Yes, dogs can eat ripe cherry tomatoes in small amounts as a treat, as the red, ripe fruit is generally safe and nutritious; however, you must avoid the green parts (stems, leaves, unripe tomatoes) due to the presence of solanine and tomatine, which are toxic and can cause stomach upset, weakness, or lethargy. Always remove stems and leaves and offer only plain, ripe tomatoes, as sauces and salsas often contain harmful ingredients like onions or garlic.
First and foremost, only give your dog ripe, red tomatoes. Green, unripe or premature tomatoes can be toxic to your dog. The skin and seeds are safe to eat as long as you wash the tomato carefully. Be sure to remove the green stem and core and cut the fruit into small pieces.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss the tomatoes lightly with olive oil on a baking sheet. Spread them out into one layer and sprinkle generously with kosher salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft.
Ripe tomatoes are considered non-toxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation as an occasional snack. While it's considered safe for dogs to eat red, ripe tomatoes, the plants themselves are part of the nightshade family of vegetables (which also include potatoes, bell peppers, and blueberries).
You can feed your dog bananas, apples, blueberries, pineapple, oranges, and watermelon. Your pup can also eat tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, eggs, and mango. But you should never feed your dog onions, grapes, avocadoes, or anything with xylitol.
Dogs should not eat onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (Allium family) as they cause anemia; avocados due to potential toxicity and blockage from pits; green parts of tomatoes and potatoes, and unripe tomatoes as they contain toxic solanine; and corn cobs which are a choking/blockage hazard, though cooked corn kernels are fine in moderation. Wild mushrooms are also a major risk, and some sources suggest limiting peas due to links with heart disease.
The best vegetables for dogs are nutrient-rich, low-calorie options like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and spinach, providing vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, but should be served cooked (for starchy ones) or raw (carrots, green beans) in moderation as treats. Always avoid toxic veggies like onions, garlic, and grapes, and remember treats shouldn't exceed 10% of their diet.
Yes, dogs can have ripe tomatoes in small amounts. The worry about tomatoes being toxic comes from tomatine, a compound found mostly in the green parts of the plant, including the stems, leaves, and unripe (green) tomatoes. These parts can make dogs sick.
There's no single "number one" food, but chocolate, grapes/raisins, and foods containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are among the most dangerous and common toxic items, causing issues from vomiting and seizures to kidney failure or death; other major threats include onions/garlic, alcohol, and fatty/cooked bones that can splinter. Always contact your vet immediately if your dog eats anything suspicious.
Dogs can eat cheese in moderation, but too much may cause digestive issues due to lactose intolerance. Avoid cheeses that are toxic to dogs, like blue cheese. Low-fat, low-lactose options like mozzarella are safer choices. Cheese should be an occasional treat, making up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet.
Baking soda can help tomato plants by deterring some pests (like aphids), controlling powdery mildew by creating an alkaline environment, and potentially making fruit sweeter by reducing acidity, but it must be used sparingly as overuse raises soil pH, leading to nutrient issues, poor drainage, and potential sodium toxicity, so a diluted spray or light sprinkle around the base (not directly on roots) is key.
Eating too many cherry tomatoes can give you acid reflux and other negative digestive side effects. This may be due to the malic acid in cherry tomatoes.
Although dogs can eat tomatoes, not all pups like them. Some dogs absolutely love the juicy texture of tomatoes and the sweet refreshing taste that comes with it but some will simply spit the tomatoes out and never look back. It's a question of personal preference, really.
While the red, ripened tomato is indeed safe for dogs, any part of the plant that is green is potentially not. Gastrointestinal upset is the most frequently seen symptom of tomato poisoning in dogs. If you witness your dog eat a large quantity of unripe tomatoes or the stem and leaves, consult with your veterinarian.
The Powerful Antioxidant: Lycopene
Lycopene has been linked to various health benefits, including heart health and cancer prevention. It's excellent for dogs due to its antioxidant properties, helping to fight against harmful free radicals in the body.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
Dogs should not eat grapes, raisins, currants (can cause kidney failure), avocados (persin toxin), cherries, plums, peaches, apricots (pits/seeds contain cyanide & are choking hazards), or citrus fruits like lemons/limes (cause stomach upset). Also avoid the green parts of tomatoes and wild berries, and be cautious with seeds/pits from many fruits due to cyanide and obstruction risks.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means that 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, chews, and table scraps, preventing weight gain and ensuring proper nutrition. This guideline helps owners manage treat portions, preventing unbalanced diets and health issues like obesity, joint problems, and diabetes, as treats can be surprisingly high in calories, even healthy ones.
Dogs should not eat onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (Allium family) as they cause anemia; avocados due to potential toxicity and blockage from pits; green parts of tomatoes and potatoes, and unripe tomatoes as they contain toxic solanine; and corn cobs which are a choking/blockage hazard, though cooked corn kernels are fine in moderation. Wild mushrooms are also a major risk, and some sources suggest limiting peas due to links with heart disease.
If your dog eats one cherry (especially with the pit), it's unlikely to cause severe cyanide poisoning, but you should watch closely for signs of intestinal blockage like vomiting, constipation, lack of appetite, or stomach pain, especially in small dogs, as the pit poses a physical risk. The flesh is generally safe in moderation but can cause upset; the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, but one pit usually isn't enough to be toxic unless chewed. Contact your vet if you see blockage signs or if they ate many cherries.
19 Healthy and Safe Foods You Can Feed Your Dog
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete, balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, training rewards, and any extra human foods or toppers, preventing nutritional imbalances and obesity. This guideline ensures essential vitamins and minerals are met through their main diet, keeping treats as occasional indulgences rather than dietary staples.
What Should Top 3 Ingredients Be in Dog Food?
Here are several nutritious ingredients you can add to your dog's kibble daily, along with their health benefits.