It’s summertime, and that means delicious, plump, vine-ripe tomatoes are springing up in gardens all over the country. I don’t know about you, but I love a good garden tomato plucked right off the vine. They are so sweet and juicy that you may forget they’re actually one of the world’s healthiest foods — they’re chock-full of all kinds of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need.
But what about your fuzzy best pal who has been working hard in the garden with you all season long, keeping you company, helping you dig up potatoes, and carrying away mouthfuls of weeds? Will the same rosy-red Roma be as rewarding for him as it is for you? Can something so healthy for humans be dangerous for dogs? The answer is complicated, and may, in fact, surprise you.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, sometimes dogs can have tomatoes, but at other times, the food can be extremely toxic and very dangerous for them to eat. If this seems confusing to you, you're not alone! Many diligent dog owners are concerned about what their pup can safely eat, and tomatoes can be particularly confusing. But don’t worry, this article will fully explain how and when dogs can safely enjoy tomatoes — and when they should stay away.
When Are Tomatoes Toxic For Dogs?
According to Livestrong.com, tomatoes are in the nightshade family of vegetables, alongside some famously poisonous cousins like mandrake and belladonna. But they also are related to other plants that we routinely eat, like eggplant, potato, and bell peppers. All plants in the nightshade family contain parts that are toxic or can be toxic under certain conditions, so they must all must be treated with care.
Where Are The Toxic Parts?
The green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine and tomatine, which can be toxic to dogs in certain quantities, according to petpoisonhelpline.com. Leaves, stems, and young, still-green tomatoes contain higher quantities of these properties and should never be eaten by dogs. The good news is that, as a tomato ripens, the amount of solanine and tomatine in the tomato decreases to safe levels, so a nice ripe tomato is generally safe for pup consumption.
Signs Of Poisoning
If your dog has strayed into some tomato vines and you are concerned that he may have gulped down some green parts of the tomato plant, don’t panic. Tomatine affects the heart and solanine affects the digestive system, but Dr. Marie from Ask a Vet Question reminds us that your dog has to ingest quite a bit of the green parts of the tomato plant before they consume toxic levels. Additionally, tomatine isn’t absorbed very well by the digestive tract, which is a very good thing. Watch your dog closely for signs of tomatine and solanine poisoning, like:
- Upset stomach
- Heartbeat that is too rapid or too slow
- Loss of coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures or tremors
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your vet for further instruction.
Do Tomatoes Have Any Health Benefits For Your Dog?
Tomatoes are healthy for humans, and they can be for dogs too. Tomatoes provide some defense against cancer and degenerative diseases. According to The World’s Healthiest Foods, they are also rich in many vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, biotin, vitamin K, copper, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, niacin, and phosphorus. Any of these may be lacking in the dog food that makes up your pooch’s standard diet, so an occasional tomato will not only be a delicious and welcome treat, but can also fill a hole in their diet.
With that being said, like many foods that are primarily meant for human consumption, tomatoes should be considered an occasional treat and should not in any way be a regular part of their diet.
What Types Of Tomatoes Can Dogs Eat?
Small amounts of red, very ripe tomatoes given to your dog as an occasional treat can be safe, and also healthy. There is no particular type of ripe tomato that is better or worse for your dog. However, you do want to be careful with pr-made sauces or soups that are tomato based. There may be other ingredients in the soup or sauce that are not good for them, such as onion or garlic.
Some dogs may also be sensitive to acidic foods, and tomatoes definitely fall into that category. As always, with any food that you want to introduce into your dog’s diet, do so in a small amount at first, and after you’ve consulted your veterinarian.
Enjoy the summer gardening alongside your best friend and eating the fruit of your labor together! If this article has helped you and your dog, feel free to SHARE it with a friend who may enjoy it as well!
