Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Answer: With caution.

With caution. The ripe red flesh of a tomato is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but the green parts of the plant — green tomatoes, stems and leaves — contain solanine, which is toxic. The AKC advises skipping tomatoes altogether to be safe, so only offer a small piece of ripe flesh, if at all.

Why tomatoes need caution

Tomatoes are in the nightshade family. While the ripened flesh of the tomato fruit is generally safe for dogs, the green parts of the tomato plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. A dog would need to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to get sick, but because the risk is real and the benefit is small, the AKC’s advice is to skip tomatoes altogether just to be safe.

How much tomato can a dog eat?

If you offer tomato at all, keep it to a small piece of ripe red flesh, occasionally — for example one or two small pieces for a medium dog. Never offer green tomatoes, unripe tomatoes, stems or leaves, and never make tomato a regular treat.

How to serve tomatoes to your dog

Only ripe, red, washed tomato flesh, cut into small pieces. No sauces, no seasoned or cooked dishes — tomato sauce usually contains onion, garlic, salt and sugar. And keep your dog out of the vegetable garden, where they can graze on tomato plants.

Watch out for

Eating green tomatoes, stems or leaves can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea. If your dog ate a large amount of tomato plant material and seems weak, is vomiting repeatedly or looks unwell, call your vet.

Frequently asked questions

Are tomatoes poisonous to dogs?

Ripe red tomato flesh is generally not poisonous to dogs in small amounts. The green parts of the plant — green tomatoes, stems and leaves — contain solanine, which is toxic.

Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?

Yes, one or two ripe cherry tomatoes are fine for most dogs, following the same rules: ripe and red only, no stems or leaves, and only in small amounts.

Can dogs eat tomato sauce?

No. Tomato sauce usually contains onion, garlic, salt and sugar, which dogs should not eat. Only offer plain ripe tomato flesh, if at all.

What if my dog ate a green tomato?

Watch for stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea. A dog would need to eat a large amount of the green plant to get seriously sick, but if your dog vomits, seems weak or unwell, call your vet.

Should I feed my dog tomatoes at all?

The AKC advises skipping tomatoes altogether just to be safe. There are plenty of safer fruits and vegetables, so tomatoes are an easy one to leave out.

Sources

American Kennel Club — Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat and Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous?. ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.

This page was reviewed for accuracy against AKC and ASPCA guidance. It is general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition or eats something you are worried about, ask your vet.

More foods