WooHoo! We received our latest Harvest Box from the Ecology Center Organic Farm Stand in San Juan Capistrano and a small box of cute little tomatoes were in our delivery! Mom WUVs Organic Tomatoes and Heirloom Tomatoes! According to Wikipedia, the origins of tomatoes trace to South and Central America are botanically a fruit! The Aztecs and other peoples in Mesoamerica were the first to have domesticated the fruit and used in their cooking which are now enjoyed around the world! For humans, tomatoes are also a significant source of umami flavor! But, Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Are Tomatoes OK for Dogs?
YES! Tomatoes are OK for but ONLY under specific conditions! Only allow your pup to eat RIPE, stem and leaf free tomatoes in small quantities. As with all new foods, always consult your vet for your specific pup’s health needs before feeding your dog tomatoes. Tomatoes are considered Night Shades and as with other Night Shades, tomato plants do contain dangerous chemicals! So, keep reading before your feed your dog tomatoes…
Can Tomatoes Hurt My Dog?
According to the Pets Poison Hotline tomatoes contain Tomatine. Tomato leaves, stems, blossoms and young, green tomatoes contain higher amounts of Tomatine than ripe fruit, which means that ripe tomatoes are generally safe to feed to dogs If your pup ingests tomato leaves, stems, unripened fruit or blossoms and has gastrointestinal irritation, ataxia or weakness, contact your vet immediately. While the overall treatment and prognosis can be good, each dog’s health can be a contributing factor to how they react to Tomatine so always err on the cautious side!
Will Tomatoes Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
Tomatoes are acidic which CAN cause stomach upset in some dogs. Be sure you start with small amounts to see how your dog reacts, just like you would when introducing any new food.
In Summary, Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes can absolutely be good for dogs, which is why so many pet food manufacturers use them in their formulas. Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene which gives them their bright red color and helps protect them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In much the same way, it can help protect cells from damage.
Tomatoes also have potassium, vitamins B and E, and other nutrients. PetMD notes that Tomatoes also have lots of soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps to support healthy digestion and maintain your dog’s steady blood sugar levels.
So, YES! Red, Ripe Tomatoes (with no stems, leaves or blossoms) are not only delicious but they also have many health benefits and are ok for your dog to eat in small quantities.
Be sure to check out our previous posts to see what other human foods are safe and dangerous for dogs!
