Can dogs eat tomatoes?
✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last updated: 2026-06-17
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The full picture
Tomatoes are nightshades and contain solanine — but ripe red tomatoes have very little. The toxin concentrates in unripe green tomatoes, leaves, and stems, which can cause real toxicity if eaten in quantity. A few bites of ripe red tomato are fine for most dogs. Bigger cautions: tomato-based sauces usually contain onion and garlic (both toxic), and tomato plants in gardens are a risk if dogs chew leaves or unripe fruit. Keep dogs out of the veg patch.
If your dog ate more than a safe amount
For a small accidental taste, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of discomfort over the next few hours. For a large amount or if your dog is small or has existing health conditions, call your vet. When in doubt, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
Risks to watch for
- Solanine poisoning from green parts
- Stomach upset
- Hidden onion/garlic in tomato sauces
Potential benefits
- Vitamin C, lycopene — but not worth deliberately feeding
Safe portion size
A few small pieces of ripe red tomato flesh occasionally.
Safer alternatives
- Cucumber
- Red pepper strips
- Carrot
Does size or breed matter?
The risk from tomatoes is almost entirely in the unripe green fruit and the plant (leaves, stems), which contain solanine — ripe red tomato flesh in small amounts carries minimal risk at any size. Toxic dose from the green/unripe parts scales with body weight, so small dogs reach a dangerous amount more easily than large dogs.