A big question we usually hear is can dogs eat tomatoes? Apart from their nutritious food and supplements, our pups enjoy some human treats. Usually, fruits and vegetables are the ultimate food choice to feed our dogs: they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and calcium.
However, there are some foods that we should avoid since they are good for us, but definitely not so dog-friendly. So, if you have one at home, you must be very careful. Keep your dog far from the tomato plant since this dose of alkaloid and atropine can be fatal for him.
Besides, if you have your own garden and you want to feed your dog a ripe tomato, always make sure it has no pesticides or fertilizers on it.
So, can dogs have tomatoes? And are tomatoes bad for dogs?
However, vets say that given in a small quantity, tomatoes are not harmful to dogs.They are likely to suffer from ‘stomach upset’ before reaching the amount of quantity that is toxic to them.
Benefits of tomatoes for dogs
Tomatoes, like all the high-density veggies, are low in calories and full of fiber. They contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant substance that gives them their bright red color, and that can prevent dogs’ cellular damage. Besides, tomatoes are a source of potassium, folate, vitamins E, B, and K, and they help maintain healthy blood pressure.
In addition, cherry tomatoes contain more beta-carotene than regular tomatoes.
Symptoms of Tomatine Poisoning
Tomatoes are not bad for dogs, but you should always contact your vet if, after a tomato ingesta, you notice any of these symptoms:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Drooling and panting
- Lack of coordination
- Seizures and tremors
- Dilated pupils
- Tachycardia
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce?
Cooked tomatoes are much safer than raw tomatoes. The toxic alkaloid practically disappears when cooked, so it would be safe to give your dog a small amount. However, before feeding your dog with it, you need to check that tomato sauce hadn’t been cooked with another toxin. Garlic and onions contain a dangerous substance that can poison your dog as well, so be careful. Besides, salt and pepper can cause your dog an upset stomach, so try to avoid them when cooking for him.
Can dogs eat tomato soup?
And what about soup? Can dogs eat tomato soup? No, you should never feed your dog with a commercial tomato soup! It may contain additives and ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.
Now, if you homemade a natural tomato soup, there is no harm in giving your pup a try. However, feeding your pup with tomato soup is not recommended.
Last but not least, can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?
Yes, they can! The type of tomato is not relevant, as long as you respect the right feeding amount. So dogs can eat cherry tomatoes just like regular tomatoes. Many people claims that cherry tomatoes contain more sugar than regular tomatoes, but the truth is they don’t represent a significant difference in their content.
So, are tomatoes safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat tomatoes? Well, it depends. Even though the toxicity of ripe tomatoes lowers considerably, feeding your dog every day with them is not recommended. There are a lot of foods containing the same minerals and vitamins that don’t compromise your pouch’s health. Choose wisely 🙂
Some foods are known to be toxic for dogs, like grapes, raisins, chocolate, or sugar. However, even though some foods may seem harmless, they can end up hurting your dog. Unripe tomatoes are one of them.
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Tomatoes contain an alkaloid called tomatine, which is toxic for dogs. As time goes by and tomatoes ripen, the possibility of containing this alkaloid narrows down significantly. Besides, tomatine is found in an even bigger proportion in leaves and tomato plants, and they contain atropine, which is also toxic for dogs.
