Dogs tend to eat everything that seems delicious to them. The vibrant colour of tomatoes appeals to dogs, but dog owners should be aware of the risks. Tomatoes belong to the vegetables’ nightshade family and include some substances like solanine and alpha tomatine, which can be toxic to dogs.
Solanine is only found in the leaves and stems of ripe tomatoes. That’s why the flesh of ripe tomatoes is not dangerous to consume. But the green tomatoes also contain harmful chemicals in their flesh. So, they must be avoided.
So, dogs can eat tomatoes if appropriately served. You need to provide them with flesh part of red tomatoes only. The green tomatoes or stem can prove hazardous for their health.
Are Tomatoes Good For Dogs?
Yes, when served appropriately, they can prove beneficial for the dog’s health. Here are some things you need to consider in this regard.
- In tomatoes, color is the key. Stay away from green and only feed the red.
- The alpha tomatine is the toxic element of tomatoes that is present in a small amount in tomatoes. But over-consumption of tomatoes can lead to the excess of this chemical. Thus, leading to tomatine poisoning in the dogs.
- If you have a garden of tomatoes, stay vigilant from the side of your pets as they may try to eat them. It’ll also lead to certain risks.
- Rinse your tomato well before feeding it to your dog. If the tomato is inorganic, stay more careful as it may contain pesticides. Also, you can remove the upper skin to eliminate this risk.
While taking care of these factors, tomatoes will be sumptuous for your dog, helping them stay active and healthy.
Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Tomatoes
There are numerous benefits of tomatoes that serve in their proper body functioning.
- In some dog food brands, tomato pomace is presented as an ingredient. It refers to the pulp, skin, and seeds of tomatoes that are of great nutritional importance. It has a high concentration of soluble fiber that aids in digestion and bowel movements.
- The potassium present in tomatoes helps in regulating blood pressure.
- Lycopene is also present in tomatoes that help in maintaining the cardiac health of dogs. They reduce the risk of stroke and aids in bone health.
- Tomatoes also contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and vitamin A which aids in better vision.
- The beta-carotene in tomatoes helps with metabolic issues.
These were some of the benefits of tomatoes your dog can enjoy in case of proper intake.
Can Dogs Have Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes, dogs can safely eat the red part of cherry tomatoes. You need to avoid the green part as it contains a high concentration of solanine in it. The solanine is negligible in the flesh part. But you need to serve tomatoes in a limited amount to prevent any mishap.
Is Tomato Sauce Bad For Dogs?
Tomato sauces and ketchup do not serve best for the dogs because of added flavors. Also, there is an additional amount of sugar and salts that impact the dog’s health. So, it’s not recommended to use. However, any accidental intake of small amounts won’t cause any issue. But over-consumption can lead to a severe issue.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Tomatoes?
Yes, cooked tomatoes are safe to eat for the dog. But you need to analyze the level of other added ingredients. For example, human food additives won’t be suitable for your dog. So, you need to analyze the ingredients and make the decision accordingly.
Can Tomatoes Hurt My Dog?
Yes, if you’ll feed green tomatoes, tomatoes with any foliage, or unripe tomatoes, it’ll hurt your dog. It will affect the intestinal lining of your dog, leading to stomach irritation. It’s primarily because of solanine.
What Are The Signs Of Tomato Poisoning In Dogs? Side Effects Of Dog Eating Excess Tomatoes
The ingestion of a large amount can lead to toxicity in the dogs with the following symptoms.
- Hypersalivation
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Behavioral change
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal heart rate
- CNS depression
- Dilated pupil
Diagnosis And Treatment
If your dog shows the symptoms of tomato poisoning, you need to consult your vet in this regard.
- Your vet will analyze the condition of your dog by examining the oral cavity and symptoms.
- They might analyze the blood chemistry of the dog or check the hydration level.
- The vet might analyze the kidney condition through urinalysis.
- Also, the vet may carry out ECG in case of cardiac issues.
The treatment may include fluid therapy with electrolytes in case of diarrhea. The vet may try to induce vomiting to remove the toxins of tomatoes. They might use activated charcoal if the vomiting remains clear. After examining him well and stabilizing the condition, your vet will keep the dog in a calm place to avoid any harm.
Dog Food With Tomatoes
For being on the safe side, you can try commercial foods containing tomatoes. Cherish pet food can be a good option in this regard. The range has tomato, a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against disease.
It is packed full of vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients, which is great for metabolic health. Our complete and balanced pet food will serve for maintaining the dietary needs of your dog.
Can Cats Eat Tomatoes?
Cats are carnivores, and tomatoes are not recommended for them. They can be safe in some conditions, like without stem and lead and presence in cat food. But, they’re not best to consume in unripe form for cats.
The reason is the tolerance of cats towards fiber and acidity. Also, they may lead to health complications if not served properly. You can add red tomatoes to your cat’s diet in a minimum amount. But beware that you’re just supposed to feed them the flesh part; the Green portion contains solanine and is not appropriate.
Wrapping Up
That was all about tomato consumption by dogs and the associated risks. The simple rule of thumb is to avoid green parts and feed red parts in moderation. Also, make sure to clean them properly to remove any dirt or chemicals. Just be careful, and you’ll be good to go.
References
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/are-tomatoes-poisonous-dogs
https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/can-dogs-have-tomatoes#.YHGdTegzbIU
