It’s not safe to give your pet the tomato fruit as it contains Lycopene, which is highly harmful. However, if we’re talking about just tomatoes specifically, then there isn’t much reason to worry about. As mentioned earlier, tomatoes don’t contain any toxins that are extremely dangerous for dogs unless they have been fermented or come in contact with the green part of the plant. There are also no studies that can prove tomatoes are toxic to dogs. The conclusion is that it’s not the tomato itself that harms your dog but the other parts of the plant like its leaves, stems, or seeds, which you should never feed them. If you wish to give your dog some tomatoes, make sure they only eat the fleshy part and avoid giving them anything else, including the seeds.
What are the Benefits of Tomatoes for Dogs? Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs?
Tomatoes are commonly found in many foods, including the ever-popular pizza and pasta. People eat tomatoes because they taste good, but did you know that there are benefits to your dog eating this popular vegetable?
- The tomato is high in Lycopene. Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color and has antioxidant properties, which may help fight cancer.
- Tomato paste can prevent sunburn in dogs who will be spending time outside.
- Tomatoes contain vitamin A, which helps support good vision. Dogs with low levels of vitamin A often experience problems seeing at night.
- Tomatoes can help reduce the chances of developing bladder stones in dogs by increasing the amount of citrate in the urine.
- Tomatoes are good for dogs with arthritis. A high level of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and potassium can help relieve joint pain.
- The tomato is low-calorie and helps prevent obesity.
- Tomato plants can be toxic to pets, so make sure your dog doesn’t eat any part of the actual plant! It is perfectly safe to give your pup tomato sauce or paste as a treat, though.
- Allergies are common in dogs, but tomatoes may reduce allergies by increasing the amount of histamine that their bodies produce.
When Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs?
Some problems can be caused by the ingestion of un-ripened tomatoes or cooked tomatoes. The leaves, vines, and stems contain atropine which can cause cardiac arrest. This usually happens when ingested in large amounts (over 10 grams per KG of body weight), but even small amounts may cause toxicity. Tomatoes also carry a high risk for developing harmful intestinal obstructions in dogs; these cases have been reported to occur after ingesting any part of the tomato plant (including stem, vine, fruit).
Toxicity is more likely to happen with under-ripe tomatoes because they contain higher concentrations of alkaloid solanine. Additionally, cooking does not seem to reduce the risk. Cooked tomatoes may be more toxic than raw tomatoes.
Signs of Tomato Poisoning in Dogs. How to Treat Tomato Poisoning in Dogs?
Tomato poisoning in dogs is a relatively common problem. Tomato toxicity can affect many animals besides dogs, including humans and even horses. The scientific name for tomatoes is “Solanum Lycopersicum.” Tomatoes are part of the Nightshade family, including eggplants, potatoes, tobacco, and chili peppers.
The amount of a chemical called ‘Lycopene’ found in mature green tomatoes can be toxic when ingested by pets. This substance may also contribute to prostate cancer in larger amounts when taken from the diet in humans. Tomato plants contain an alkaloid called ‘Atropine’ responsible for their bitterness. Although it has been established that young tomato plants do not cause symptoms in pets or people, mature green tomatoes may cause acute gastrointestinal signs. The following symptoms can be seen with tomato poisoning in dogs:
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Lethargy,
- Anorexia (loss of appetite),
- Colic (abdominal pain),
- Neurologic symptoms like seizures.
However, there is no scientific evidence that is ingesting large amounts, no specific antidote for poisoning with tomatoes. The best treatment is to remove the source of toxicity, and supportive care may be given to your dog if he shows any signs of illness.
How to Feed Your Dog Tomatoes? Can Dogs Eat Cooked Tomatoes?
Yes, they can. Many people like to give their dogs tomatoes that have been cooked because the tomato is softer and easier to chew. Cooked tomatoes also usually don’t contain any chemicals or fertilizers, often found in raw plants and vegetables. Dogs can eat cooked tomatoes just as easily as they can eat raw ones. They can even be given a couple of slices of tomato as a snack or a part of their meal.
Dogs should never eat whole green tomatoes due to the risk of toxicity from solanine, which could cause digestive issues for your pup and other health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased thirst, depression, confusion, and fever.
You may have noticed that your dog was eating the green parts off the tomato plant – this is because those parts are toxic for dogs!
Conclusion
A small amount of tomato will not harm your dog but make sure it doesn’t become a regular part of their diet. Always monitor how much tomatoes they’re eating as too much isn’t good for their health either. It’s best to consult with your vet before giving tomatoes to your dog. The above article shows that it is perfectly safe to give your dog a small number of tomatoes as their main part is the fleshy fruit itself. However, this must be done in moderation
