Dog owners regularly ask themselves what their four-legged friends can and cannot eat. It would be easiest if dogs could just eat everything that humans can tolerate. But it is not that easy. This is supposed to be about tomatoes and the question of whether dogs are allowed to eat them.
Tomatoes for Dogs in Brief
- Dogs can basically eat tomatoes.
- The tomatoes should be overripe.
- Even then, dogs are only allowed to eat small amounts of it.
- Tomatoes are nightshade and contain solanine, which is poisonous for dogs. This is particularly contained in the green areas.
Solanine in Tomatoes
There is no clear answer to the question of whether dogs are allowed to eat tomatoes or not. The situation is clear, however: Tomatoes are nightshades and they contain the substance solanine. This compound is mildly toxic and can cause dangerous symptoms in dogs. A dog is not allowed to eat them, especially if the tomatoes are not yet fully ripe and have green spots, for example. Because the green areas contain a particularly large amount of solanine.
My Dog Loves Tomatoes
However, if your furry companion has a preference for tomatoes and cannot do without them, please pay attention to the following:
- Make sure the tomato is completely ripe.
- It is best when the tomato is overripe.
- If there are still immature or even green areas, cut them away.
- Make sure that your dog does not eat too many tomatoes under any circumstances.
Nightshade plants are generally difficult to digest for dogs. We recommend: Avoid tomatoes completely on your dog’s menu to avoid risks. There are plenty of other dog foods out there. They taste just as good but do not pose a health risk.
What If My Dog Ate Unripe Tomatoes?
Your dog has now secretly reached the tomatoes and they weren’t quite ripe yet? The following symptoms can occur:
- cramps
- vomit
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- unconsciousness
- blood in the urine
- blood in the stool
- pale gums
- local mucosal damage
- signs of paralysis
Can Dogs Have Cooked Tomatoes?
Cooked tomatoes are safe for dogs when they are ripe. Again, we recommend that you do not give the dog too many tomatoes to eat. Passed tomatoes and tomato sauces are usually not a problem either, as they are made from ripe tomatoes that no longer contain solanine.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Eaten Tomatoes?
If you find that your dog has eaten too many or unripe tomatoes, do the following:
- If possible, check to see if the tomatoes were still unripe.
- Also, check the number of tomatoes you eat.
- If the tomatoes are ripe and the amount is low, don’t worry – probably nothing will happen.
- If the quantity was very high or if the tomatoes were unripe, then be careful!
- Monitor your dog and look out for any symptoms.
- To be on the safe side, you can also call the vet, who can help you to take the right steps.
- If you notice symptoms in the dog, take him to the vet immediately.