Caution
CautionVet ReviewedReviewed by Dr Alex Crow BVetMed MRCVSvegetable

Use Caution

Medium dog serving: 3-4 cherry tomatoes

Key warning: green tomatoes, stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Ripe Flesh Only — Green Parts Are Toxic

This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.

Ripe red tomato flesh is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. Green unripe tomatoes and tomato plants contain solanine which is toxic.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Green tomatoes or large amounts: weakness, confusion, gastrointestinal upset, abnormal heart rate.

Safe to Feed

ripe red flesh only

What to Avoid

green tomatoes, stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes

Preparation & Serving

Only fully ripe red tomatoes. Remove all green parts, stems, and leaves completely.

Potential Health Benefits

Ripe tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamins C and K, and potassium.

Safer Alternatives

  • Monitor for digestive upset — tomatoes are acidic

Did you know?

The tomato plant belongs to the nightshade family — while ripe tomato flesh is relatively safe, the green parts contain solanine and tomatine which are toxic.

Portions & nutrition

Toxic dose (per kg body weight)
Solanine in green parts — ripe flesh has very low levels
Serving (small dog)
1-2 small cherry tomatoes
Serving (medium dog)
3-4 cherry tomatoes
Serving (large dog)
5-6 cherry tomatoes
Calories (per 100g)
18
Safe frequency
Occasional

Source

Source: AKC

What You Need to Know

Fully ripened red tomatoes have very low solanine levels and are generally safe in small amounts. Avoid tomato plants, leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes entirely.

Tomatoes Variations

This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide

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Related Foods

Frequently asked questions

Is Tomatoes safe for dogs?
Tomatoes requires caution for dogs. Ripe red tomato flesh is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. Green unripe tomatoes and tomato plants contain solanine which is toxic.
What happens if a dog eats Tomatoes?
If a dog eats Tomatoes, they may experience: Green tomatoes or large amounts: weakness, confusion, gastrointestinal upset, abnormal heart rate.
How much Tomatoes can a dog eat?
Fully ripened red tomatoes have very low solanine levels and are generally safe in small amounts. Avoid tomato plants, leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes entirely.

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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.