Ingesting an unripe (green) tomato or any of the green parts of the tomato is bad for dogs. It can lead to symptoms of tomatine poisoning, such as loss of coordination, muscle weakness, and dilated pupils.
Tomatine poisoning is rare in dogs and usually isn’t fatal. Dogs can eat tomatoes that are ripe; they should not be allowed to consume young green tomatoes or any parts of the tomato plant.
As with any treat, fresh tomatoes should be given in moderation and under supervision for safety.
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Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Ripe tomatoes are non-toxic and offer many health benefits for your pup! They contain fiber which helps aid digestion; antioxidants; vitamins A, C & K; and minerals like potassium & folate (vitamin B9).
All these nutrients help support tissue growth and cell function in your dog’s body!
Solanine Poisoning In Dogs
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, which means they contain a substance called solanine in the stem and leaves of the tomato plant, which is also present in the fruit before it ripens and turns red.
Solanine is dangerous for dogs in large amounts, but once the fruit ripens, the levels of solanine found in the flesh of tomatoes are no longer toxic.
Nightshades include tomatillos, potatoes, eggplant, bell, hot peppers, blueberries, and goji berries.
Minor symptoms can occur from even small amounts, but if your dog has eaten green tomatoes or tomato leaves or stems, keep an eye on them and call your veterinarian if poisoning is suspected.
If you believe your dog is sick from Solanine poisoning, refer to this source to begin treatment asap.
What is Tomatine Poisoning?
Tomato poisoning in dogs is a rare condition caused by ingesting too much of the green parts of the tomato plant or an unripe tomatoes (green) tomato. Symptoms of tomatine poisoning include loss of coordination, muscle weakness, vomiting, dilated pupils, and seizures.
Thankfully, tomatine poisoning is usually not fatal, and most dogs recover fully with treatment from a veterinarian.
Unripened Tomatoes Not Safe For Dogs
Unripened tomatoes are not safe for dogs, as they contain toxins, such as solanine and tomatine, that can cause poisoning in canines. If ingested in large amounts, these toxins can lead to tomato toxicity (also known as tomatine poisoning).
Symptoms of tomatine poisoning include gastrointestinal upset (such as vomiting and diarrhea), drowsiness, muscle weakness, behavioral change, lethargy, and seizures. It is important to note that young puppies are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of unripe tomatoes due to their small size.
Therefore, it is important for pet owners to carefully monitor their pet’s consumption of unripe tomatoes and ensure that they are consumed in moderation.
Additionally, pet owners should remove any green parts before feeding tomatoes to your dog
Are Tomatoes Safe For Puppies?
Puppies can eat ripe tomatoes as they are non-toxic. It is important to avoid feeding puppies green tomatoes, or any parts of the tomato plant, as these contain solanine and tomatine, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, it is best to avoid tomatoes altogether.
Treatment For Dogs Sick From Tomatoes
If your dog has consumed a tomato and is showing signs of illness, the best course of action is to take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination, blood work, and possibly an ECG to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions present.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the veterinarian may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to help bind any toxins in the stomach and reduce their absorption into the body. IV fluids may be given to help flush out any toxins in the system.
The vet may also provide supportive care such as anti-nausea medications, pain relief medications, or antibiotics, depending on what is needed for your pet’s condition.
Benefits of Tomatoes for Dogs
Tomatoes can offer a range of health benefits to dogs when they are served correctly. Red and ripe tomatoes are safe for your dog and can be served as snacks or added to their meals.
The fiber content in tomatoes helps with digestion, while antioxidants help boost immunity and reduce the risk of diseases. Tomatoes also contain vitamins and minerals which support hormonal balance, tissue growth, and cell functioning of dogs.
Additionally, tomatoes are low in calories, making them a great option for overweight dogs. However, it is important to avoid green tomatoes or any green parts of the tomato as they can be toxic for dogs.
It is also important to avoid store-bought tomato sauces as they may contain harmful spices or additional ingredients that can cause health issues for your pets.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Tomatoes?
Cooked tomatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat as long as they are not seasoned with salt, spices, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Ripe tomatoes contain hardly any solanine or tomatine, two substances that can be toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities.
Tomato plants are also a good addition to your pup’s diet because they are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
They also contain essential nutrients like lycopene which is good for dogs hearts and bones; vitamin C for good skin; beta carotene for brain health; and vitamin A, which supports your dog's vision.
If you plan to serve cooked tomatoes or tomato sauce to your pup, make sure that you check the ingredients first and ensure that they are free from any seasoning or other potentially dangerous additives.
How Much Tomato Can A Dog Eat?
While some dogs may enjoy the taste of a tomato, too much of it can cause an upset stomach. Tomatoes are acidic and can cause diarrhea or vomiting if eaten excessively.
A few slices of tomato as a treat every once in a while is perfectly safe for most dogs, but large amounts should be avoided. It's best to offer tomatoes as part of a balanced diet and avoid feeding them raw.
Can I Feed My Dog Tomatoes Every Day?
It is not recommended to feed your dog tomatoes every day as they can be harmful.
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