When it comes to food dogs are so picky but they always love to have what is being taken by human beings. Whether it’s chocolate, avocados, or some delicious, bright red, juicy steak – your dog likely wants to eat it… but they really shouldn’t.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
The answer is Yes and no. Dogs can take tomatoes in moderate amounts but not in large amounts. Raw tomatoes are Non Toxic to dogs but as always, should be given in moderation as a special treat now and then.
Although it is safe for dogs to consume red ripe tomatoes, the vines contains nightshade family of vegetables of which are potatoes, bell peppers and blue berries. Tomato plants contain some toxins that may be dangerous for your dog.
Solanine and its derivative tomatine are most commonly reported in the green parts of the plant that is tomato. That means that your dog should never chock on the leaves and stems of the tomato plants and young green tomatoes. Consuming a green tomato or any of the green areas of the tomato cause tomatine poisoning symptoms.
What Is Tomatine Poisoning?
Green tomatoes are not safe for dogs, ripe tomatoes are harmless because the vegetable is not toxic for dogs. However, green tomatoes are dangerous when given in large quantities because they contain natural substances; solanine and tomatine.
Tomatoes contain a small amount of toxins, the consumption of many tomatoes particularly the vines and the foliage can lead to tomatine poisoning or tomato poisoning.
Tomatine poisoning and its symptoms
Symptoms of tomatine poisoning in dogs to look for include:
Loss of coordination
Loss of appetite
Muscle weakness
Hypersalivation
Dilated pupils
Tremors or seizures
Lethargy
Abdominal pain
Cardiac side effects of old anti-psychotics such as arrhythmia and irregular heartbeats.
Eg: Gastrointestinal upset possibly comprising of diarrhea and vomiting.
Fortunately, tomatine poisoning in dogs is almost unheard of and in the vast majority of cases does not result in the death of the dog. It is believed that majority of the dog that have been affected by tomatine recover fully.
Your veterinarian can give your dog a complete check-up and perform a histology test or an EKG to determine if your dog has been poisoned with tomatoes. If dogs have tomatine poisoning veterinarians may either make dogs vomit or simply observe them.
Tomatoes may deem unsuitable for dogs due to the chances that some dogs will develop an allergic reaction to it. This is also rather rare however symptoms do include hives rash, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing.
If your dog has a history of ingesting tomatoes or even the plant in large quantity, consult your vet immediately.
Are Tomatoes Good for Dogs?
This makes them safe to feed for your dog, as they are all non toxic to dogs when used ripe. In fact, the many nutritional values that come with tomatoes hence is why they are included as part of the pet food.
Tomatoes contain a lot of roughage and your dog can therefore have an easy time in digestion of his or her food. They also contain antioxidant vitamins and minerals potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate or vitamin B9 that is essential in tissue maintenance as well as proficient cell division.
How to eat healthy and share tomatoes with your dog
Tomatoes are not poisonous to dogs but giving them too much of it will cause them to vomit because of the acidic nature of the fruit. As with any other kind of treats, tomatoes are something that a dog should have in limited amounts and always with close supervision.
It is advisable to start with a tiny serving of tomato to check the reactions and a sensitive system of the dog. But remember how to handle the tomatoes correctly. Trim all the green portions and cut into bite-size pieces so that you have an easy time when eating.
While it’s true that your dog can eat tomatoes, that does not mean they are free to consume food containing tomatoes. The tomato sauce, which you use for your pizza or spaghetti may have garlic and onions which are also known to upset stomach.
Toxic and dangerous foods to avoid feeding your dogs.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
Dogs can eat many vegetables, including:
Carrots
Full of fiber and vitamin A – good for the eyes, skin, and coat
Broccoli
An excellent source of fiber and vitamin C which is very essential in the necessary functioning of the human body.
Pumpkin
Abundant in fibre which aids in problems of stool and is rich in omega-6 fatty acids that act as an anti-inflammatory agent
Sweet potatoes
Vegetables high in fiber and vitamins, though must be cooked and the skin peeled as some dogs cannot handle the skin well.
Green beans
A healthy food that’s rich in protein and fibers
Cucumber
Contains higher water content which is important to keep the health of your dog hydrated
Beets
Comes with vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc, but contains high carbohydrate and sugar content besides oxalates which are injurious to kidney.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes in their natural skin are fine but try not to consume green tomatoes or any other part of the tomato plant besides the fruit.