Pet dogs want to enjoy whatever we eat. Whether it’s a deliciously seasoned tuna or a juicy red tomato, your dog will love it too! It will always tell you what you find interesting, but as an adult it is your job to determine what is best for him.
Many of our gastronomic experiences include tomatoes, pasta, spaghetti and hamburgers, so many dog owners ask, “Can my dog eat tomatoes or sauces or soups?” That is not surprising. At the moment, if you read this article, we are pretty sure you are asking the same question. So read the whole article to know if tomatoes should be consumed by dogs. Do not be satisfied with a short answer.
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What are the Side Effects of Dogs Eating Tomatoes?
If your dog accidentally bites a tomato leaf, he will most likely have diarrhea and vomiting. But if your dog’s eyes are dilapidated and have a slow heart rate, please call your veterinarian immediately. These are signs of overdose with solanine. Fortunately, these signs are unusual and no tomato or solanine poisoning has been reported in dogs as previously described. Before he has a stomachache, the dog needs to chew a basket of ripe tomatoes. Even those who grow tomatoes in their yard should be aware of this, especially if you have a greedy dog.
How to Feed Your Dog Tomatoes
The preparation of tomatoes is straightforward but if you are looking for a step-by-step process, then read following.
- The tomato should be red, ripe, and juicy.
Unripe tomatoes contain high concentrations of glycoalkaloids, which we have stated, if consumed in significant quantities, will affect the health of your dog. Feeding your dog tomatoes, which are just red, ripe, and juicy, is the key. Tomatoes, like most foods, are suitable for dogs to eat when ripe. Normally ripe tomatoes are considered non-toxic. However, you should avoid giving your dog unripe tomatoes. Because they can be poisonous to your dog.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly
Like with all other produce, wash the tomatoes thoroughly to remove residue pesticides and microorganisms that may harm your dog. It doesn’t matter if they are organic or not.
- Cut off the green parts
Cut out the parts that are not included in the fruit. These include that green stem hat on the top of the fruit.
- Start off with a few slices
If this is the first time your dog has noshed on tomatoes, we recommend you start off with only a couple of slices. If his stool is unchanged, so next time you can give him more.
Can Puppies Eat Tomatoes?
You will want to wait a little longer if you already have a growing puppy. For puppies, tomatoes are not commonly advised since the stomach of a puppy is much more vulnerable than an adult dog. There is a risk your puppy may not be able to properly eat tomatoes. For an old puppy, however, feel free to cut up any tomato slices. Tomatoes will help sharpen the vision of your dog and fight degenerative illnesses.
Tomato Health Benefits for Dogs
Tomatoes have lots of health benefits for humans too. Here are the health benefits you are going to miss out if you don’t feed your dog tomatoes.
- Tomatoes boost your dog’s immunity
Lycopene is the carotenoid that is most common in ripe tomatoes. In the fruit’s shell, this phytochemical has the largest amounts. Lycopene, though, has more to do than turn fruits red. Lycopene is an effective antioxidant that has numerous health benefits, including sun protection and cancer risk reduction. Most notably, it strengthens the defenses of your dog against contagious organisms.
- For better eyesight
Do you have an adult dog that you like to roam in your backyard at night? Add a few tomatoes to his diet to sharpen his vision. The reason for the lack of of vitamin A in their diet is the removal of cataracts and night blindness in dogs. Tomatoes are high in beta-carotene or vitamin A, which the liver converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents eye related disorders, eye degeneration and delays aging.
- Promote dog’s heart health
Tomatoes are potassium rich. It is a mineral that reduces the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Potassium also plays a vital part in ensuring the health of your dog’s nerves. In tomatoes, iron, which plays a vital role in regular blood circulation, is also plentiful.
- Tomatoes help manage sugar level in dogs
Potassium in tomatoes also stabilizes neural function and regulate blood sugar. Therefore, a few slices of tomatoes may greatly benefit diabetic dogs.
- Tomatoes make your dog look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Having a few slices of fresh tomatoes every now and then gives your dog extra supplements of vitamins and minerals that could change the appearance of your dog. Vitamins A and C encourage good skin and coat safety. In adult and elderly breeds, tomatoes also retain bone mineral density and muscle mass.
