Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Tomatoes are an indispensable part of our diet. Many dogs love the small round fruits. Can dogs eat tomatoes at all? Are dogs allowed to eat tomatoes?

Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs

Yes. Tomatoes are healthy, versatile vegetables. They are available in many different varieties. Allegedly there are 2,500 different types of tomatoes. They can be smooth, round but also heart-shaped, wrinkled or oval. Red and yellow are the best-known colors. The tomato fruits may also be green, purple, brown, black or marbled and striped. Originally the red fruits come from Central America, where they were cultivated by the Mayas. To this day, a tomato is an important part of Mexican cuisine. In Germany, tomatoes are often pulled in the garden, so they always come fresh on the table. So tomatoes are compatible with dogs.

Tomatoes are so popular not only for their versatility but also cause they contain important nutrients and are rich in vitamin C. Did you know that the vitamin C concentration in the skin is three times higher than in the pulp? In addition, tomatoes contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, and niacin. Potassium is abundant in tomatoes, which is important for nerves and muscles. In addition, the red fruits contain sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

Tomatoes contain poisonous solanine

Your dog should not eat too many tomatoes. Because they are among the nightshade plants, like the potatoes. Thus they are suitable as food for the dog only conditionally. Because nightshade plants contain the poisonous solanine. Be sure to remove the stalk before feeding. In addition, you can chop, purée or lightly steam the tomatoes. This makes them easier for the dog to tolerate.

Tomatoes are rich in phytochemicals

A particularly interesting ingredient in tomato is lycopene. Lycopene belongs to the group of carotenoids, i.e. to the phytochemicals. Thanks to this substance, the tomato has its typical color. Lycopene is thought to protect against cancer. This remains a guess because this connection has not yet been scientifically proven.

Dogs should not eat too many tomatoes. The fact is, the tomato is a very healthy fruit with very few calories. After all, the water content is around 90 percent, similar to the cucumber.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin, Can Dogs Eat Eggs.

Dogs should not eat too many Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a member of the Solanaceae family that contains the substance Solanine, which is very toxic to dogs. Solanine is found mainly in unripe fruits and in all green parts of plants. Symptoms of solanine poisoning in dogs include diarrhea, cramps and paralysis. Solanine causes local mucosal damage and may even lead to respiratory paralysis.

Dogs should only eat overripe Tomatoes

Therefore, dogs are only allowed to eat tomatoes when they are really ripe. Even if the tomatoes are ripe, dogs should eat very little of it. For dogs, nightshade plants are generally difficult to digest. So make sure when buying that the fruits are not green.

Are Tomatoes Bad for Dogs

The toxin called solanine is included in the green parts of tomatoes but it is not in large amounts and therefore it is not harmful for the dog if eaten in small quantities. Also, solanine is even more harmful when tomatoes are unripened, therefore, dogs should not be allowed in tomato gardens where they could eat them. Most common signs of tomato poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, abnormal heart rate… and if you see signs like these, check vet immediately.

Also, there is a possibility of your dog being allergic to tomatoes which can lead to anaphylaxis and even life-threatening condition.

Photo Credit: Randall Pugh/Flickr; Anthony Starks/Flickr; Cooking etc./Flickr