Dogs often want to eat whatever people eat, regardless of what it is. Your dog probably wants to eat everything, whether it's chocolate, avocados, or a delicious steak—but that doesn't mean they should.
So, how about the tomatoes? It all depends.
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Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes and no. Dogs can eat tomatoes in moderation. Tomatoes that are fully ripe are considered harmless to dogs and may be offered in moderation as a treat on occasion.
While red, ripe tomatoes are deemed acceptable for dogs to eat, the plants themselves are members of the nightshade family of foods (which also include potatoes, bell peppers, and blueberries). Tomato plants contain chemicals that might be harmful to your dog.
Solanine and its relative tomatine are poisons found mostly in the tomato plant's green sections. This implies that your dog should never consume tomato leaves or stems and should stay away from young, green tomatoes. Consuming an unripe (green) tomato or any of the tomato's green portions may cause tomatine poisoning.
What is Poisoning with Tomatine?
Because tomatoes contain tiny levels of toxins, consuming an excessive quantity of them may result in tomatine toxicity, sometimes referred to as tomato poisoning. Having said that, the possibility of dogs ingesting a sufficient quantity of tomato plant to cause severe harm is quite improbable. However, owing to the tiny size of small breeds and pups, even a little bit of tomato may cause poisoning, therefore it's essential to be watchful.
Symptoms of Tomatine Poisoning to Watch For:
- Coordination deficit
- Appetite loss
- Muscle frailty
- Hypersalivation
- Pupils dilated
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Pain in the abdomen
Cardiovascular effects (arrhythmia, irregular heartbeats)
Discomfort in the digestive tract (diarrhea, vomiting)
Fortunately, tomatine poisoning is uncommon in dogs and is seldom deadly. The majority of dogs who have been poisoned with tomatine recover completely.
To detect tomato poisoning, veterinarians may conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog and do blood tests or an electrocardiogram. Veterinarians may induce vomiting or monitor dogs with tomatine toxicity.
Certain dogs may develop an allergy to tomatoes. Although this is an uncommon occurrence, symptoms may include hives, coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing.
If you believe your canine friend has eaten a significant number of tomatoes or the tomato plant itself, see your veterinarian. Occasionally, these symptoms might be an indication of other significant health problems in addition to tomatine poisoning, therefore it's critical to get them checked out as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Are Tomatoes Beneficial to Dogs?
Because ripe tomatoes are non-toxic, they are not hazardous to dogs. Indeed, tomatoes are often added as an ingredient in pet food due to their many health advantages.
Tomatoes are high in fiber, which aids with the digestion of your dog. Additionally, they include antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as folate (vitamin B9), a B vitamin that aids in tissue formation and cell function.
How to Share Tomatoes with Dogs Safely
While dogs can eat tomatoes, excessive amounts might upset their stomachs due to the acidity. Tomatoes, like any other delicacy, should be enjoyed in moderation and under the supervision of a responsible adult.
Begin with a modest bit of tomato and observe your dog's reaction. However, ensure that the tomatoes are well prepped. Eat all green bits and slice the meat to make them more palatable.
Simply because your dog is able to eat tomatoes does not mean they are able to consume tomato-based items. Your pizza or spaghetti sauce almost certainly includes extra components such as garlic and onions, which may potentially induce stomach irritation.
How to Prevent Dogs from Consuming an Excess of Tomatoes
It is critical to keep dogs away from the many riches in your garden, including tomatoes.
If you have a garden at home, keep it walled in to prevent dogs from accessing it and sampling the vegetables. If you plant tomatoes inside, keep them out of reach of dogs (not on a table or counter) and out of reach of children. Additionally, always keep a watch on your pet when you're cooking with tomatoes to ensure they aren't sneaking a bite while you're not looking.