Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Yes, dogs can eat a little ripe, red tomato. The green parts are the problem. Green tomatoes, leaves, stems, and vines contain natural substances that can make dogs sick. Plain ripe tomato is fine as a small treat. Most tomato sauces and canned dishes are not, because of what is added to them.

Why are green tomatoes bad for dogs?

Tomato plants make natural substances called tomatine and solanine. Pet Poison Helpline says they are found mostly in the leaves, stems, vines, flowers, and unripe fruit. As a tomato ripens and turns red, the amount drops a lot. The ASPCA says the plant is toxic to dogs but that ripe fruit is not.

The AKC adds that poisoning mostly happens when a dog eats a large amount. Small dogs and puppies are at higher risk.

What are the signs of tomato poisoning?

Pet Poison Helpline lists mild signs first: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and being very tired. With a bigger dose, dogs can have weak muscles, shaking, trouble walking, and changes in heart rate. The AKC also lists enlarged pupils, belly pain, and seizures. It says dogs usually recover fully.

How do I serve tomatoes safely?

• Choose ripe, red tomatoes only.
• Take off the stem, leaves, and any green parts.
• Cut the tomato into small pieces.
• Start with a bite and see how your dog does.

Pet Poison Helpline says a slice, or a few cherry tomatoes, is plenty for most dogs. The AKC suggests only an occasional treat. Neither gives an exact amount by weight, so keep portions small, especially for small dogs.

What if my dog ate part of a tomato plant?

Work out what your dog ate and about how much. Then call a poison hotline or your vet. Pet Poison Helpline says to call before signs show up. Keep your dog away from the garden until you have an answer.

Other kinds of tomato foods

Is tomato sauce okay for dogs?

Usually not. Pet Poison Helpline says plain tomato sauce in a small amount is okay. But most store-bought sauces have garlic, onion, salt, and sugar. The AKC warns about the garlic and onions in pizza and pasta sauce, which can upset a dog’s stomach.

Can dogs eat food with tomato sauce, like pasta or pizza?

It is best to skip it. The sauce is the issue, not the tomato. The ASPCA says onion and garlic can irritate the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia (too few red blood cells). It also says too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, and seizures.

Can dogs eat tomato paste or canned tomatoes?

The AKC says to avoid canned tomato products. Check the label first. Our sources do not say how safe plain, unsalted canned tomatoes or paste are, so the careful choice is not to share them. If your dog ate a lot, or the label lists garlic, onion, or lots of salt, call your vet.

Can dogs eat baked beans in tomato sauce, or fish in tomato sauce?

No, we don’t recommend it. Baked beans and canned fish in tomato sauce, such as pilchards, are made for people. Their sauce is often salty and may contain onion or garlic. The sources above warn about those ingredients in sauces. Our sources don’t cover these foods by name, so check the label. If your dog got into a can, call your vet and read them the ingredients.

Can dogs eat sun-dried tomatoes?

Our sources do not talk about sun-dried tomatoes. They come from ripe tomatoes, but they are often packed with salt, oil, or garlic. Because the sources warn about salt and garlic, skip them. Fresh ripe tomato is an easier choice.

Can dogs eat lettuce and tomatoes, or onions and tomatoes?

Ripe tomato on its own is fine in small amounts. Our sources don’t cover lettuce, so we can’t say more about it. Onions are different. The ASPCA says onion can irritate the gut and cause anemia, so never share onion with your dog, even if it comes mixed with tomato in a salad or salsa.

Other treats to try

Small pieces of apple (no core or seeds) or banana are easy swaps. See our guides to bananas and apples. Treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For more foods to avoid, see our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.