Why only in moderation for dogs
The flesh of a ripe tomato is not toxic to dogs; it is high in water and contains vitamins. A small piece now and then will not harm a dog.
The green parts of the plant, the leaves, the stems and unripe green fruit, contain tomatine and solanine. These irritate the gut, and a larger amount can cause weakness and other more serious problems. Even a ripe tomato is acidic and upsets the stomach of some dogs.
How to give it
- Give only a fully ripe red tomato, washed and with the stalk removed.
- Cut it into small pieces, without salt or spices.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Give it only now and then, as a treat.
What to watch out for
- Green tomatoes, leaves and stems can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or weakness.
- Too much, even of ripe tomato, can upset the stomach.
- Tomato sauces, ketchup and pizza contain salt, sugar, onion or garlic.
- In a vegetable patch or a greenhouse a dog can eat green tomatoes and leaves, so do not leave it there alone.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Ripe flesh
In moderationThe flesh of a ripe red tomato is fine in small pieces.
-
Unripe green tomatoes
Not safeUnripe tomatoes contain more tomatine and solanine, so they must not be given to dogs.
-
Leaves and stems
Not safeThe green parts of the plant contain a lot of harmful substances, so a dog should not eat them.
-
Sauces and ketchup
Not safeThey contain salt, sugar, onion or garlic, so they are not suitable for dogs.
What to give instead
- Cucumbers Yes, fresh cucumber is fine for dogs: it is mostly water and low in calories, but do not give pickled cucumbers. Safe
- Bell peppers Yes, sweet bell peppers are fine for dogs: washed, without seeds or stalk, raw or cooked without spices, they make a good treat. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Courgettes Yes, courgettes are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, without oil, salt or spices, they make a light, low-calorie treat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
The "Dog treats" category compares prices for 10,394 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.