Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Ripe vs. Green, and the Parts to Skip
Yes, dogs can eat tomatoes, as long as they are ripe and red. A few small bites of plain, ripe tomato are safe for most dogs. The parts to skip are the green ones: the stems, the leaves, the vines, and any tomato that is still green. Those parts hold natural plant chemicals, called solanine and tomatine, that can make a dog sick. Wash the tomato, cut it into small pieces, and serve it plain. Keep sauce, ketchup, soup, and salsa away, since they often have salt, onion, or garlic. Below, we answer the most common questions about dogs and tomatoes, with a quick chart of what is safe and what is not.
In this article
- Are tomatoes good for dogs?
- Why are green tomatoes and tomato plants bad for dogs?
- Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?
- How many tomatoes can a dog eat?
- Which tomato foods should dogs avoid?
- What if my dog ate a tomato plant?
- FAQ
Are tomatoes good for dogs?
Ripe tomatoes are a fine snack, but they are a bonus, not a need. Your dog's food already has what it needs. Still, a ripe tomato brings a few good things. Here is what you get in about 100 grams of raw, ripe tomato, based on USDA food data (numbers are approximate):
- Very few calories. About 18 calories. That is less than most store treats.
- Lots of water. Tomatoes are about 95% water, so they are light and juicy.
- Some fiber. Fiber helps keep digestion moving.
- Lycopene. This is the plant pigment that makes tomatoes red. It is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from wear and tear.
Tomatoes are also a bit acidic. Some dogs with touchy stomachs may get gas or loose stool after eating them. If your dog has never had tomato, start with one small bite and watch how they do.
Why are green tomatoes and tomato plants bad for dogs?
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, along with potatoes and eggplant. Plants in this family make natural chemicals that help protect them from bugs and grazing animals. In tomatoes, the main ones are tomatine and solanine.
These chemicals are highest in the green parts: the leaves, stems, vines, flowers, and unripe green fruit. As a tomato turns red, the plant breaks most of them down. That is why ripe tomatoes are safe and green parts are not.
The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It also notes that the ripe fruit is not toxic. Signs a dog ate too much of the green plant can include:
- Drooling
- Not wanting to eat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Seeming tired, weak, or "off"
- Wide (dilated) pupils
- A slow heart rate
The good news: a dog usually has to eat a fair amount of leaves and stems to get very sick. Small dogs are at more risk than big ones, since the same bite is a bigger dose for a small body. Still, if your dog chewed on the plant and acts unwell, call your vet.
Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes?
Yes. Ripe, red cherry tomatoes are just as safe as big tomatoes. The main risk is size. A whole cherry tomato is round, slick, and about the size of a small dog's throat. Cut each one in half or in quarters before you share it, and pull off any green stem first.
If you grow cherry tomatoes, keep an eye on your dog in the garden. Many dogs learn to pick them right off the vine, and they may grab green fruit and leaves along with the red ones. A small fence or a raised bed can help.
Tough coir fiber catches garden dirt before muddy paws come inside.
How many tomatoes can a dog eat?
Think "a few bites," not "a whole tomato." Vets use a simple rule: treats should be no more than 10% of what your dog eats in a day. The other 90% should come from complete dog food. The American Kennel Club also says tomatoes are fine for dogs only in small amounts, as an occasional snack.
For a small dog, that might be one or two small pieces. A large dog can have a few more. Tomato is best as a now-and-then snack, not a daily one. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, kidney issues, or is on a special diet, ask your vet first.
Looking for other easy snacks to rotate in? See our guides on how many blueberries dogs can eat and which parts of an apple to skip.
Which tomato foods should dogs avoid?
The plain, ripe fruit is the only safe form. Most tomato foods made for people have extra things that dogs should not eat. Here is a quick guide:
| Tomato part or food | OK for dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe red tomato, plain | Yes, in small bites | Low in calories and mostly water. Wash it and cut it up. |
| Ripe cherry tomato | Yes, cut up | Safe, but whole ones can be a choking risk. |
| Green, unripe tomato | No | Higher in tomatine and solanine. |
| Leaves, stems, vines, flowers | No | The ASPCA lists the plant as toxic to dogs. |
| Pasta sauce, pizza sauce, salsa | No | Often made with onion and garlic, which harm a dog's red blood cells. |
| Ketchup | No | High in sugar and salt. Some kinds add onion powder. |
| Tomato soup, canned tomatoes | No | Usually high in salt, and may have onion, garlic, or spices. |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Best to skip | Often packed in oil, salt, or garlic, and chewy pieces are easy to gulp. |
Onion and garlic are the big worry in sauces. Even cooked or powdered, they can damage a dog's red blood cells. Our post on why onions are dangerous for dogs explains how. And if a pizza slice goes missing, check the toppings too.
What if my dog ate a tomato plant?
Stay calm and figure out what was eaten. Then follow these steps:
- Check what part it was. A ripe red tomato is not a worry. Green fruit, leaves, or stems are the parts to watch.
- Guess how much. A nibble of one leaf is very different from a chewed-up plant. Size matters too, since small dogs are at more risk.
- Remove what is left. Take any plant pieces out of reach so your dog can't go back for more.
- Call for help if needed. If your dog ate a lot of the green plant, or shows any of the signs above, call your vet or an animal poison control line. Don't try to make your dog throw up unless a vet tells you to.
- Watch for a day. Most mild cases cause only an upset stomach. Signs like weakness, a slow heart rate, or wide pupils need a vet right away.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat tomatoes raw?
Yes, if the tomato is ripe and red. Raw, ripe tomato is safe in small bites. Wash it, take off the stem, and cut it into small pieces.
Can dogs eat cooked tomatoes?
Plain cooked tomato with nothing added is fine. Most cooked tomato dishes, though, have salt, oil, onion, or garlic. If you cooked it for people, it is safer not to share.
Can dogs eat tomato seeds?
Yes. The seeds in a ripe tomato are safe for dogs. They pass through like the rest of the fruit.
Are tomatoes bad for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
They can be. Tomatoes are a bit acidic, and some dogs get gas or loose stool from them. If that happens, skip tomatoes and try a gentler snack.
Can cats eat tomatoes?
A small bite of ripe tomato is not toxic to cats, but cats don't need fruit or veggies. The green plant is toxic to cats too, so keep cats away from tomato plants.
For the dog who always wants a bite
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This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If you are worried about something your dog ate, call your vet or an animal poison control line.
