting, drooling, lethargy.

What should I do if my dog ate tomatoes?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Is tomatoes safe for cats too?

A little ripe tomato is safe; keep cats away from tomato plants.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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