Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes?

In moderation, fully ripened, red tomatoes—both large varieties, grape, and cherry tomatoes—can be a safe, tasty treat for chickens, says Sabrina Kong, DVM, of Jules Veterinary Center in Tracy, California, and veterinary consultant at WeLoveDoodles.com. 

In fact, tomatoes are commonly found as an ingredient in popular treats for chickens, like: 

However, you’ll want to avoid feeding your chicken unripe green tomatoes, and always remove all green parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and stems. They all contain solanine, a naturally occurring compound that’s toxic to chickens. 

“While the amount of solanine in ripe red tomatoes is negligible and not harmful, it’s concentrated in the green parts of the plant and in unripe fruit,” Dr. Kong explains.  

When offered on occasion, tomatoes can have several benefits for chickens: 

• They’re a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes are packed with nutrients, like vitamins C and K, lycopene, and beta-carotene. And while chickens produce their own vitamin C, “supplementing with fresh produce can contribute to their overall well-being,” Dr. Kong says. 
• They’re low in calories. A 100-gram tomato—which is about medium-sized—contains only 18 calories. (Keep in mind that a chicken’s serving should be a fraction of that size.) 
• They have high water content. Tomatoes contain over 90% water, which can help with hydration, especially during warmer weather, Dr. Kong says. 
• They can be used for enrichment. Foods like tomatoes can be a form of enrichment for chickens and a good way to keep them entertained, says Maurice Ernest Pitesky, DVM, MPVM, DACVPM, veterinarian and associate specialist at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis, California. 

Tomatoes aren’t bad for chickens, considering their various health benefits. However, Dr. Pitesky says there are some potential risks to be mindful of before feeding these fruits to your flock, such as: 

• Toxicity: While red, ripened tomatoes are safe, green tomatoes and tomato leaves, stems, and flowers are toxic to chickens. 
• Dietary imbalances: A balanced commercial chicken feed has all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and lay eggs. Overfeeding them treats, like tomatoes, could lead to an inadequate amount of nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, and protein. 
• Gastrointestinal (GI) upset: Introducing any new food too quickly, including tomatoes, could lead to symptoms of GI upset in chickens. 

Treats, including tomatoes and other human foods, should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 5% of a chicken’s daily diet. The rest should come from a high-quality, balanced layer feed. 

According to Dr. Pitesky, an adult chicken of a healthy weight will eat about 120 grams of feed a day, which is about 1/2 cup of feed. That means they can have about 6 grams of tomato; an appropriate serving size for most chickens, including laying hens. 

Six grams of a tomato could be: 

• A thin slice of a large tomato 
• About half or less than half of a single cherry tomato 
• About one grape tomato 

Gradually introduce tomatoes to your chickens’ diet and observe them for signs of intolerance to prevent any potential health problems from occurring. 

If you’d like to give your feathered friends tomatoes, follow these tips for how to prep and serve: 

• Make sure the tomatoes are fully red and ripe. It’s crucial not to feed unripe green tomatoes and any parts of the plant to chickens because of their toxicity. Also avoid feeding rotten tomatoes, because they contain high amounts of bacteria. 
• Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. This helps remove dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants. 
• Cut them into smaller pieces, especially larger tomato varieties. Doing so can prevent choking hazards and make them easier for the chickens to peck at, Dr. Kong says. The seeds and skin of ripe tomatoes are safe for chickens to eat, so no need to remove them. 
• Toss the prepared pieces into their run or a designated feeding area. For even more enrichment, you can throw a few tomatoes into a bale of hay to let them pick at it, Dr. Pitesky says. 

After your chickens have gobbled up their treats, clean up any leftovers at the end of the day to prevent other critters, like rodents, from coming in. Their area should always be im-peck-ably clean! 

General signs that your chicken may have eaten too many tomatoes include diarrhea and regurgitation.  

If a chicken has ingested green tomatoes or the green parts of a tomato, this could lead to neurologic signs such as:  

• Tremors 
• Twisting of the head and neck 
• Circling 
• Falling over backward 
• Paralysis 

According to Dr. Pitesky, it’s important for pet parents to be very observant of what their chicken is eating. If you notice any unusual signs in your chickens after giving tomatoes, it’s best to stop feeding them and consult a vet. 

If you’re looking for other human foods safe for chickens to eat as an occasional treat, some fruits and veggies include: 

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) 
• Cucumbers 
• Greens (spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, collard greens, Swiss chard) 
• Carrots 
• Melons 
• Grapes 
• Apples 
• Pineapple 
• Fresh herbs 
• Cabbage 
• Pumpkin 

You can even find fruits and veggies in popular treats for chickens, like: 

Can baby chicks eat tomatoes? 

Technically, yes, baby chicks can eat tomatoes, but it’s not recommended. 

“Chicks have very delicate digestive systems, and their nutritional needs are highly specific for rapid growth and development, which is best met by a specialized chick starter feed,” Dr. Kong says. “Introducing treats, even safe ones like ripe tomatoes, too early can disrupt their balanced diet or cause digestive upset.”  

Wait until chicks have reached about 8–12 weeks of age before introducing any fresh treats in very small quantities. 

Can chickens eat green tomatoes? 

No, chickens can’t eat green tomatoes, because they contain a toxic compound known as solanine. 

Can chickens eat tomato plants?  

No, chickens cannot eat tomato plants, because they also have solanine, a compound that’s toxic to chickens. 

Can chickens eat cherry tomatoes? 

Yes, chickens can eat cherry tomatoes. They’re not only considered safe for them to eat but can also be a nutritious treat when served in moderation. 

Can chickens eat tomato leaves? 

No, chickens cannot eat tomato leaves, because tomato leaves and every other part of a tomato that isn’t the red fruit are toxic to them.