Vegetables
Tomato
Use Caution
Ripe red tomato flesh is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts, but green or unripe tomatoes and tomato plant material are different.
- Potentially Toxic
- Preparation Matters
Safe part
Ripe red tomato flesh.
Avoid
Green/unripe tomatoes, stems and leaves.
Preparation
Serve ripe tomato flesh plain and remove stems and plant material.
Serving guidance
Small amounts as an occasional treat.
Nutritional note
Tomatoes contain natural nutrients but are not necessary as a regular part of a dog's diet.
Did your dog already eat some?
A small amount of ripe red tomato flesh generally isn't concerning. Significant ingestion of green/unripe tomato or plant material warrants veterinary guidance.
Why we say this
Tomato plants and unripe fruit contain higher concentrations of potentially harmful compounds such as tomatine. The ripe fruit is considerably less concerning.
Sources
- ASPCA — Pets and Produce: Top Tips for Vegetable Garden Safety
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Solanum spp toxicosis
Confidence: High · Last reviewed 2026-09-01