There are several reasons why tomatoes can be a healthy occasional treat for dogs:
Vision Boost:
Packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene, tomatoes may help keep your pup’s peepers in tip-top shape and prevent night blindness.
Cholesterol Control:
The nutrients in tomatoes could help lower high cholesterol levels that can cause issues like skin problems and upset tummies.
Bone Building:
Thanks to calcium and vitamin K, tomatoes may promote stronger bonesāgreat for active pups!
Heart Healthy:
Potassium, vitamin B, and other nutrients make tomatoes heart-friendly for dogs.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
The natural sugars in tomatoes could help stabilize blood sugar and prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Are Tomatoes Bad For Dogs: What About Heart Health?
Speaking of hearts, let’s not forget that tomatoes may give your dog’s ticker an extra boost! Those potassium and vitamin B levels we mentioned can help reduce the risk of heart disease down the road.
But like with most good things, moderation is key when feeding tomatoes to your pup. Too much of those natural sugars could potentially lead to weight gain and other issues. So treat tomatoes as an occasional snack, not a main course!
When should you avoid tomatoes?
While the flesh of ripe tomatoes is generally safe, you’ll want to steer clear of the green parts like stems and leaves. These contain solanine, a substance that can be toxic to dogs (and humans) in large amounts.
If your dog happens to munch on some tomato greens, keep an eye out for symptoms like:
Stomach pain
Muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Tremors
Abnormal heart rate
Gastrointestinal upset
Dilated pupils
Most cases of tomato plant toxicity in dogs cause just mild tummy troubles. But if symptoms seem severe or persistent, don’t hesitate to call your vet.
How many tomatoes will be safe?
There’s no magic number, since safe tomato portions can vary based on your dog’s size, weight, and overall health. But for most pups, a few slices or cherry tomatoes every few days should be a-okay.
The key is to start slow with just a tomatoey taste test first. If your dog handles it well, you can gradually increase the amount over time while still keeping portions modest.
Are Tomatoes Bad For Dogs: What about the Puppies?
Puppies can typically enjoy small amounts of ripe tomato too, once they’ve transitioned to solid foods. Just be extra careful about portion control with those little tummies!
You may need to get a bit creative if your puppy turns up her nose at plain tomato chunks. Try mixing some into her food or freezing tomato puree as a pupsicle treat.
My Thoughts
So in a nutshell…dogs can have a few tomato treats here and there! Just stick to the ripe red parts, serve in moderation, and skip the plant itself. A little (tomato) slice of heaven for your favorite four-legged friend!
