Vegetables
Can dogs and cats eat tomato?
Quick verdict for Tomato: see below the answer for dogs and for cats, the symptoms of poisoning (when applicable), and what to do if your pet ate it anyway.
In moderation
In moderation
Why is this the verdict?
Ripe, red tomato, in small amounts, is generally safe: the concentration of tomatine and solanine (potentially toxic glycoalkaloids) drops sharply as the fruit ripens. Green or unripe tomato, and especially the foliage, stem, and the tomato plant itself, contain much higher levels of these substances and are considered toxic.
If you grow tomatoes at home, keep pets away from the plant. When offering tomato, use only ripe flesh, with no stem, in small pieces and occasionally — there's no meaningful nutritional benefit that justifies making it a daily habit.
Symptoms to watch for
Watch for these signs
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness and tremors (with ingestion of the plant or unripe fruit in quantity)
- Irregular heart rhythm (rare, severe cases)
What to do if your pet ate it anyway
If it was just a piece of ripe tomato, no action is needed. If your pet ate green parts of the plant, green tomatoes, or a large amount, watch closely and contact a veterinarian if vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or lethargy appear.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat tomato?
In moderation: tomato isn't toxic to dogs, but should only be offered in small amounts and occasionally.
Can cats eat tomato?
In moderation: tomato isn't toxic to cats, but should only be offered in small amounts and occasionally.
What should I do if my pet ate tomato?
If it was just a piece of ripe tomato, no action is needed. If your pet ate green parts of the plant, green tomatoes, or a large amount, watch closely and contact a veterinarian if vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or lethargy appear.
Important notice
This content is educational and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. Every animal reacts differently depending on weight, age, breed, and health history — when in doubt, consult a veterinarian or an animal poison control center.