Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Many dog owners wonder if it is safe to feed their dog what they are eating themselves. Most veterinarians do not recommend you serving food scraps to your dog, as some foods might even be toxic to your dog. But many wonder: can dogs eat tomatoes?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, you can feed your dog tomatoes but you have to be aware of the risks involved.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes or Not?
We wished the answer was a simple one but then, it is not. In simple terms, yes, a dog may eat tomatoes, but only when they are fully ripe. But otherwise, tomatoes pose a health risk to your pet.
What are The Risks?
Tomatoes are within the nightshade family of fruits, which means that they contain certain substances that are harmful to animals. One of such substances is solanine, which is found in a greater amount when the tomato is green and in the leaves and stems.
Although feeding ripe tomatoes to dogs might be safe, there is still a risk of your dog chewing on your green plant if you grow them in your garden.
The stems, leaves, and roots of the tomato are a no-no for dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested any of these, check for any signs of tomatine poisoning. These signs are generally:
- Loss of balance
- Muscle weakness
- Tremors
- Seizures in dogs
- Cardiac effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
When is it Safe?
So can dogs eat tomatoes? The safe way to feed tomatoes to your dog is when they are fully ripe. Now, even when they are, they should be fed in moderate amounts and not as a regular snack. If you have tomatoes in your garden, keep them off the reach of your pet.
Don´t forget to follow us here in Dogalize for more information on how to better take care of your pet. We have tons of resources on what you should and you should not feed your furry friend.