Have you been wondering if dogs can eat tomatoes? A lot of people prefer to feed their dogs diets that are made up of whole or natural foods, rather than the chemically processed dog foods found in grocery stores. The problem is, even though a whole-food diet is healthier for dogs, not all human foods, even some of the healthiest ones, are good for dogs.
So, can your dog have tomatoes? And if they can, are tomatoes actually good or bad for dogs? After all, they are acidic, so they may not be the best food choice. As long as you are only giving your dog certain parts of the tomato, it isn’t going to hurt them, and your dog will get a lot of important nutrients in its diet.
What Part of The Tomato Can Dogs Eat?
While tomatoes can be a good part of a healthy diet for dogs, there are parts of the tomato that you should never give to your dog. The stems, leaves, and roots are not safe for dogs to eat. These plant parts are high in tomatine (as much as a 5% concentration), which is a toxic substance for dogs. It is a form of solanine, which is a poison found in all nightshade family plants, including tomatoes.
Also, never give your dog green tomatoes. Red, ripe tomatoes are the only safe option. Green tomatoes contain more tomatine than ripe tomatoes. Of course, just like with anything that you give to your dog, tomatoes should be given in moderation. In the case of puppies, it is best to avoid giving them tomatoes all together.
The skin is the part of the tomato that has the most toxins. If you are going to give your dog tomatoes as a treat, make sure that you peel off the skin. At the very least, if you are unable to remove the skin, wash the tomato thoroughly. This is very important, especially if you aren’t using organic tomatoes, as non-organic produce is sprayed with pesticides.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes For Dogs
Tomatoes are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as being low in calories and high in fiber. They are also rich in lycopene and beta-carotene, carotenoids that can help prevent certain diseases.
Tomatoes are also loaded with vitamins A, B12, and C, as well as many minerals, such as folate, chromium, and potassium. Some of the many health benefits of tomatoes for dogs include:
- Lycopene helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, promotes good bone health, and helps to prevent some cancers
- Beta-carotene helps to improve cognition and prevents metabolic syndrome
- Vitamin C helps keep the immune system healthy, lowers the risk of heart disease, and helps support the fast healing of wounds
- Potassium helps keep blood pressure regulated, and is good for the nerves and muscles
- Vitamin A is necessary for healthy eyes, and it helps speed up the healing of wounds
Allergic Reactions To Tomatoes
Just like any other type of food, there is always going to be the chance that a dog is allergic to tomatoes. It is not a common thing for dogs to have this allergy, but it does happen occasionally. The problem is, there really is no way to tell if a dog is allergic to tomatoes, or anything else, until they have eaten them and have a negative reaction.
If you have fed your dog tomatoes and you notice the following symptoms, chances are they are allergic to them and you should never give them tomatoes again.
- Bright pink or red skin on the ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Licking the feet
Another issue to be aware of is poisoning from the tomatine. If you have given your dog tomatoes, and they exhibit the following symptoms, contact your vet right away.
- Tremors, convulsions, or seizures
- Weakness in the muscles
- Loss of coordination
- Cardiac issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Dilated pupils
- Changes in behavior
How Much Tomato Can I Give My Dog?
Dogs love tomatoes, and they will eat as much as you will give them. But, it is not a good idea to give them too much of anything, including tomatoes. If you are giving your dog tomatoes for the first time, limit it to a couple of slices.
Then, watch them for any signs of allergic reactions or poisoning. If you don’t see any of these signs, it should be okay for you to give your dog tomatoes once in a while. A good rule of thumb to follow is to give your dog one large, or one or two small, red, ripe tomatoes weekly. Cherry tomatoes are okay too, as well as any other type of tomato.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Tomatoes in Moderation
If you want to give your dog tomatoes as a treat, go right ahead. Just make sure that they are washed well, or even better, peeled. Tomatoes are even healthier for dogs if you cook them, because they are in lycopene, an anti-oxidant, which is easier to absorb when tomatoes are cooked. Tomato sauce is also healthy for dogs to eat.