Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?. We would rather treat our dogs like family, even sharing food that we eat. Either it is what they are eating as their primary source of food, one of the foods we would rather provide to our dogs is vegetables and fruits.
Now let’s talk about tomatoes. Are tomatoes safe to consume for dogs? The response isn’t a straightforward yes or no — there’s a bit more to consider.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Toxins in tomatoes
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?. Since they belong to the nightshade group of vegetables, tomato plants contain poisonous compounds. Solanine is poisonous and present in green leaves and stem of the plant as well as green tomatoes. Tomatine is a natural compound found in tomato plants and is considered toxic. It occurs in greater amounts in the green parts of the plant and in unripe, green tomatoes.
Red tomatoes, when they are ripe, are safe to be eaten by a dog but just from time to time and in small portions. They can upset the stomach, but for the most part, they can do this to any dog that might have a sensitive digestion system. Giving your dog a great meal that is well balanced and special for dogs will keep them healthy and give them everything that they require.
Providing treats, such as tomatoes, are just that. Treats! If your dog likes tomatoes, no ill will be done by occasionally giving them a little. Choose organic, if possible, because the tomato won’t have been sprayed with pesticide.
Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?. Tomatoes that are ripe are safe for dogs and therefore do not inflict any harm on them. In fact, the many health benefits that can be derived from tomatoes is why the same tomatoes are actually used as an ingredient in pet food.
Tomatoes have a high concentration of fiber that benefits your dog’s digestive system. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, and folate (vitamin B9) that helps in tissue development and functioning of cells.
How to Feed Tomatoes Safely to Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?. Tomatoes aren’t poisonous to dogs, but feeding them in excess can upset their stomach due to their acidity. Like any other form of treat, tomatoes have to be consumed by dogs in small amounts under close supervision.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
How to safely feed a dog tomatoes
As with the case of any new food, use moderation. You may safely introduce a little quantity of fresh ripe tomato to your dog as fresh food topper or as a tasty treat.
The following are some guidelines to keep in mind while feeding tomato to your dog:
- Select ripe tomatoes: They contain less tomatine and are easy to digest for dogs.
- De-stem and de-leaf: Leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain the highest concentration of tomatine. De-stem and de-leaf before giving to your dog.
- Slice into bite-sized: Cut the tomato into small, easy-to-gulp pieces to avoid choking.
- Restrict portions: As with any new food, begin with small portions to observe your dog’s digestive system. After noticing there are no side effects, it’s alright to gradually increase portions to the suggested amount for your dog’s size.
- Monitor for any task response: Monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) and stop tomato feeding if your dog experiences either. If you notice any sign of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, or a difficulty in breathing, call your vet right away.
How Can I Feed Tomatoes to My Dog?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?. Only organic (these won’t carry pesticides), ripe tomatoes can be used, which should be red. Before serving, make sure you have pulled out any of the green portion like the vine, leaves, and stem. After that, wash them and serve in order to ensure there is no dirt on them. Begin by offering your dog a small amount to see how well they will take it – it is quite likely most dogs won’t actually care for the taste and texture of tomatoes though, so don’t panic if they simply spit it out!
The Nutritional Value of Tomatoes to Dogs
Tomatoes are filled with nutrients that can prove to be a treasure trove for your dog’s well-being when eaten in small amounts. Tomatoes are filled with vitamins A, C, and K, and potassium, all of which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. But the ace among all the nutrients found in tomatoes is the antioxidant lycopene.
The Power Antioxidant: Lycopene
Lycopene is linked with decreased risks of various health issues, including heart disease and cancer. It’s a wonderful option for dogs since it possesses an antioxidant property that fights off harmful free radicals within the body. Nevertheless, do recall that tomatoes need to be a rare treat only and never a replacement for your dog’s regular healthy food.
Possible Dangers of Feeding Tomatoes to Dogs
Tomatoes are not just good for human nutritional intake but can also be a problem for dogs, although largely due to an ingredient from the green leaves of the tomato plant: solanine.
Solanine is a toxin of nightshade plants, naturally found in nightshade fruits such as tomatoes. Trace amounts of solanine can be found in ripe tomatoes, but more so in the green plant leaves, stems, and foliage, as well as in the green or unripe tomatoes.