vegetable
Tomatoes
NOT RECOMMENDED
Ripe tomato flesh is not toxic in small amounts, but the green parts of the plant are. Best avoided as a routine treat.
What to do
Keep tomato plants out of reach and avoid seasoned tomato products. If your dog has chewed a tomato plant, contact your vet for advice.
When to contact a vet: Contact a vet if your dog has eaten leaves, stems or green tomatoes, or is unsteady, drooling or repeatedly vomiting.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- drooling
- lethargy
- weakness
- wobbliness after eating the plant
Why
The ripe red fruit contains only very small amounts of solanine and tomatine and is not considered toxic in the quantities a dog would normally eat. The green parts of the plant, including leaves, stems and unripe green tomatoes, contain more of these compounds and can cause stomach upset and, in larger amounts, more serious signs. Tinned tomatoes, pasta sauces and ketchup often contain onion, garlic, salt or sweeteners, which are the bigger risk in a home kitchen.
- Substances of concern
- solanine, tomatine
- Safer parts
- Small amounts of plain ripe red tomato flesh.
- Parts to avoid
- Leaves, stems, unripe green tomatoes, and tomato sauces containing onion, garlic or sweeteners.
- Preparation
- If you do offer it, give a small piece of plain washed ripe tomato with no seasoning.
- How much matters
- A small piece occasionally is unlikely to cause a problem. Eating the plant itself is the situation that warrants advice.
- Severity
- Low to moderate
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Nutrition
- PetMDVeterinary information — Nutrition
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.
Also known as tomato, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, tomato plant, green tomato · Solanum lycopersicum