Can dogs eat tomatoes? And we have mixed sorts of answers for the questions because ripe tomatoes are great for your canine partner, while raw tomatoes can be toxic for their health. Tomatoes are not like wild mushrooms, which can be poisonous, and most importantly, tomato poisoning is quite rare in your dog.
Also Read: Can Dogs Have Broccoli? Is It Safe?
Most pet owners love to search about dogs can eat tomatoes raw? You have landed at the right place if you search for a dog that eats tomatoes on the internet. Today, we will discuss tomato toxicity for dogs, the benefits of tomatoes for your loyal friend, and how dogs can eat tomatoes.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Are Mushrooms Safe For Dogs?
Table of Contents
Are Tomatoes Good For Your Dog’s Health:
Yes, tomatoes are great for your dog’s health, but you will have to understand that tomatoes belong to the nightshade family; hence few substances found in them are pretty toxic. However, there are not many cases recorded every year regarding poisoning in dogs due to tomatoes’ overeating. As a responsible pet owner, you will have to ensure that your dog doesn’t consume unripe tomatoes. It can be challenging for dogs to digest the seeds and stuff, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disorders.
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Moreover, it is recommended to consult your local vet before sharing any human food with your dog because they have the proper clearance for all your questions regarding can dogs’ tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Benefits of Tomatoes For Dogs:
All in all, tomatoes bring lots of benefits when consumed in adequate quantities. As the old saying goes, nothing is good if finished too much, and the same applies here. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and fibers and are easy to digest for your loyal friend. They are less in calories, which means your dog can easily digest them without any stress. Tomatoes have lycopene which prevents heart diseases; vitamin C, which aids immunity and is great for skin; Vitamin A, which improves vision; and B-Carotene, which will make your dog’s bones as hard as ironman’s wrist. Tomatoes also have folate and potassium, which strengthens muscles and maintains adequate blood pressure.
When Are Tomatoes Hazardous For Your Dogs?
As mentioned above, tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family. They produce a toxic called alanine which is not suitable for your dog’s health. Solanine is abundant in the green parts of the tomatoes, and consuming them in large quantities can make things difficult for your dog’s health. If your dog loves consuming tomatoes, you will have to watch out for consumption levels.
On the other hand, if you have a tomato garden, then it is recommended to keep your pets away because raw tomatoes can be dangerous due to the presence of Solanine.
Signs of Tomato Poisoning In Dogs:
The first and foremost sign of tomato poisoning in dogs is GI or Gastrointestinal disorders, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, and abnormal heart rate. It is recommended to rush to your vet if you suspect any of the symptoms in your dog.
Tomatoes can also cause a severe health condition called anaphylaxis which can be fatal if your dog doesn’t get the proper treatment at the right time. Sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing are also common signs of tomato poisoning in dogs. Some dogs might also develop conditions like acid reflux which can cause mouth ulcers or throat sores.
Also Read: Why Is My Dog Not Eating or Drinking? What Should I Do?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce:
No, products like tomato sauce or tomato soup and tomato juice are not suitable for your dog’s health as they have artificial sugar, salt, and spices which can make digestion difficult for your pet. Eliminate products having tomatoes with sugar or artificial essence as they can be hazardous for your dog.
If you want to feed tomatoes to your dogs, make your products at home using the recommended ingredients. Although market-bought products have no major health complications, there is no point in taking chances with your dog’s health.
What Are The Best Ways To Feed Tomatoes To Your Dog?
If your local veterinarian suggests you feed tomatoes to your dog, then go for the ripened and red ones as they are rich in vitamins. If you have a tomato garden in your backyard, then ensure that your dog only consumes the fruit and not stems and leaves. Serve tomatoes raw or boiled but don’t have sugar or salt in the tomato meal. You can also mix the tomato puree with rice and chicken to provide a new taste to your dog. If you are feeding tomatoes to your dogs for health benefits, then it is recommended to go raw.
Treatment For Tomato Poisoning In Dogs:
There is nothing to panic about if your dog is not eating or drinking after consuming many tomatoes because their tummy might be full and they are not hungry. On the other hand, if you find symptoms like vomiting and foam, then it is a red alert that you must visit your vet immediately to flush the contents out of your dog’s stomach. You must also provide supportive care to your dog for the next 24-48 hours. Your vet might inject fluids to compensate for fluid loss due to dehydration.
Can Dogs Eat Tomato Seeds?
Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, and they are suitable for both humans and dogs. You can also give tomatoes as treats. You might have also heard about tomato pomace, a pet supplement made from crushed tomato seeds, pulp, and skin of raw tomatoes.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes and Mushrooms?
Your dog can eat tomatoes and mushrooms as a meal if both are edible and your dog loves eating them. You can also try tomatoes with a bit of black pepper, which can taste good for your dog.
Conclusion:
Tomatoes are nutrient-rich, and consuming them in the correct numbers can be a good diet for your pet. You must also go with ripen red tomatoes as they lack solanine which is highly toxic for pets if consumed in large numbers.