Can dogs or cats eat tomatoes?
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Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Good news for dog lovers: tomatoes are generally considered safe for dogs if consumed in moderation. Tomatoes contain a nutrient called lycopene, which has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. In addition, they also contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre that can improve your dog’s overall health.
However, there are some precautions pet owners should take before feeding their dogs tomatoes. Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family of plants, which can cause stomach upset or even lead to digestive issues in certain sensitive pets when consumed raw or unripe. The green parts of tomato plants also contain solanine, an alkaloid compound that is toxic when ingested in large amounts. It's important to note that ripe red tomatoes have much lower concentrations than other parts of the plant but still must be given in moderation with no stems or leaves.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet consult with your veterinarian first! If your dog eats tomatoes (or any food) and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Can cats eat tomatoes?
Yep, cats can have tomatoes, but be cautious: tomatoes contain solanine and tomatine, which are toxic for cats in large quantities. Luckily, the amount of these chemicals in ripe tomatoes is relatively low.
Interestingly, some commercial cat foods even include small amounts of cooked tomatoes as an ingredient because they provide vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants that can boost feline health. Just avoid the stems and leaves, which contain solanine, an alkaloid compound that can be toxic!
And remember: Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to derive most of their nutrients from meat. This means that plant-based foods like tomatoes shouldn't make up too much of their daily diet.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats tomatoes (or any food) and shows signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet