Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? How To Feed Tomatoes To Your Dog
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? If your pup seems eager for that bright, round, tomato treat, you’ll be glad to know it’s generally safe. Both raw and cooked fresh tomatoes can be offered as an occasional snack, provided they’re given in moderation.
As with any new food, introduce tomatoes gradually to make sure your dog’s stomach handles them comfortably. Because of their acidity, tomatoes have the potential to give your dog an upset stomach if he consumes too many. Sensitive stomach dogs might find the acidity of a single tomato overwhelming. And although tomatoes are safe for dogs once they are ripe, many tomato-based human foods include ingredients toxic to dogs (e.g., garlic, onion, chives). So be sure to read the ingredient label before offering your dog any tomato-based human food.
A Good Source of Antioxidants and Fiber
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Tomatoes or dried tomato pomace (pulp, skin and seeds) are mainly utilized in dog food blends like Taste of the Wild, Taste of the Wild PREY and Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains because they have a high content of nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, which are important antioxidants. Free radicals are generated through routine metabolism and can damage molecules in your dog’s body that are required for optimal well-being. Antioxidants help to protect your dog from destructive free radicals.
Dry tomato pomace is a great, balanced source of both insoluble and soluble fiber, lycopene, and vitamin C. Soluble fiber maintains digestive health and firm stools. Fiber from tomato pomace is fermented within the large intestine of your dog to provide short-chain fatty acids, a fuel for intestinal cells. Soluble fiber regulates colon pH and encourages growth of beneficial bacteria within the colon.
Can dogs eat raw tomatoes?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? We prefer to eat raw tomatoes, usually sliced up in a salad or piled in a sandwich next to ham or cheese. Maybe that is one big beef tomato chopped up into slices, or a plate of small cherry tomatoes halved (or crunched on whole). Yummy for us, but can dogs eat raw tomatoes?
Yes — raw tomatoes are safe for dogs to eat, but only if they are ripe. This is absolutely essential — just give your dog ripe, red tomatoes. Never give your puppy a green or unripe tomato, and by no means allow him or her near the leaf or stem of a tomato plant.
Why? Because, much like potatoes — and that’s why you never feed your dog raw potatoes — the tomato is a ‘nightshade’ plant, and thus contains solanine and tomatine in it, which are both toxins and poisons for dogs. More about the risk of tomato poisoning here, and potato poisoning here.
Your pet dog would have to have eaten a large quantity of tomatoes in order to be struck with poisoning, but exercise care in the amount your dog consumes. Take your pet’s size into consideration — it goes without saying large dogs can eat food of any kind, not tomatoes only, in greater amounts compared to a small one.
Can dogs eat canned tomatoes?
No — dogs do not eat canned tomatoes. Tomatoes that come in cans or tins usually contain additional ingredients that are toxic and bad for your dog. Some Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? canned tomatoes include garlic and/or onions in the ingredients — both of which can be toxic to dogs if swallowed. Additional ingredients that can become problematic for your dog include added salt or sugar, and several preservatives. Always look over the ingredients label on any food before even thinking about feeding your dog.
Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Tomatoes are one of the popular garden vegetables and a versatile ingredient in many human dishes. They are full of nutritious vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. But are these red fruits as well-suited for dogs as they are for humans?
Tomatoes do contain essential nutrients, but they’re also abounding with a catch. The fruit of the tomato plant does contain something known as solanine, which is not healthy for dogs. Solanine is strongest in the stems and leaves of the plant, but it does reside in tiny amounts in the fruit as well. Eww.
How to feed tomatoes to dogs
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? If your vet indicates that your dog is allowed to have tomatoes, then make sure to select ripe, red tomatoes and discard the leaves, stems, and vines.
Thoroughly wash the tomato, particularly if it is not organic because non-organic fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that can ill your dog. Serve the tomatoes fresh to your furry friend without adding anything such as salt.
If you give your dog a tomato product like soup or sauce, examine the ingredients label for impurities that can be poisonous. It’s best to steer clear of the prepared foods and simply utilize fresh tomatoes that you prepare yourself.
If you do have tomato plants, make sure that your pet cannot access them and eat any unripe tomatoes or green leaves on the plants. If you’re growing tomatoes indoors, place the plant in a raised pot rather than directly on the floor. For outdoor gardens, be sure to fence or block off the area so your dog cannot access the plants.
Should your dog still manage to reach the tomatoes, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Watch closely for any concerning symptoms and seek medical advice if you suspect something is wrong.
Key Points
- Small amounts of ripe, red tomatoes are generally safe as an occasional treat, but they shouldn’t become a regular part of your dog’s diet.
- Never feed unripe green tomatoes, as they contain harmful substances.
- If your dog eats green tomatoes or parts of the plant and begins showing signs of poisoning, consult your vet immediately.