Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Yes, dogs can have tomatoes—as long as they’re ripe.  

Ripe, red tomatoes—including cherry tomatoes—are non-toxic to dogs when they’re served plain without any salt, seasoning, or sauces, says Samuel Varon, DVM, veterinarian and owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento, California. 

Avoid green tomatoes and leaves because they contain toxins like solanine and tomatine that can lead to serious health issues. 

But while dogs can have tomatoes, they don’t need them in their diet. Dogs get all the nutrients they need from a complete and balanced dog food. Because of that, tomatoes should only be given as a treat and fed in moderation. 

While dogs don’t need tomatoes, the fruit does offer some health benefits when served safely and in moderation, including: 

• They contain vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support vision, immune function, and bone health, Dr. Varon says. 
• They’re rich in antioxidants. Lycopene, an antioxidant in tomatoes, can support heart health and reduce inflammation. 
• They’re high in fiber. The fiber is good for dogs’ digestive health. 
• They’re a low-calorie treat. Treat calories can add up fast, but tomatoes are a low-calorie food (approximately 4 calories per slice) that’s ideal for overweight dogs.  

But while tomatoes can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, they aren’t entirely risk-free.   

Here are some downsides of tomatoes for dogs: 

• Too much tomato can cause upset stomach. The acidity in tomatoes may lead to diarrhea or vomiting. 
• Leaves, stems, and unripe tomatoes can be toxic. Tomatoes contain compounds called solanine and tomatine, which are found in the green parts of the plant, including the stems, leaves, and unripe green tomatoes. These are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, drooling, lethargy, and even more severe neurological symptoms if consumed in large quantities, Dr. Varon says. 

While tomatoes do offer some health benefits, they should still be considered a treat. And all treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, with the rest (90%) coming from a complete and balanced diet. 

When feeding your dog tomatoes, try to stick to the guidelines listed below. It’s also a good idea to give them a small amount to start, and then slowly increase to the recommended serving sizes if they tolerate the tomato well. 

Before giving tomatoes to your dog, you’ll want to do a little prep work to make sure they’re safe. Here are some tips from Dr. Varon: 

• Remove stems and leaves. All green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine and tomatine, so remove them all before giving a tomato to your dog. 
• Wash thoroughly. Wash the tomato well to remove any pesticide residue and dirt. 
• Cut into small pieces. Make sure to cut the tomato into bite-size pieces to reduce the risk of choking. 
• Serve plain, without salt or spices. You should only serve fresh tomatoes that haven’t been seasoned. Salt and some spices can be harmful to your dog. 

Once the tomato is prepped, you have some options for how to serve it: 

• Give it as a treat. One of the easiest ways to give your dog tomatoes is right out of your hand, as a treat. You can also include tomatoes in a homemade, vet-reviewed treat or buy store-bought treats that are made with tomatoes. (You can find some ideas below.) 
• Mix it into their food. Or get creative with one of the recipes below. 
• Stuff it in a toy. If you want to make it more of a game, you can put some tomato pieces into a KONG toy and let your dog work to get it out. 

• Pet-Friendly BBQ Sauce 
• Hamburger Baked Casserole 

• Plato Small Bites Lamb Dog Soft & Chew Treat 
• Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Meatball Bites Dog Treats 
• Halo Plant-Based Variety Pack Dog Treats 
• Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Flavor Dog Treats 

If your dog eats too much ripe tomato, they might get an upset stomach that shows up as vomiting, diarrhea, and/or decreased appetite. Typically, a mild upset stomach will resolve on its own with time. 

The bigger concern is potential toxicity if your dog eats unripe tomato or any green parts of a ripe tomato, like the leaves and stem. In this case, Michael Gerber-Weiss, DVM, veterinarian at LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital in South Florida, says you should contact a veterinarian immediately for a hands-on exam.  

While solanine and tomatine toxicity are rarely fatal, he says they can be serious and often require vet care. Potential signs of poisoning include: 

• Loss of coordination (ataxia) 
• Loss of appetite 
• Muscle weakness 
• Drooling and excess saliva 
• Dilated pupils 
• Tremors or seizures 
• Lethargy 
• Stomach pain 
• Heart arrhythmias 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

If you’re not sure which parts of the tomato your dog ate, call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661; a fee applies) to be on the safe side. 

Q: Can puppies eat tomatoes? 

A: Puppies can eat tomatoes, but their digestive systems are more sensitive than an adult dog’s and they’re more vulnerable to gastrointestinal upset. Dr. Gerber-Weiss also says they’re more susceptible to tomatine poisoning because of their size. If you do give them tomatoes, make sure it’s only a very small amount.  

Q: Can dogs eat cherry tomatoes? 

A: Yes, dogs can eat cherry tomatoes—just make sure they’re ripe with the leaves and stems removed. 

Q: Can dogs eat ketchup? 

A: No, dogs shouldn’t eat ketchup. Most ketchups you’ll find at the grocery store contain sugar and spices, like garlic, that aren’t good for dogs. 

Q: Can dogs eat tomato sauce? 

A: Dogs can eat a small amount of plain tomato sauce, but you shouldn’t give them anything seasoned. Some spices can cause digestive upset, while others (like garlic and onions) are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells.  

Q: Can dogs eat tomato soup? 

A: No, dogs shouldn’t eat tomato soup. Tomato soup has added ingredients, like sugar, garlic, and other spices, that may be harmful for your dog, says Dr. Gerber-Weiss.