Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? A Groomer's Guide to Ripe vs Green

The honest answer is: it depends which bit. Ripe, red tomato flesh is fine for dogs in small amounts, but green, unripe tomatoes, along with the stalks, leaves and the plant itself, should be avoided. The green parts contain natural compounds called solanine and tomatine, which can make a dog unwell in larger amounts. So a bit of ripe tomato: yes. Anything green or leafy: no.

This is one where owners often get muddled, so let's clear it up properly. It's the ripeness and the part of the plant that matters.

The ripe-vs-green distinction

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, and the green parts of the plant (unripe fruit, stems, leaves and vines) contain solanine and tomatine. These are the plant's natural defence chemicals, and in larger amounts they can upset a dog's stomach and, rarely, cause more serious effects.

As a tomato ripens and turns red, the level of these compounds drops right down. That's why:

• Ripe, red flesh in moderation is generally safe.
• Green, unripe tomatoes should be avoided.
• Stalks, leaves and the growing plant should be kept away from dogs entirely.

If you grow tomatoes at home, that last point matters most: a dog chewing on the vines or unripe fruit in the garden is the classic way this goes wrong.

> Please don't: Never let your dog eat green tomatoes, tomato stalks, leaves or the plant itself. These contain solanine and tomatine and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness or worse. If you grow tomatoes, keep your dog well away from the plants.

Signs of tomato-plant poisoning

If a dog eats a good amount of green tomato or plant material, watch for:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Drowsiness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Wobbliness or an unsettled, uncoordinated look

If you see any of these, or you know your dog has eaten a lot of the green parts, contact your vet.

How to serve ripe tomato safely

If you'd like to share a bit of ripe tomato:

• Choose fully ripe, red tomatoes.
• Remove any stalk, stem or green bits.
• Wash and cut into small pieces.
• Offer a small amount (a slice or two, not a bowlful) and introduce it slowly.

The big no: tinned, sauces and ketchup

This is where most tomato trouble actually comes from. Skip anything processed:

• Tomato ketchup: high in salt and sugar, often with added sweeteners.
• Pasta sauces and tinned tomato dishes: these very often contain onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs, plus lots of salt.
• Tinned tomatoes in general: added salt and sometimes other seasonings.

Plain ripe flesh is the only tomato worth sharing. Everything from a jar or tin is best kept to yourself.

And for the wider picture: while ripe tomato, apple, strawberry and blueberry are all fine in moderation, grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are outright toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure: the PDSA has a full page on grape, raisin, currant and sultana poisoning. That's the one to never share. See our full warning post on why grapes are dangerous for dogs, and for a safe veg option instead, whether dogs can eat carrots, cucumber, broccoli and sweetcorn.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat tomatoes safely? Ripe, red tomato flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts. Green, unripe tomatoes and the stalks, leaves and plant should be avoided, as they contain solanine and tomatine.

Are green tomatoes bad for dogs? Yes. Green, unripe tomatoes and the green parts of the plant contain higher levels of solanine and tomatine, which can cause tummy upset and other symptoms. Only ever offer ripe red flesh.

Can dogs eat tomato sauce or ketchup? No. Ketchup, pasta sauces and tinned tomato dishes are high in salt and sugar and often contain onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Stick to plain ripe tomato.

My dog ate a green tomato, what should I do? A small nibble is usually mild, but watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness or wobbliness, and contact your vet if you're worried or a larger amount was eaten.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. If your dog eats green tomato, plant material or a processed tomato product, contact your own vet for advice.

Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Want a happy, healthy dog inside and out? Book their next groom.