Vegetables
Can dogs and cats eat tomatoes?
Short answer on tomatoes: safe only with care for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a caution verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line and signs to watch for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
- Signs to watch differs
Tomatoes safety for dogs
Ripe tomato flesh is fine for dogs in small amounts, but green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and can cause serious illness.
Toxic principle: Solanine (unripe fruit and green plant parts only)
Watch for
- hypersalivation
- loss of appetite
- severe GI upset
- weakness
- dilated pupils
- slow heart rate
Tomatoes safety for cats
Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe for cats in small amounts, but green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and can cause serious illness.
Toxic principle: Solanine (unripe fruit and green plant parts only)
Watch for
- drooling
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- confusion
- tremors in severe cases
Questions owners ask about tomatoes
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Ripe tomato flesh is fine for dogs in small amounts, but green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and can cause serious illness.
Is tomatoes safe for every dog?
Not necessarily. Ripe tomato flesh is fine for dogs in small amounts, but green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and can cause serious illness. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with tomatoes and dogs?
hypersalivation, loss of appetite, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat tomatoes?
Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe for cats in small amounts, but green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and can cause serious illness.
Is tomatoes safe for every cat?
Not necessarily. Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe for cats in small amounts, but green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems contain solanine and can cause serious illness. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with tomatoes and cats?
drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, confusion, tremors in severe cases. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.