Last reviewed: August 2026

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

ModerateRipe Flesh Only

Ripe, red tomato flesh in small amounts is generally fine, but green tomatoes, and the plant's leaves and stems, contain solanine and should be avoided.

Why

Like potatoes, tomatoes are a nightshade. The ripe fruit contains only trace solanine and is generally well tolerated in small amounts, but unripe green tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems carry meaningfully higher levels and can cause GI and neurological symptoms in sufficient quantity.

How to serve it safely

Only offer ripe, red tomato flesh, and only occasionally
Never offer green tomatoes or any part of the tomato plant
Keep dogs out of vegetable gardens where tomato plants grow
Skip tomato-based sauces, which often contain onion, garlic, and salt

Sources

General veterinary toxicology consensus, cross-referenced against the Merck Veterinary Manual and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center food hazard references. See How We Source This for our methodology.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for veterinary advice.