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Who doesn’t love a good tomatoey Italian dish? Or fresh tomatoes in their salad or sandwich? Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that most of us use on a regular basis and maybe even consider sharing with our canine companions. It may be a relief to know that dogs can eat tomatoes, but there are a few stipulations to follow. Before you start sharing your spaghetti with your dog, make sure you understand what's safe for them.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
It seems there are no simple answers when it comes to feeding dogs human foods, and the case of tomatoes is no different. The ripe, red version of tomatoes are safe for dogs to eat in moderate amounts occasionally. But the unripe versions, along with any leaves or plant material, are not safe in any amount.
Tomato Plant Toxins
I realize that this is a scary heading, but it’s true. Tomatoes can be toxic to dogs. Again, it’s the green tomatoes, not the ripe ones, that contain the toxins solanine and tomatine. They are also found in the plants and leaves, though it’s less likely that your dog will be munching on those parts. These toxins do go away as the tomato ripens, so keep your pup out of your garden to prevent them from snagging a few green tomatoes and wait until the fruit has fully ripened before sharing it with them.
Are Tomatoes Toxic for Dogs? How to Prepare for the Unexpected
With the risks that eating green tomatoes and tomato plant parts present, it's best to keep your dog from helping themselves to the fruits in your garden. Fence off your tomato plants or keep them where your dog can't get to them. Tomatoes are great in that they can grow well in pots, preferably kept high on a windowsill or deck railing where a dog can't reach.
Even with these precautions, accidents can happen. Dogs are curious creatures and may explore the garden, potentially ingesting harmful substances like fertilizers, compost, mulch, or certain types of plants like onions and garlic that are toxic to dogs.
Treatment for these conditions can be expensive, potentially reaching thousands of dollars. These unexpected incidents can quickly drain your savings, leaving you facing difficult choices. Pet insurance for dogs can help ease that burden.
Pet insurance can reimburse you for a portion of your veterinary expenses, allowing you to focus on your dog's recovery instead of worrying about the financial strain.
And when those unexpected moments happen, Embrace Pet Insurance offers a valuable resource: the 24/7 Paw Support Helpline. Staffed by pet pros, this helpline can provide immediate guidance and advice in case of an emergency, helping you determine the best course of action for your pet.
By investing in pet insurance, you're giving your dog the best possible chance at a healthy and happy life, knowing that you're prepared for the unexpected.
Signs of Tomato Poisoning
Both toxins found in green tomatoes can lead to digestive upset. This means things like:
Drooling
Not eating
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
More severe cases can also lead to things like:
Weakness
Seizures
Incoordination
Liver and heart disease
Precautions for Feeding Tomatoes to Dogs
As you can see, the above signs are nothing to mess around with. Rather than dealing with the repercussions, it’s best to avoid the issue altogether by only feeding your dog ripe tomatoes. Remove all parts of the leaves and plant as well.
Wash the tomato thoroughly and chop into bite sized pieces. Only give your dog a few bites of tomato every couple of days and monitor them for any signs after they have eaten them. Avoid giving canned tomatoes that contain a lot of salt. Of course, don’t share your lasagna, spaghetti, or other tomato-based meals with your pup as these have many, many other ingredients that aren’t good for a dog.
Benefits of Tomatoes for Dogs
With the risks of poisoning, you may wonder if feeding your dog tomatoes is a good choice. Truth is, your dog doesn’t need tomatoes as they should be getting all the nutrition they need from their dog food. But, if you’re looking for a low-cal treat that does offer some benefits, tomatoes may be the answer.
Tomatoes are high in fiber to help regulate digestion, antioxidants to help combat chronic illnesses, and vitamins A and C that support immune health. They also contain good amounts of potassium to aid in muscle function. This is a similar nutrient profile to other healthy human foods, potentially making you wonder if dogs can eat bananas or if dogs can eat almonds.
Moderate amounts of tomatoes can be beneficial for your pup if they like them, however, ripe tomatoes also tend to be acidic which can cause digestive upset if a dog eats too many.
So, Is Tomato Good for Dogs?
Red, ripe tomatoes can make a healthy, occasional snack for dogs, but they need to be fed in moderation. Prevent your dog from eating green tomatoes and tomato plant parts as these contain toxins that can lead to serious illness. Talk to your vet before giving your dog any human foods to make sure they are safe choices and in the proper amounts.
Whether you're sharing a slice of ripe tomato with your dog or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the garden, look into those puppy dog eyes and give them a good scratch. Your pup wants your love and attention more than any treat, and you can rest easy, knowing you're prepared for anything life throws your way.