Can I give my dog tomatoes?

Tomatoes are one of nature’s most popular and healthy foods. It’s no surprise that dog owners wonder about the safety and appropriateness of feeding their furry friends this red berry-like fruit.

Video: Indian Vegetarian Dog Eating Tomato like chicken

Most dogs enjoy biting into a juicy tomato. You’ll be happy to know that Fido can benefit from the nutritious aspects. That said, you also have to consider that nightshade fruits can sometimes be poisonous to pets.

These facts seem contradictory, creating canine consumption confusion concerning tomatoes. We’ll be weighing the pros and cons, so you will have a clear understanding about this juicy topic for your dog’s sake.

Can I Give My Dog a Tomato? Answer: Yes, ripened only

There is nothing harmful about occasionally feeding them in ripe form. Just do so in moderation.

Some ripe tomato consumption could actually help your dog live a happier and healthier life. This assumes they do not have any issues afterwards. Dogs that experience either an allergic reaction or, more commonly, digestive problems such as diarrhea after eating tomatoes should probably steer clear going forward.

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes could be of benefit to dogs by providing a defense against cancer and many other degenerative diseases. Just like other reddish colored fruits like watermelon and papaya, tomatoes contain lycopene.

Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants. These elements may be lacking in the dog food you’re providing.

Beta-carotene in tomatoes promotes good health. There’s no reason why this can’t apply, at least in theory, to dogs as well. This isn’t to say you should be feeding tomatoes all the time, but occasionally doing so makes sense.

No Nightshade Nightmares

Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family but only the tomato plant is dangerous for dogs. Tomatine and Solanine, both of which are found in the plant itself, are toxic for canines.

Any part of the plant can be harmful for them! For this reason, never let your dog eat anything other than the tomato. This could have implications for the garden in your yard and how you manage it.

As with all human foods, learn as much as possible before feeding them to your dog. Some foods are truly harmful, even fatal, and the only way to protect your pet is with research and preventative measures.

Video: My Dog Eating a Huge Tomato

K9 Reactions to Tomatoes

There are telltale symptoms of accidental indigestion of the actual tomato plant. They can include upset stomach, vomiting, muscle weakness, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, drooling, dilated pupils and a lack of coordination.

That’s quite a scary list but it’s likely the amount eaten needs to be significant to seriously harm your dog. Consult with a vet if you are concerned following a tomato incident.

Red & Ripe is Right

The truth is that all tomatoes contain a degree of potentially harmful components. Your best bet, if you want to feed your dog this fantastic fruit, is to give them one that is deep red-colored.

Such ripe tomatoes contain a lessor concentration of Tomatine making them generally safer for dogs. Those small green tomatoes are usually not yet ripe. The motto “Red, ripe, right” makes sense.

Conclusion on Tomatoes

Tomatoes are safe for dogs in moderation, but only after they’ve been ripened. Know that the plant which includes vines, leaves and even stems are off limits. Always question other ingredients, that go with tomatoes, before feeding them to your pet dog. For example, Fido probably shouldn’t be eating any of your pizza because it can complicate matters.

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