Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Can dogs eat Tomatoes?

 

Tomatoes are one of the most widely-known superfoods of our diets. This fresh fruit contains high amounts of lycopene, vitamins, and antioxidants that boost benefit after benefit in almost every form they’re consumed. But, can our dogs benefit in the same way? Many people have some concerns about certain tomatoes – they are considered a ‘nightshade’ vegetable, and that comes with a few questions about how poisonous they can be.

In short, yes, your dog can absolutely enjoy tomatoes, and a lot of the benefits they provide, as long as you serve them correctly.

 

Serving suggestions – Fresh tomatoes are best for dogs!

Tomatoes are so versatile, we tend to use them in everything from tomato paste, to soups, sauces, juice, etc. And while that doesn’t necessarily take away the health benefits of the tomato themselves, the additional ingredients don’t do much for our dogs.

However, offering your dog a few pieces of whole, ripe tomato, can give them the same good benefits we experience as humans. Tomatoes are natural cancer fighters, and offer a lot of additional vitamins that your dog could potentially be lacking.

 

Human foods dogs can and cannot eat banner

 

Which are safe for dogs?

The most important thing you can do when offering your dog any type of tomato, from a few slices of a beefsteak tomato, to a simple, poppable cherry tomato, is to

  • make sure it is 100% ripe.

Your dog should also never eat

  • any leaves, pieces of a vine, etc. associated with the tomato –

only the flesh itself!

Anything else can be harmful, and won’t offer any healthy benefits whatsoever.

 

Tomato toxicity in dogs

The fruit itself is the only part you should be offering your dog – never allow your dog to eat any other part of a tomato plant, as there is a certain ‘tomato toxicity’ found in the plant itself, that can cause

  • digestive issues
  • weakness
  • a slower heart rate
  • even depression.

 

Again, fresh is always best, and offering your dog a few pieces of tomato will not only be refreshing and delicious for them, but can offer many nutritional benefits.

Interested in more healthy foods your dog can enjoy?

Did we miss anything? What’s you dog’s favorite snack?