Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Updated 13/04/2024

Dishes around the world rely on tomatoes for depth of flavor, as a sauce base and of course for a kick of all the nutrients that can be found in the fruit. So as such a popular ingredient in the world of 'people food', you might be wondering - can dogs eat tomatoes safely? And can your furry friend have a try of some of your favorite tomato-based dishes that you love to rustle up in the kitchen? Well it's a yes and no on this one (apologies!). Organic, plain and fully ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs, but it gets a little more complicated if you're thinking about sharing cooked or canned tomatoes with your pup. So for more info and advice on how to safely treat your pooch to a tomato or two, take a look below.    

Related article: Can dogs eat squash?

Are tomatoes poisonous to dogs?

Can dogs eat tomatoes safely, or are tomatoes toxic to dogs in any way? The safest way to feed your doggo tomatoes is to make sure they're completely plain, organic, fully ripe and of course, uncooked. Tomatoes served in this way should only ever be a treat to your pooch, as they'll be getting all the nutrients their bodies and brains need from the complete dog food you've chosen, anyway.

And as we've mentioned, only ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs. Why? Well unripe tomatoes and green tomatoes contain the chemicals solanine and tomatine. If your pup ingests enough of these chemicals, it could result in toxicity (which we'll take a look at in more detail below). 

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Are tomato plants toxic to dogs?

Sadly, yes. Tomato plants - which includes the leaves, stems and flowers - contain the chemicals solanine and tomatine, just as green tomatoes do. We'll take a look at the symptoms of toxicity in your pup below, and to avoid these, keep your tomato plants well out of paw's reach. 

Tomato poisoning in dogs

If your pup is unlucky enough to ingest a green tomato or any other part of the tomato plant, there's a chance they could experience symptoms of toxicity, which we've listed below. If you know your pooch has eaten part of the plant or an unripe tomato, you should contact your vet immediately. Generally, unripe tomatoes are only toxic in large quantities, but it’s always best to err on the side of safety. 

If your pooch is experiencing any of these symptoms after eating unripe tomatoes, the leaves or stem (or anything else they shouldn't), contact your vet as a matter of emergency.

• Lack of coordination
• Weakness
• Tremors
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Dilated pupils
• Difficulty breathing
• Excess drooling
• Confusion
• Paralysis
• Seizures

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Are tomatoes good for dogs?

So besides unripe tomatoes and the rest of the plant itself, can dogs eat tomatoes and get any sort of health benefit, or are tomatoes bad for dogs? Well like with other fruits, tomatoes aren't an essential part of a dog's diet - your pooch should be getting all the nutrients they need from the dog food you choose for them. With that said though, the odd (ripe) tomato here and there is a perfectly healthy snack for your pup, and will certainly offer a few added vitamins into their diet. Take a look below for a breakdown of the micronutrients from tomatoes that could benefit your dog every now and then. 

Related article: Can dogs have lemons?

Health benefits of eating tomatoes for dogs

So, now that we've settled the question - can dogs eat tomatoes - let's take a look at some of the nutrients in the fruit that your pooch could be ingesting if treated to a ripe tomato or two every now and then.

• Vitamins C and K1
• Folate
• Potassium

Feeding your dog tomatoes

Now you're all clued-up on the question - can dogs have tomatoes - how about some advice on the best way to feed dogs tomatoes? Great - explore below and find answers to a few popular questions on the topic.

Preparing tomatoes for dogs

The best way to share tomatoes with your furry friend is to firstly only buy organic - this way you'll know they're pesticide-free. Next, make sure it's fully ripe so that the risk of tomato toxicity is nil. Next, cut the tomato in half (or half again depending on the size) to avoid any choking. Then when it comes to how much tomato to feed your dog, consider tomatoes a sweet, juicy treat for your pup - they shouldn't be fed as a key part of a dog's diet.    

Can dogs have grape tomatoes?

Yes, grape tomatoes are perfectly safe for dogs, so long as they're fully ripe and served without the leaves or stem.

Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are fine for dogs to eat - just make sure they're completely ripe, and keep the plant itself away from your pup to dodge the risk of tomato poisoning. For smaller dogs, cut cherry tomatoes in half before serving as they may pose a choking hazard.

Can dogs eat cooked tomatoes?

And are tomatoes safe for dogs if they're cooked? Technically yes - cooking the tomato doesn't make the fruit unsafe for dogs, and it may make the tomato slightly easier for your pup to eat. Just make sure they're cooked completely plain, without any other ingredients toxic to dogs like garlic or onions.

Related article: Can dogs eat cranberries?

Other tomato products

As you'll know, tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients on the planet and are used in countless dishes in various cuisines. So can your pooch have a try? Can dogs eat tomato sauce? And can dogs have tomatoes if they're cooked with other ingredients? Sadly not - the only way your pup should be trying a tomato is completely plain, as many ingredients often paired with tomatoes are toxic to dogs, like onions and garlic. Prepared tomato products, such as sauces, also often contain high levels of salt and preservatives which shouldn’t be fed to dogs.

Other foods that are safe for dogs 

So, now you know that dogs and tomatoes are (almost) a match made in doggy heaven, what about the other foods dogs can eat? Take a look below to get clued-up on what's safe for canine consumption.

• Bell peppers
• Chicken
• Blueberries

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.