Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat tomatoes but it’s not that straightforward.
A dog’s diet is not that simple, and an overdose of anything is not right.
Dogs shall not be fed with Tomatoes as their only diet.
Instead, it should be only used as a treat.
Being a dog lover, you might be worried about the tomato soup, confused between unripe and cooked tomatoes, or whatever questions you have in your mind.
Your most Frequently Asked Questions on the query: Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
How many tomatoes can a dog eat a day?
The amount should be moderate with only one or two chopped pieces of tomato but without any harmful ingredients like garlic or onion. These harmful ingredients may upset the stomach of your dog.
Can tomatoes hurt my dog?
Yes, there is a big chance of tomatoes making the dogs severely ill. There is an alkaloid called tomatine, which is harmful to dogs. The atropine creates issues like:
- Dilated pupils;
- Tremors; and,
- Heart arrhythmias.
So, being careful in feeding tomatoes to your dog is really important.
Generally, tomatoes are non-toxic and are in fact beneficial when given moderately. Keep reading to know how exactly would be a tomato safe to eat and get to know about Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Will Tomatoes upset a dog’s stomach?
An excess of anything is bad. Too much feeding of tomatoes to the dogs can upset their stomach as the unripened tomatoes are toxic. The acidic elements of tomatoes may cause problems for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Can dogs eat Tomatoes uncooked?
Preferably NO, Your dogs shouldn’t eat tomatoes as the solanine toxicity level is higher until the tomatoes aren’t red.
Can dogs eat Tomatoes cooked?
Yes, cooked and fully ripened tomatoes are safe but with some precautions.
While cooking please avoid adding onion and garlic as these both contain toxins. Salt and pepper may also be harmful to your dog’s stomach.
The solanine toxicity level is 5%, but as the tomato ripens and becomes red, the toxins decrease to minimal amounts, making them safe for your dog.
Is it safe to give tomato soup to your dog?
Can dogs eat vegetable soup with tomatoes?
No, it is not safe to serve the vegetable soup with tomatoes to your dogs.
The vegetable soups normally contain onion and garlic which are not safe for dogs as they are full of toxins.
These ingredients of the soup are not dog-friendly and may upset the tummy.
Can tomatoes give dogs diarrhea?
Yes, toxins present in tomatoes can cause diarrhea in dogs as well as vomiting and abdominal pain.
You may observe:
- Drowsiness;
- Dilated pupils; and,
- Respiratory depression.
What happens if my dog eats a lot of tomatoes?
Eating an excess amount of tomatoes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion, and an increase in heart rate. It is recommended that if such conditions persist, consult the vet immediately.
Let’s get to know tomatoes and dogs scientifically. This will help us get to know better about our query of Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Scientifically Viewed: Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Before we call out food good or bad based on some already set traditions or some specific experiences, we need to check:
- How much nutrients tomatoes contain, and
- Does your dog even require nutrients from tomatoes? If YES, then,
- How much is it good for your dog (depending upon its weight and age)?
Fruit Facts: What Nutrients are Contained in Tomatoes? (per 100 g)
Source: USDA
Looking at the following tomatoes nutrition table, we notice that they are rich in Sugars, Carbs, Vitamin C. Fiber, Protein, and Magnesium contains a considerate part.
|
||
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | |
| Saturated fat | 0.028 g | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | |
| Sodium | 5 mg | |
| Potassium | 237 mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3.89 g | |
| Dietary fiber | 1.2 g | |
| Sugar | 2.63 g | |
| Protein | 0.88 g | |
| Vitamin C | 13.7 mg | Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.27 mg | Copper | 0.059 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg | Zinc | 0.17 mg |
| Magnesium | 11 mg |
Dogs Nutritional Requirements: Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes
View/Download the complete table
Nutritionally, dogs require more proteins but tomatoes are a good combination of Pottasium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Vitamin C in addition to the energy it gives in terms of Carbohydrates and Fats. It is also mostly water, so it keeps your dog hydrated too.
So, a simple straight forward answer to:
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? would be:
YES, but occasionally and moderately.
How to Feed a Dog Tomato?
There are multiple ways you can feed your dog with tomatoes:
- Try feeding your dog with only one or two chopped pieces of medium-sized tomatoes.
- It shouldn’t contain any harmful ingredients like garlic or onion.
These harmful ingredients may upset the stomach of your dog. More on this is discussed later with some tasty recipes for your dogs.
Why Your Dog Should Not Eat Tomatoes?
As tomatoes contain acidic elements, these elements can cause problems for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
There is an alkaloid called tomatine, which is harmful to dogs. These can make your dog severely ill. While cooking please avoid adding onion and garlic as these both contain toxins and are a big NO for Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
More salt and pepper may also be harmful to your dog’s tummy.
Health Benefits: Why Your Dog Should Eat Tomatoes?
- Vitamins: Tomatoes are high in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Potassium & Lycopene: Tomatoes have a good amount of Potassium and Lycopene.
These Nutrients help your dog with:
- For better Skin: Eating tomatoes in moderate amounts can be beneficial for the skin health of dogs.
- Good Immune System: These vitamins and minerals are immune boosters in dogs.
- Better Bone Health: Lycopene improves a dog’s health and strengthens bones.
Tomato Recipes for Dogs: Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes
Now, we already have the answer to Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
That’s of course a Yes, but how to make them a delight for your dog?
1. Creamy Tomato Chicken Dog Delight
5 Key Ingredients:
- 1 Chicken breast cooked and chopped
- 6 ounces can Tomato Paste
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients and mix well in a bowl.
- Shape the dough into a ball and roll onto a heavily floured surface.
- Cut into pieces of your own choice by your cookie cutter.
- Place it on a baking sheet and let it bake for 15 minutes in preheated oven.
- Cool and refreigerate.
Your dog’s delight is ready!
2. Avocado Tomato Salad
Gluten-Free Recipe for your Dog. It’s a really nice healthy treat/food for your dog with a different taste that your dog will love. You can add cucumbers too.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 Avocado
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper
- Olive Oil
Instructions:
- Cut the tomato and avocado into chunks.
- Pour little olive oil, make sure it lightly covers it.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder lightly.
- Put it into the fridge for 2 hours.
Another delight for your dog is ready.
3. Another Recipe
Some Fun Facts About Tomatoes
- The green parts of the tomato plant – the stem, leaves, roots, and unripe fruit – are where Solanine and tomatine are found.
- The solanine toxicity level is 5%, but as the tomato ripens and becomes red, the toxins decrease to minimal amounts, making them safe for your dog.
- Believe it or not, tomatoes aren’t always red. They can be yellow, pink, purple, black and even white!
I hope this guide helped you know about can dogs eat tomatoes or not?
The Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? guide contained all the scientific information along with answers to your frequently asked questions and with some really nice recipes and fun facts, pros and cons of about can dogs eat tomatoes.
