Not Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: never — plant parts
Key warning: all green parts — leaves, stems, vines, unripe green tomatoes
Can Dogs Eat Tomato Plants? No — Leaves and Green Parts Are Toxic
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
The tomato plant is toxic to dogs. Green unripe tomatoes and all green parts of the tomato plant — leaves stems and vines — contain solanine and tomatine causing toxicity. Ripe red tomatoes are safe in small amounts.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Solanine and tomatine toxicity: gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weakness, confusion, slow heart rate, dilated pupils. Green tomatoes and plant parts are most dangerous.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 if significant amount consumed.
What to Avoid
all green parts — leaves, stems, vines, unripe green tomatoes
Preparation & Serving
Call vet if significant plant material consumed. Ripe red tomato flesh is safe.
Did you know?
The tomato was considered poisonous throughout most of Europe for nearly 200 years after its introduction from the Americas in the 1500s. Europeans called it the poison apple and it was primarily grown as an ornamental plant. The fear was partly justified — tomato plants are indeed members of the nightshade family and the leaves do contain solanine. It was not until the late 1700s that tomatoes became accepted food in Europe.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never — plant parts only, ripe tomatoes are safe
- Serving (medium dog)
- never — plant parts
- Serving (large dog)
- never — plant parts
- Calories (per 100g)
- 18
- Safe frequency
- Never — plant parts only
Source
What You Need to Know
The distinction between the tomato plant and ripe tomatoes is important. Ripe red tomatoes are safe for dogs in small amounts. However green unripe tomatoes and all green parts of the plant — leaves stems and vines — contain solanine and tomatine which are toxic. Dogs that access garden tomato plants are at risk from chewing on leaves and stems.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety quizIf Your Dog Ate This — Act Now
- Dog Food Toxicity CalculatorCheck severity based on your dog's weight
- Emergency GuideWhat to do in the next 60 minutes
- Dog Poisoning SymptomsKnow what to watch for
- Dog Poisoning TreatmentWhat vets actually do
- Emergency Vet CostHow much will treatment cost?
- Best Pet InsuranceBe prepared before the next emergency
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