Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
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Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes
They are red, round, tasty, packed with vitamin C, and humans eat them. Can you guess what it is?
Tomatoes.
According to one research by the Department of Agriculture, a family of four eats about 350lbs of tomatoes per year. If they are delicious and have nutritious value, could you share them with your furry friend? Can dogs eat tomatoes?
The answer is yes, and no. Although a fresh red tomato won’t harm your pet, you have to pay attention to the quality of the vegetable, and avoid giving your dog tomato stems and leaves.
Tomatoes: Health Effects and Nutritional Value
If you treat your canine friend a tomato every now and there, it is good to know how to benefit from consuming one. Vegetables are in general nutrient-rich foods, and tomato is not an exception.
Tomatoes are a major dietary source of antioxidants, including lycopene, which provides tons of health benefits – reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, protection against sunburns, and more. They are also a source of folate, potassium, and vitamins C and K. The content of vitamins and nutrients in tomatoes can vary, but basically, the main compounds are beta carotene (when consumed is converted in vitamin A), naringenin (decreases inflammation), and chlorogenic acid (lowers blood pressure).
Pay Attention to Tomatoes’ Color
When thinking about whether you should give your dog a tomato or two, remember to choose one in a darker color. Tomatoes contain alpha tomatine and solanine, poisonous compounds that are highly concentrated when the vegetable is green and young. The concentration of alpha tomatine and solanine decreases when the tomato starts growing. It is safe for dogs to eat only red tomatoes and never green or young.
If you choose to give your god a tomato, make sure it is organic because non-organic are sprayed with pesticides and may cause certain side effects. As an extra safety (especially for those who have small puppies), peel the tomato’s skin before giving it to your fluffy friend.
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Symptoms of Tomato Poisoning
The good thing is that alpha tomatine and solanine poisoning are rare in dogs. However, if you suspect that your dog has somehow consumed green or raw tomatoes or leaves, stems, look for the following signs:
- Loss of coordination
- Upset stomach (diarrhea)
- Muscle weakness
- Cardiac effects
These are rare symptoms, and food poisoning is treatable. Dogs will have to eat a large number of tomatoes or leaves to get ill. In some cases, minor symptoms such as gastrointestinal stress can appear from small amounts. If your dog has eaten any stems or leaves, consult with your veterinarian, and make sure your pet is safe.
Delicious Tomato Recipes to Share With Your Dog
Now that you know the answer to “Can dogs eat tomatoes,” here are a few tasty ideas for how to prepare tomatoes and share them with your dog.
Tomato Biscuits
Dogs love treats and biscuits are one of their favorites. If you want to add tomatoes on top, you can try the cheesy tomato biscuit recipe.
Ingredients:
- One egg
- One and ¾ cup of flour
- ⅓ cup of nonfat milk
- Five tablespoons of butter
- Tomato paste
- 1/2 cup of cheese (mozzarella is an excellent choice)
- Mix basil, oregano, and parsley
Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Mix all of the ingredients in one bowl, knead the dough in a ball shape and roll until the biscuits are ¼ thick. Cut in a preferred shape, bake for 10 minutes, and when ready, place them in the fridge for 2-3 hours. Serve and enjoy.
Tomato Pizza
Dogs love pizzas, so here is a delicious recipe for a tomato pizza that you can share with your pet.
Ingredients:
- One cup of flour
- One cup of water
- One large egg
- Tomato sauce
- Vegetables
- Parsley, basil, and oregano
Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Mix the flour and herbs in one bowl while adding the egg and the water in another separate bowl. Combine the ingredients and start kneading. Roll out until the dough is round. Add the tomato sauce and spread vegetables and extra toppings over it. Bake for 30 minutes, serve and enjoy.
Do you ever give your dog tomatoes?
