Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

If you’ve ever been making yourself a BLT and had your furbaby come begging for a piece of the tomato you were cutting, you know it’s difficult to turn down your pup. Many of us think nothing of tossing a bit of this or that to our dogs. After all, they are members of our families and were often happy to share our snacks with them.

However, it's important for pet parents to know which foods are safe for our furry friends before we offer them a little bite. Thinking about that BLT had me wondering if my fur babies can have tomatoes, and maybe you're wondering the same thing. Continue reading to discover what I discovered when I looked into it.

Can Dogs Have Tomatoes? 

It turns out you can give your dog tomatoes in small amounts. The tomatoes should be ripe before you offer them to your dog. Red, ripe tomatoes are non-toxic but ensure your dog doesn’t try to eat the tomato plant, as this can be harmful to them. 

Tomatoes are parts of the nightshade family, along with potatoes. The stems and the other green parts of the plant contain solanine and tomatine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Tomatoes contain small amounts of tomatine, which is why you shouldn’t give large amounts of them to your dog. 

Can Tomatoes Be Good for Dogs? 

Tomatoes are low-calorie, high-fiber foods. They contain lycopene which has been linked to reducing heart disease as well as beta-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Vitamin C is beneficial for your dog’s immune system, so if your tomato is good and ripe, it’s okay and can be beneficial to share it with your pup. 

As with any other food, make sure to closely monitor your dog, and watch out for any signs of illness or a negative reaction. Moderation is key to keeping your pet healthy even if the food, like red ripe tomatoes, is something your pet can have with no issues. 

Can Tomatoes Be Bad for Dogs? 

Tomatoes that are young and green can be harmful to dogs. If there is too much green still in the tomato, dogs could potentially get tomatine poisoning from eating it. Keep in mind, that this is a very rare occurrence though; especially if you are only giving your pet small amounts of red ripe tomatoes. That being said, here are a few signs that you should contact your vet as soon as possible. 

If you witness any of these symptoms, or if you see any other abnormal behaviors from your dog after giving them a new food to try, contact your veterinarian immediately. Toxins can cause your dog’s health to deteriorate rapidly, so don’t hesitate to seek care if you see the signs. 

Can Dogs Have These Vegetables?

There are a variety of vegetables that are safe for your pet to eat. Bell peppers, broccoli, and celery are good sources of vitamin C. Carrots are rich in vitamins A, K, and B6. Cucumbers have antioxidants, but be careful when sharing pickles with your pet because the vinegar and salt in pickles can be harmful. 

You can offer small amounts of steamed cauliflower to your pet but be prepared because it can make them gassy. Lettuce is okay but should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to avoid choking. Asparagus is safe, but not a great choice because raw asparagus is tough and loses its beneficial nutrients when cooked down so that it is soft enough for your pet to enjoy. Onions and garlic are to be avoided because they can cause low iron levels and can damage your pet’s kidneys. 

Can Dogs Eat Fruit? 

Fruits are packed with vitamins and other nutrients. Some are perfectly fine for your dog, like blueberries, and pumpkin. Others, like bananas, oranges, apples, and melons, cantaloupe, and kiwi are okay in moderation. Dates contain excessive amounts of sugar, and should only be an occasional snack. 

The fruit of the papaya is fine in bite-sized pieces, but the seeds should be avoided. Cherries should also be avoided. Papaya seeds and cherry seeds contain cyanide which is toxic to your dog. 

Can Dogs Have Seafood? 

Seafood is generally okay for dogs in moderation. Salmon contains Omega 3s that boost immunity. If you offer canned tuna, make sure the tuna was packed in water. Seaweed snacks are okay, but only the ones that are not seasoned with garlic, onion, or salt, and never allow your pet to eat raw seaweed on the beach. Shrimp, crab, and lobster can cause allergic reactions or spikes in cholesterol levels, so only offer them in moderation and after speaking to your veterinarian. 

Can Dogs Eat Beans? 

Beans provide a good amount of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Green beans are excellent choices for your dog because they are packed with filling nutrients. Black beans, pinto beans, and lima beans, while nutrient-rich, are also gas-inducing. Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, should be given in moderation in a form as close to their natural form as possible. 

Can Dogs Have Dry Fruit or Nuts? 

Nuts and dried fruits can be good human snacks but aren’t always the best choice for your furry friends. Almonds are difficult for your dog to digest, and raisins (and grapes) can cause kidney damage. Cashews and pistachios can generally be considered safe though. 

Closing Thoughts

Red ripe tomatoes are fine to give your dog in small amounts. If a tomato is still green, it can lead to your dog ingesting toxins. Also, keep your dog away from the actual tomato plants, as eating any part of the plant can lead to solanine or tomatine poisoning. As always, consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about your dog’s dietary needs. 

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