Yes, dogs can eat cherry tomatoes in moderation. They are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants but also contain tomatine, which can be toxic in large quantities. It’s important to feed them in moderation and avoid feeding any other parts of the tomato plant.
What are the risks of feeding cherry tomatoes?
- Tomatoes contain tomatine and solanine, which are poisonous to dogs in high concentrations
- The green parts and roots of the tomato plant contain dangerous levels of tomatine
- High sugar and acid content in cherry tomatoes can lead to weight gain or other health issues.
- Large amounts of cherry tomatoes can cause digestive problems
Feeding too many cherry tomatoes to dogs can cause symptoms such as:
- Gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy and weakness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Loss of appetite
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Tremors or seizures in severe cases.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a large amount of tomatoes or any part of the tomato plant, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
How to safely feed cherry tomatoes to your dog?
If you want to feed your dog cherry tomatoes, here are some tips to do so safely:
- Only feed ripe cherry tomatoes to your dog as unripe tomatoes contain higher levels of tomatine and solanine, which can be toxic to dogs.
- Remove the stem and any green parts of the tomato before feeding it to your dog.
- Cut the cherry tomato into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.
- Introduce cherry tomatoes gradually into your dog’s diet and monitor for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions.
- Feed cherry tomatoes to your dog as an occasional treat and not as a regular part of their diet.
Frequently asked questions
Cherry tomatoes themselves are not toxic to dogs, but the green parts of the plant, including the leaves and stems, contain higher levels of tomatine and solanine which can be harmful to dogs in large quantities.
It’s best to limit a dog’s intake of cherry tomatoes to just a few per day, depending on the size of the dog.
Other types of tomatoes are also safe for dogs to eat in moderation, as long as they are prepared correctly and the green parts of the plant are avoided.
What did we learn from all this?
Dogs can eat cherry tomatoes in moderation as they are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, but they contain tomatine, which can be toxic in large quantities. The green parts and roots of the tomato plant are particularly dangerous. Feeding ripe cherry tomatoes and removing the stem and green parts before cutting them into small pieces can help avoid any risks. It’s best to introduce them gradually into your dog’s diet and monitor any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions. Cherry tomatoes should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat, and not as a regular part of their diet.
I am a pet lover who spent her childhood in the company of a friendly Labrador Retriever. I believe that pets make our lives more enjoyable and stress-free. Currently, I have two budgies Kiwi & Koko, and a puppy named Enzo. So, here I am, attempting to share my experiences and knowledge to improve the lives of pets and pet owners.