Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Can dogs eat tomatoes?. “Dogs can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation, but there are a few important factors to consider before offering them this fruit.” Like other fruits and vegetables that are okay for you to give your dog, i.e., pineapples and cucumbers, providing your dog with tomatoes can have some health risks. This is the reason that knowing the different ways in which tomatoes are safe to eat so as to keep your pet safe is a must. Whether you would like to offer tomatoes as a healthy treat or simply want to be reassured in the event that your dog has picked up a tomato from the roadside, here’s what you need to know about dogs eating tomatoes. As with feeding any human food to your dog, it’s always best to talk to your vet first.
Are tomatoes good for dogs?
Can dogs eat tomatoes?. Small amounts of ripe, red tomatoes are a good thing for dogs. In fact, some JAMES WELLBELOVED™ foods contain small amounts of tomato pulp or ‘pomace’ which is cooked skin and pulp and can do your dog’s gut health some good. Whether or not tomatoes are healthy does rely, though, on them being consumed ripe and in moderation. With there being so many varieties like cherry tomatoes, cooked tomatoes, canned or tinned tomatoes or even tomato sauce, it’s important to know the facts because it isn’t one size that fits all. Ripened tomatoes contain rich amounts of Vitamins A, C and K and antioxidants, potassium and fibre which aid your dog’s digestive system. Tomatoes also contain rich amounts of Vitamin B9 (also referred to as folate) that aids in healthy cell development and tissue growth. Your dog’s immune system, his skin, his eyes and heart will also be assisted by a daily snack of tomato. On a more conservative note, feeding your dog tomatoes can cause stomach upsets, or even toxic tomatine poisoning in the event of unripe tomatoes, overconsumption, or consumption of leaves and stems.
What Is Tomatine Poisoning?
Can dogs eat tomatoes?. Tomatoes naturally contain small traces of toxic compounds, and consuming them in very large amounts could potentially lead to a condition often referred to as tomatine poisoning, or tomato toxicity. However, it is quite uncommon for dogs to ingest enough of the plant to cause serious harm. That said, smaller breeds and young puppies are more vulnerable— even small quantities of tomato can be harmful to them due to their size. Therefore, caution is advised.
Symptoms of Tomatine Poisoning
Symptoms of tomatine poisoning in dogs to look out for are:
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Hypersalivation
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures or tremors
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Cardiovascular effects (arrhythmia, abnormal heart rhythms)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (vomiting, diarrhea)
Tomatine poisoning in dogs is uncommon and rarely life-threatening. Most affected dogs recover completely with proper care.
To diagnose tomato toxicity, veterinarians typically perform a thorough physical examination along with tests such as blood work or an ECG. Depending on the case, they may induce vomiting or closely monitor the dog’s condition.
Other canines may also have an allergic response to tomatoes. This is also rare, but a few of the symptoms include hives, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
If you think your dog has ingested a large amount of tomatoes or even the plant of the tomato, call your vet for advice. Occasionally the symptoms might be caused by other severe medical conditions other than tomatine poisoning. Your dog should be taken in for an exam as soon as possible if you think your dog might have tomatine poisoning.
Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs?
As with all kinds of people food—even the non-poisonous types like a ripe tomato—be careful with the portion. Not every kind of tomato product is safe for dogs, either. Soup, salsa, and sauce with other things like garlic or onion in them need to be out of reach of your dog.
Although tomatoes are okay for dogs in general, do not let your dog eat the leaves or stems of the tomato plant. The plant contains more tomatine than the fruit, and that is toxic if eaten in large amounts. Your dog probably will not want to eat them, but do keep them out of reach also.
Are Tomatoes Toxic for Dogs?
Ripe tomatoes are not harmful to dogs as they are not toxic. Green tomatoes, on the other hand, are toxic if ingested in big quantities because they contain natural chemicals called solanine and tomatine. According to this, make sure your dog doesn’t eat the leaves and stem of tomatoes too.
Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs?
Tomatoes can be an acceptable, every-now-and-again, fairly wholesome treat, but excessive amounts can lead to stomach trouble. It’s worth remembering that tomatoes should not be introduced into your dog’s diet as a regularity, as they will already be receiving all the nutrition they require from a well-balanced and full diet.
If your dog has gastrointestinal disorders like gastroenteritis, better avoid tomatoes since they could make a sensitive stomach upset.
When Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs?
As we noted previously but in brief, young green tomatoes are poisonous to dogs. Also, as in certain cases, when too much of the green part of the tomato has been consumed, tomatine poisoning in dogs may take place, though the incidence is very rare. Some of the symptoms your dog will exhibit when it has this are:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Weakened state
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Poor coordination
- Abnormal heart rate.
