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Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Tomatoes is only for small amounts, or in certain forms, for dogs. Pet Poison Helpline says ripe red tomatoes are generally safe in small amounts. Green tomatoes, leaves, stems and vines hold more of the harmful compounds and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling or weakness. VCA lists green tomatoes as toxic to pets. A small piece of ripe red tomato. Never green tomatoes or any part of the plant.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

Small amountsOnly a little, and only the way described below.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline says ripe red tomatoes are generally safe in small amounts. Green tomatoes, leaves, stems and vines hold more of the harmful compounds and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling or weakness. VCA lists green tomatoes as toxic to pets.

How to serve it

A small piece of ripe red tomato. Never green tomatoes or any part of the plant.

Good to know

Ripeness decides it: the harmful compounds drop as the tomato ripens, and the leaves, stems and vines hold the most.

Watch for: A garden tomato plant is the bigger risk than the fruit on a plate, so keep pets out of the tomato patch.

Already ate it?

If your pet ate a lot, or you are worried, call your vet. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.

Poison emergency? Call now

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

For the children

"Tomatoes is only a tiny treat for dogs, and only a grown-up decides how much."

A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the dog, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.

This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your dog. Dogs differ.

Sources