Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

If you’ve ever been making yourself a BLT and Fido came to you 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 about tossing a bit of this or that to our dogs. After all, they are members of our families. 

However, it’s best to know which foods are safe for our furry friends before we offer them a bite. Thinking about that BLT has me wondering if my fur babies can have tomatoes. So, let’s find out if tomatoes are safe for dogs. 

Can Dogs Have Tomatoes? 

It turns out you can allow dogs to have 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 plants. 

Tomatoes are parts of the nightshade family, along with potatoes. The stems and other green parts of the plant contain solanine and tomatine, both toxic to dogs. Tomatoes do contain small amounts of tomatine, so 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. Tomatoes also have 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 to share it with your pup. 

As with any other food, it’s essential to closely monitor your dog, and be aware of any signs of illness or 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 get tomatine poisoning. This is a very rare occurrence, though; if you are only giving small amounts of red ripe tomatoes, you shouldn’t have to worry about it happening. Here are the 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, contact your veterinarian immediately. Especially contact your veterinarian if you’ve given your pet a new food and you see these signs. 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 in them 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 aware that it can cause your pet gas. Lettuce is okay in small, bite-sized pieces to avoid choking. Asparagus can be offered, but there are many better choices because raw asparagus is tough and if you cook it so that it’s soft enough for your pet to eat it loses the beneficial nutrients. Onions and garlic are to be avoided because they can cause low iron levels and 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, so they are an occasional snack only. 

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 your offer tuna that was packed in water. Seaweed snacks are okay, but don’t get the ones seasoned with garlic, onion, or salt, and don’t 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 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 gas-inducing vegetables. Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, should be given in moderation in a form that is as close to the natural as possible. 

Can Dogs Have Dry Fruit or Nuts? 

Nuts and dried fruits can be good human snacks, but they 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. Ensure that the tomatoes are red and ripe, though. 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. 

Sources: