
Can Dogs Eat Green Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a staple in many human diets, but their safety for canine companions requires careful consideration. While ripe tomato flesh can offer some nutritional benefits, other parts of the plant pose serious health risks to dogs.
This comprehensive guide examines the safety of tomatoes for dogs, exploring which parts are dangerous, potential benefits of the flesh, and veterinary recommendations for safe feeding practices. We'll provide clear guidelines to help you make informed decisions about feeding tomatoes to your dog.
Understanding the specific risks associated with different parts of the tomato plant can help prevent serious health issues while ensuring your dog receives appropriate nutrition from safer alternatives when desired.
Introduction: The Tomato Dilemma
Tomatoes present a complex safety question for dog owners. While the ripe flesh contains beneficial nutrients, the green parts of the plant contain solanine and tomatine, glycoalkaloids that can be toxic to dogs.
What This Guide Covers
This comprehensive guide provides:
Nutritional Analysis
Detailed breakdown of tomato components and their effects on canine health.
Safety Guidelines
Official veterinary positions from leading animal health organizations.
Risk Assessment
Specific dangers associated with different parts of the tomato plant.
Practical Recommendations
Clear feeding guidelines and safer alternative vegetables for dogs.
The Nightshade Concern
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which includes potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Many plants in this family contain natural toxins called glycoalkaloids as a defense mechanism against insects and animals. In tomatoes, these compounds are concentrated in the green parts of the plant - stems, leaves, and unripe green tomatoes. As tomatoes ripen, the concentration of these toxins decreases significantly in the fruit flesh, making ripe red tomatoes much safer for consumption. This distinction between ripe fruit and green plant parts is crucial for understanding tomato safety for dogs.
Quick Answer
Proceed with caution. Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but green parts of the plant contain toxins that can be harmful to dogs.
If you choose to feed tomatoes, they must be ripe, red, and served in tiny amounts as an occasional treat with all stems and leaves removed.
Many veterinarians recommend avoiding tomatoes entirely for small dogs and those with sensitive stomachs due to the potential risks.
The Veterinary Verdict on Tomatoes
Leading animal health organizations provide clear guidance on tomatoes and canine safety.
Official Stance from Major Organizations
Professional veterinary consensus on tomato safety:
ASPCA Position
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists tomato plants as toxic to dogs due to solanine and tomatine in green parts.
Pet Poison Helpline
Classifies tomato plant ingestion as mildly to moderately toxic, with the highest concern for gastrointestinal upset and more serious effects in small dogs.
General Veterinary Consensus
Most veterinarians approve small amounts of ripe tomato flesh but recommend caution due to individual sensitivity and difficulty ensuring complete safety.
Clinical Evidence
Documented cases of solanine poisoning from green tomato plant consumption support the recommendation for extreme caution with plant parts.
Key Concerns Identified by Veterinarians
Veterinary professionals highlight these specific tomato risks:
- Solanine Toxicity: Green parts contain solanine that can cause gastrointestinal and neurological issues
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may be more sensitive to compounds in tomatoes
- Acidity: May cause stomach upset in dogs with sensitive digestion
- Difficulty of Safe Preparation: Challenging to ensure no green parts remain
- Choking Hazard: Small tomatoes or pieces can pose choking risks
- Allergic Reactions: Some dogs may have allergic responses to tomatoes
Critical Distinction: Ripe vs. Unripe
It's crucial to understand that the safety of tomatoes for dogs depends entirely on their ripeness. Ripe, red tomatoes have significantly lower levels of the toxic compounds solanine and tomatine compared to unripe, green tomatoes. The flesh of ripe tomatoes is generally considered safe for dogs in small quantities, while green tomatoes and all green parts of the plant (stems, leaves) contain dangerous concentrations of these toxins. This distinction is vital because many dogs who have access to tomato plants in gardens may be tempted to chew on the leaves or eat fallen green tomatoes, both of which pose serious health risks. This is why supervision and proper preparation are essential when considering tomatoes for your dog.
Dangerous Parts of Tomatoes
Understanding the specific risks associated with different tomato components is crucial for dog safety.
Green Parts - Extreme Danger
| Plant Part | Toxin Level | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Stems and Leaves | High | Contain highest concentration of solanine and tomatine |
| Unripe Green Tomatoes | Moderate to High | Contain significant amounts of toxic glycoalkaloids |
| Tomato Flowers | Moderate | Contain solanine and should be avoided |
| Small Green Tomatoes | High | Highest toxin concentration in developing fruit |
Ripe Tomato Considerations
Even ripe tomatoes require careful handling:
Stems and Calyx
Always remove the green stem and calyx (the star-shaped green part where stem attaches) as they contain toxins.
Acidity
The natural acidity of tomatoes may cause stomach upset in some dogs, especially those with sensitive digestion.
Choking Hazard
Small cherry or grape tomatoes can pose choking risks, especially for small dogs.
Pesticide Residues
Conventionally grown tomatoes may contain pesticide residues on the skin.
The Ripe Flesh - Generally Safe with Guidelines
Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe but still requires careful consideration:
- Acidity: May cause stomach upset or exacerbate acid reflux in some dogs
- Sugar Content: Contains natural sugars that should be limited
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may have allergic reactions or sensitivities
- Portion Control: Essential to prevent digestive issues
- Preparation: Must be properly prepared with all green parts removed
- Source Quality: Organic tomatoes are preferable to reduce pesticide exposure
The Solanine and Tomatine Mechanism
Solanine and tomatine are glycoalkaloid toxins found in members of the nightshade family, including tomatoes. These compounds serve as natural pesticides for the plants, protecting them from insects, fungi, and animals. In dogs, these toxins can cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) and, in larger quantities, neurological symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, weakness, and even cardiac effects. The concentration of these compounds is highest in the green parts of the plant and decreases significantly as the fruit ripens and turns red. While a healthy adult dog would need to consume a relatively large amount of green plant material to experience severe poisoning, smaller dogs or those with health issues may be affected by smaller quantities. This is why complete avoidance of green tomato plant parts is recommended.
Potential Benefits of Ripe Tomato Flesh
When fed in moderation, ripe tomato flesh can offer some nutritional benefits for dogs.
Nutritional Components in Tomato Flesh
| Nutrient | Potential Benefit | Reality for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Lycopene | Powerful antioxidant that may support cellular health | Antioxidant benefits are theoretical for dogs; not essential |
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant support, immune function | Dogs synthesize their own vitamin C; additional sources provide minimal benefit |
| Vitamin A | Vision health, immune function | Supports eye health and immune system function |
| Potassium | Electrolyte balance, nerve function | Supports proper muscle and nerve function |
| Fiber | Digestive health, regularity | Can be beneficial for digestive health when fed in appropriate amounts |
Risk-Benefit Analysis
When evaluating tomatoes for dogs, the risks often outweigh benefits for many dogs:
Significant Risks
Toxin exposure from green parts, digestive upset from acidity, and potential for allergic reactions.
Minimal Benefits
Nutrients already provided in balanced dog food, theoretical benefits not proven in dogs.
Poor Risk-Benefit Ratio
The potential for health issues often outweighs unproven nutritional benefits for most dogs.
Better Alternatives
Many other vegetables provide similar nutritional benefits without the associated risks of tomatoes.
The Lycopene Consideration for Dogs
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color and has been studied for potential health benefits in humans, including reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease. However, there is limited research on lycopene's benefits for dogs. While antioxidants are generally beneficial, dogs obtain sufficient antioxidants from high-quality commercial dog foods formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs. The additional lycopene from tomatoes provides no proven benefit while introducing potential risks. This is just one example of how human nutritional concepts don't always translate beneficially to canine nutrition, especially when weighed against potential safety concerns.
Real Risks of Tomatoes for Dogs
Beyond theoretical concerns, tomatoes present documented, practical risks to canine health.
Solanine Poisoning from Green Parts
Solanine toxicity from tomato plant consumption can cause various symptoms:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Neurological Symptoms
Lethargy, confusion, weakness, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures.
Onset Time
Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of ingestion but may be delayed.
Treatment Urgency
Solanine poisoning requires veterinary attention, with supportive care as primary treatment.
Other Potential Concerns
Additional risks associated with tomato consumption:
- Digestive Upset: Acidity can cause stomach discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Allergic Reactions: Some dogs may develop skin irritations or other allergic symptoms
- Choking Hazard: Small tomatoes can become lodged in a dog's throat
- Pesticide Exposure: Conventionally grown tomatoes may contain harmful residues
- Behavioral Concerns: Dogs who enjoy tomatoes may seek out unsafe plant parts
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may be more affected by tomato compounds
Documented Cases of Tomato Toxicity
Veterinary literature includes cases supporting tomato risks:
| Case Type | Symptoms Observed | Treatment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Solanine Poisoning | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness | Supportive care, fluid therapy, monitoring |
| Severe Gastrointestinal Upset | Persistent vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain | Hospitalization, anti-emetics, fluid therapy |
| Allergic Reaction | Facial swelling, hives, itching | Antihistamines, monitoring for anaphylaxis |
| Choking Incident | Respiratory distress, panic, coughing | Emergency airway clearance |
The Individual Sensitivity Factor
One of the most challenging aspects of feeding tomatoes to dogs is the unpredictable nature of individual sensitivity. Just as some people can eat certain foods without issue while others experience adverse reactions, dogs vary in their tolerance to tomato compounds. Some dogs may consume small amounts of ripe tomato flesh without any apparent problems, while others may develop gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions from the same quantity. This individual variability makes it difficult to provide universal guidelines and underscores the importance of extreme caution when introducing tomatoes to your dog's diet. Always start with the smallest possible amount and monitor your dog closely for any signs of adverse reactions, keeping in mind that reactions may be delayed.
Safe Preparation (If You Must)
If you choose to feed ripe tomato flesh despite the risks, meticulous preparation is absolutely essential.
Step-by-Step Safe Preparation
These steps must be followed precisely if feeding tomato flesh:
Choose only fully ripe, red tomatoes with no green areas on the skin or flesh.
Rinse the tomato under cool running water to remove any pesticide residues, dirt, or contaminants.
Carefully cut away and discard the stem, calyx, and any green portions of the tomato.
Consider removing the skin to reduce pesticide exposure and improve digestibility.
Scoop out seeds if your dog has a sensitive stomach, as they can be difficult to digest.
Chop the tomato flesh into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size.
What to Absolutely Avoid
These preparation mistakes can have serious consequences:
- Never Feed Green Tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes contain dangerous toxin levels
- Never Allow Access to Tomato Plants: Prevent dogs from chewing leaves or stems
- Never Feed Tomato Products: Sauces, ketchups, and canned tomatoes contain added ingredients
- Never Assume "Just a Taste": Even small amounts can cause reactions in sensitive dogs
- Never Feed Moldy or Spoiled Tomatoes: May contain additional toxins
- Never Leave Stems Attached: Always remove all green parts completely
Storage and Handling Safety
Proper handling prevents accidental exposure to unsafe parts:
| Aspect | Safe Practice | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Storage | Keep tomatoes in closed containers out of dog's reach | Prevents accidental consumption of whole tomatoes with stems |
| Plant Access | Prevent access to tomato plants in gardens or yards | Eliminates risk of unsupervised consumption of dangerous plant parts |
| Preparation Area | Clean preparation surfaces thoroughly after use | Removes any plant fragments that could be accidentally consumed |
| Compost Safety | Secure compost bins containing tomato plant waste | Prevents dogs from accessing discarded toxic plant parts |
The "Why Risk It?" Philosophy
When evaluating whether to feed any food to your dog, consider the "why risk it?" philosophy. For tomatoes, the potential benefits are minimal at best and non-existent at worst, while the risks include toxin exposure and digestive upset. There are no essential nutrients in tomatoes that dogs cannot obtain from safer sources. Many other vegetables provide similar nutritional profiles without the associated risks of solanine poisoning or digestive issues. When safer alternatives are readily available, there's simply no compelling reason to take the risk with tomatoes. This precautionary approach is why many veterinary professionals recommend complete avoidance rather than attempting complicated preparation methods that still carry some risk.
How Much (If Any) Is Safe?
While complete avoidance is recommended for many dogs, understanding potential tolerance levels helps assess risk in accidental consumption scenarios.
Small Dogs: Extreme Caution Required
Guidelines for small breed dogs (under 20 lbs):
Weight Consideration
Smaller body size means even minimal exposure to tomato compounds can have significant effects.
Choking Hazard
Even small pieces of tomato can pose choking risks for very small dogs.
Proportionate Impact
Even tiny amounts represent a substantial portion of a small dog's digestive capacity.
Veterinary Advice
Most veterinarians recommend complete avoidance for small breed dogs due to heightened vulnerability.
Medium/Large Dogs: Strict Limits Apply
If absolutely necessary, these strict limits apply to larger dogs:
- Absolute Maximum: No more than 1-2 small pieces of meticulously prepared flesh for large breeds
- Frequency: No more than once per week, if at all
- Preparation: Must be meticulously prepared with zero green parts
- Monitoring: Watch closely for any signs of digestive upset for 24 hours after consumption
- Individual Sensitivity: Some dogs may react negatively even to properly prepared flesh
- Not Recommended: Many veterinarians still advise complete avoidance
Most Vets Say: Consider Safer Alternatives
The veterinary consensus often favors choosing safer options:
| Reason for Caution | Rationale | Alternative Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Risk-Benefit Ratio | Potential risks with minimal to no proven benefits | Choose vegetables with better safety profiles and proven benefits |
| Preparation Difficulty | Challenging to guarantee complete removal of all green parts | Select vegetables that are safe in their entirety or easy to prepare safely |
| Unpredictable Reactions | Individual dogs may have unexpected severe reactions | Stick to vegetables with well-documented safety records |
| Better Options Available | Many safer vegetables provide similar nutritional benefits | Incorporate proven safe vegetables into your dog's diet instead |
The Behavioral Consideration
Beyond the immediate physical risks, there's an important behavioral consideration when feeding tomatoes to dogs. Dogs who develop a taste for tomatoes may be more likely to seek out tomato plants in the future, whether from gardens, countertops, or outdoor spaces. This learned behavior creates ongoing risk, as dogs cannot distinguish between safe prepared flesh and dangerous plant parts. This is particularly concerning for dogs with access to yards containing tomato plants, where fallen green tomatoes or accessible leaves present constant temptation. By completely avoiding tomatoes, you eliminate this learned preference and reduce the risk of your dog seeking out and consuming dangerous tomato plant parts when unsupervised.
What If My Dog Already Ate Tomatoes?
Accidental consumption happens. Knowing how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Small Amount of Ripe Flesh Only → Monitor
If your dog consumed a small amount of ripe tomato flesh without green parts:
Determine approximately how much flesh was consumed and whether there was any contact with green parts.
Ensure no more tomatoes or tomato plants are accessible to your dog to prevent further consumption.
Provide fresh water to help with digestion and prevent dehydration if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal discomfort for 24-48 hours.
If any concerning symptoms develop, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Any Green Parts or Large Quantity → Emergency Vet
These situations require immediate veterinary attention:
- Any Green Plant Consumption: Leaves, stems, or unripe tomatoes
- Large Quantity of Flesh: More than the recommended maximum for your dog's size
- Whole Tomato Consumption: Dogs cannot separate safe from dangerous parts
- Symptoms of Distress: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, or tremors
- Unknown Quantity: If you're unsure how much or what was consumed, err on the side of caution
- Small Dog Consumption: Any amount of plant material in a small breed dog
Emergency Contact Information
Keep these resources readily available:
| Resource | Contact Information | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Your Regular Veterinarian | Keep clinic number in your phone | First contact for non-life-threatening concerns during business hours |
| Emergency Veterinary Clinic | Research and save local emergency clinic info | After-hours emergencies or when regular vet is unavailable |
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply) | Expert guidance on potential toxicity, available 24/7 |
| Pet Poison Helpline | (855) 764-7661 (fee may apply) | 24/7 animal poison control service with veterinary toxicologists |
Never Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Guidance
It may be tempting to induce vomiting if your dog consumes something potentially harmful, but this should never be done without explicit veterinary instruction. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous or even fatal in certain situations, such as if the dog has already vomited, is having trouble breathing, is lethargic or unconscious, or consumed the substance more than 2 hours ago. Additionally, with tomato plant material, inducing vomiting could cause further irritation to the esophagus and throat. Only your veterinarian or a poison control expert can properly assess whether inducing vomiting is appropriate and safe for your specific situation. Always consult a professional before taking any action beyond basic monitoring.
Much Safer Vegetable Alternatives
Many vegetables provide similar nutritional benefits to tomatoes without the associated risks.
Recommended Safe Alternatives
These vegetables are generally safe and well-tolerated by dogs:
Carrots
Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin A, and most dogs enjoy the crunchy texture.
Green Beans
Excellent source of fiber and vitamins, low in calories, and easily digestible.
Cucumbers
Hydrating, low in calories, and most dogs love the mild flavor and crunchy texture.
Pumpkin
Excellent source of fiber, particularly good for digestive health, and easily digestible.
Other Safe Vegetable Options
Additional safe vegetable options for dogs:
- Sweet Potatoes: Cooked and mashed, rich in fiber and vitamins
- Zucchini: Low in calories, easily digestible when cooked
- Broccoli: In small amounts, provides vitamins and fiber
- Peas: Good source of protein and vitamins, easily digestible
- Spinach: In moderation, provides iron and vitamins
- Celery: Low in calories, provides hydration and fiber
Comparison of Nightshade Vegetables
How safer alternatives compare to tomatoes:
| Vegetable | Safety Profile | Preparation Difficulty | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Caution - green parts toxic | High - requires careful removal of green parts | Moderate to high |
| Potatoes | Caution - green parts toxic | Moderate - must be cooked and green parts removed | Moderate |
| Eggplants | Caution - contains solanine | Moderate - must be cooked and prepared carefully | Moderate |
| Carrots | Excellent - very safe | Easy - can be served raw or cooked | Very low |
| Green Beans | Excellent - very safe | Easy - can be served raw or cooked | Very low |
The 10% Rule for Treats
When feeding vegetables or any treats to your dog, remember the 10% rule: treats should not exceed 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food. This ensures your dog receives all essential nutrients in proper proportions while still enjoying the variety and enjoyment of treats. For example, if your dog eats 500 calories daily, only 50 calories should come from treats including vegetables. This approach allows you to provide healthy treats while maintaining nutritional balance in your dog's overall diet. When choosing vegetables as treats, opt for those with proven safety records and minimal preparation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dogs should not eat cooked tomatoes or tomato sauce. While cooking may break down some of the toxins in tomatoes, most tomato sauces and cooked tomato products contain added ingredients that are harmful to dogs. These often include onions, garlic, salt, sugar, and various spices that can cause digestive upset or more serious health issues. Additionally, the concentration of tomatoes in sauces means your dog would consume a larger quantity than recommended. If you want to feed your dog tomatoes, stick to small amounts of fresh, ripe tomato flesh that you have prepared yourself, ensuring all green parts are removed. Never feed your dog any prepared tomato products meant for human consumption.
Cherry and grape tomatoes pose additional risks for dogs. While they contain the same nutritional profile as larger tomatoes, their small size creates a significant choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Additionally, it's more difficult to properly prepare these small tomatoes by removing all green parts. If you choose to feed cherry or grape tomatoes to your dog, they must be cut into appropriate sizes to prevent choking and meticulously inspected to ensure no green parts remain. However, many veterinarians recommend avoiding these varieties entirely due to the increased risks. Larger tomato varieties that can be more easily prepared are generally safer options if you decide to feed tomatoes to your dog.
