Dogs are carnivores and have a diet that is primarily meat-based. Meat provides enzymatic energy, readily utilizable protein, and various other nutrients for dogs. Yet, plant-based products may be a good source of nutrients to compensate for dogs’ deficiencies. Tomatoes are soft, sweet, and very tempting, and they could be very delicious to our pets. Should we give them tomatoes? Now, let us dissect this topic based on the research.
Are Tomatoes Safe For Dogs?
Tomatoes contain a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber, so they are great for your pet’s digestive tract. Also, tomatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive components that seem to support the proper function of the doggy system. But are tomatoes good for dogs?
Can dogs eat tomatoes? It is not an easy question to answer. There is some controversy surrounding dogs’ consumption of tomatoes. Some sources state that tomatoes can be harmful to dogs. By contrast, other experts say dogs can eat tomatoes, but only in a certain form of preparation. Which tomatoes are safe to give to dogs?
Dogs can safely eat red, ripe tomatoes. Tomatoes are red due to natural pigments like lycopene. The ingredient, which is a carotenoid, may prevent diseases like cancer in pets. Dogs can consume processed tomatoes as well. Tomato pomace is a residue from vegetable processing, consisting of seeds, skins, and pulp. After drying, the residue is ground or pulverized and can be used as a nutritious additive. Tomato pomace is a common ingredient of pet food. It is high in protein and fiber with no detrimental effect on dog health.
When Dogs Can Not Eat Tomatoes?
Ripe tomatoes are safe for pets, so no harm should come from those vegetables. However, ‘ripe’ is a keyword that tomatoes should meet if we want to feed them to our pets. Unripe tomatoes, whose skin still has shades of green, cannot be eaten by dogs. Dogs should never eat tomatoes that are unripe and whose skin still has shades of green.
Tomatoes, which are a Solanaceae plant, may have bad ingredients that are harmful to dogs. A green tomato has a high concentration of solanine. This substance is toxic in very high concentrations, but as red tomatoes ripen, this solanine content drops. Thus, dogs must only eat red, ripe tomatoes, which don’t contain solanine.
Dogs also shouldn’t eat the green parts of plants, that is, leaves and stems. So, if you own a vegetable garden, you must watch and track your canines. Signs of poisoning from solanine include nausea, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures.
Allergic reactions are another crucial consideration. Actually, dogs can be allergic to other plant products, and that includes tomatoes. In that case, they will also experience symptoms. Consequently, new products must be provided to pets in limited quantities, and their reaction has to be checked.
Summary
Dogs can eat tomatoes if they are ripe and dark red. Giving your furry friend large quantities of vegetables is not advisable, so moderation is the key. The dosage of tomato suitable for a dog will depend on its size and weight. If you are unsure of your pet’s diet, consult your veterinarian.
Sources
- Stéphane Bissonnette, Judith A. Taylor (2014). Common Household Foods that Should Not be Given to Dogs or Cats.
https://selkirkvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Foods_that_Should_Not_Be_Given_to_Pets_2014.pdf - C. Yuangklang, K. Vasupen, C. Wongnen, S. Wongsuthavas, A.C. Beynen (2015). Digestibility of sundried tomato pomace in dogs.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309208513_Digestibility_of_sundried_tomato_pomace_in_dogs
