Are you tempted to feed your dog a juicy red tomato? If so, there are a few things you need to know before you decide. First, what is a tomato? Tomatoes are a fruit and part of the nightshade family.
They are high in soluble fiber, and lycopene which supports regular bowel movements, healthy digestion, builds strong bones, and lowers the risk of heart disease and a stroke. In addition, tomatoes are filled with vitamin A and C plus antioxidants.
Can My Dog Eat Tomatoes
Yes. Tomatoes can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet when fed to them in moderation. 
However, there are a few things you need to beware of when it comes to feeding your dog tomatoes.
While it’s safe to feed your dog tomatoes you need to avoid allowing them to eat the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant.
This means if you have a bunch of vine-ripened tomatoes sitting in a bowl on your countertop and your dog jumps up and eats the stem and leaves, you need to rush your dog to the animal hospital or veterinarian to undergo treatment for poisoning.
Unripe tomatoes can also cause poisoning so make sure you avoid giving them to your dog. It’s best to feed your dog ripe tomatoes only. Preferably remove the seeds before giving the tomato to your dog.
Symptoms of tomato poisoning in dogs include the following:
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Weakness
- A high heart rate that is uncontrollable
- Lack of coordination
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms contact a veterinarian immediately. Now that you know the dangers of feeding your dog raw tomatoes or parts of the tomato plant, the good news is a ripe tomato is actually a healthy snack for your dog.
How to Add Tomatoes to Your Dogs Diet
You might still be asking, “Can my dog eat tomatoes?” The answer is, Yes they can! Juicy red ripe tomatoes can be added to your dog’s diet in the following ways:
- Feed your dog ripe bite-size cherry tomatoes as a healthy snack
- Add slices or chunks of tomato to your dog’s dry kibble
- Mix pureed fresh ripe tomatoes to your dog’s wet dog food
Bottom Line
If it’s the first time you are feeding your dog tomatoes, start with a small portion size such as one chunk or slice. While ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs some dogs have allergic reactions or sensitivity to this juicy treat.
Serve your dog the small portion and keep your eye out for any adverse effects. Once you know your dog is remaining healthy and happy after eating the tomato chunk, gradually add more to their diet using the suggestions mentioned earlier.
Tomatoes are great to give your dog any time throughout the year but especially during spring, summer, and the hot months of the year depending on where you live. Keep the tomatoes in the refrigerator so they are cold and refreshing when you give them to your dog.
A helpful tip is to place a few cold tomato chunks in your dog’s water bowl after they come inside from playing outdoors. The tomato chunks cool the water and offer your dog a tasty snack while drinking water.
If you are still asking, “Can my dog eat tomatoes?” Remember, it’s not mandatory for your dog to eat tomatoes. So if your dog spits it out and doesn’t like the taste, it’s not a big deal. They don’t need tomatoes to have a balanced and complete diet.
If you still have concerns about your dog eating tomatoes, discuss the matter further with a veterinarian or licensed dog nutritionist to help you make your decision. Visit the DogStruggles homepage for more expert advice & information.
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