If your dog ate a tomato plant leaf, this is a potential emergency situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. Tomato plant leaves contain high concentrations of solanine and tomatine, which are toxic to dogs. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away. The size of your dog and the amount consumed will influence the urgency - smaller dogs face greater risk from even small amounts. Your veterinarian will likely want to assess your dog and may recommend inducing vomiting if the ingestion was very recent. Do not attempt to induce vomiting yourself without veterinary guidance. Monitor your dog closely for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weakness, and be prepared to provide information about the approximate amount consumed and when it occurred.
While solanine and tomatine content can vary slightly between tomato varieties, all tomato plants contain these compounds in their green parts. There are no tomato varieties that can be considered "safe" in terms of their green components. Some larger tomato varieties might be easier to prepare safely since you can more clearly see and remove all green parts. Heirloom varieties typically have more traditional tomato genetics and may have toxin profiles similar to wild tomatoes, but this doesn't make them safer. The minor variations between varieties don't change the fundamental recommendation to exercise extreme caution with all tomatoes and to completely avoid feeding the green parts of any tomato variety to dogs.
No, puppies should never be given tomato flesh. Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs and may react more strongly to the compounds in tomatoes. More importantly, puppies are in a critical developmental stage where establishing safe eating habits is crucial. Introducing risky foods like tomatoes, even in carefully prepared form, can create preferences that may lead to dangerous behavior later. Puppies are also more vulnerable to the effects of potential toxins due to their smaller size and developing systems. There are no nutritional benefits in tomatoes that puppies cannot obtain from their puppy food and safer treat options. It's best to completely avoid feeding tomatoes to puppies of any age.
Symptoms of solanine poisoning from tomato plant ingestion can include gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Neurological symptoms may include lethargy, confusion, weakness, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or cardiac effects. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of ingestion but may be delayed. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount consumed relative to the dog's size and individual sensitivity. If you observe any of these symptoms after suspected tomato plant ingestion, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Solanine poisoning can be serious, especially in small dogs or those who have consumed large quantities of plant material.
Conclusion & Final Recommendation
Tomatoes present significant and potentially serious risks to dogs due to the solanine and tomatine contained in their green parts. While the ripe flesh itself has lower toxin levels, the difficulty of completely separating it from dangerous parts makes tomatoes a questionable food for canine consumption.
The risk-benefit analysis strongly favors choosing safer alternatives over tomatoes for dogs. The potential benefits are minimal and theoretical, while the risks include toxin exposure, digestive upset, and allergic reactions. With many safer vegetable alternatives available, there's no nutritional justification for taking the tomato risk.
When accidents happen, appropriate monitoring and knowing when to seek emergency veterinary care are crucial. For intentional feeding, however, the consensus among many veterinary professionals is clear: tomatoes are best left out of your dog's diet in favor of proven safe alternatives.
The One-Sentence Rule
While ripe tomato flesh has lower toxin levels, the difficulty of safe preparation and risks associated with green parts make tomatoes not worth the risk - avoid feeding tomatoes to your dog entirely.
By choosing safer vegetable alternatives and following veterinary guidance, you can provide your dog with healthy treats while avoiding unnecessary health risks. When it comes to tomatoes, the safest approach is simple and complete avoidance.
Printable "Free Download" Cheat Sheet
This quick-reference guide summarizes the key information about tomatoes and dogs.
Tomatoes for Dogs: Quick Reference Guide
How to Use This Cheat Sheet
Keep this reference guide handy as a quick reminder about tomato safety for dogs. Remember that while ripe flesh has lower toxin levels, the difficulty of safe preparation and serious risks associated with green parts make complete avoidance the safest approach. If you're ever uncertain about any food's safety for your dog, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's specific health needs and history.
About the Author
Caitlyn Getty
Author
Dr. Caitlyn Getty, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition) — Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist and PhD scientist at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, dedicated to advancing dog and cat health through innovative, science-based nutrition. Based in Fishers, Indiana.


