Yellow: with caution
Yes, but only ripe, red tomatoes. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs, while also stating that the ripe fruit is non-toxic.
Why tomatoes are marked yellow
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family. According to the ASPCA, the plant contains solanine. The Pet Poison Helpline explains that all parts of the tomato plant contain these alkaloids, but ripe tomatoes contain the least. Eating large amounts of green tomatoes, leaves or stems can cause digestive problems and weakness, staggering or confusion. The ripe flesh is therefore fine; the rest of the plant is not.
What to watch for
- Only red and ripe: Leave unripe green fruit alone, along with stalks and green sepals.
- Secure the plants: Position tomatoes in the garden or on the balcony so your dog cannot reach the leaves and shoots.
- No sauce: Ketchup, pizza sauce and pasta sauce often contain onions and garlic. According to the ASPCA, both damage red blood cells.
- Small pieces: A few cubes as a snack are enough. The acid can upset some dogs’ stomachs.
What if your dog has eaten part of the plant?
A piece of ripe tomato from the table is no cause for concern. If your dog has eaten leaves, stems or a lot of green tomatoes, call your vet and explain what and roughly how much was eaten. Watch for drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or an unsteady gait. Do not give home remedies or induce vomiting yourself.
If you suspect poisoning, take your dog to a vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Snacks count towards the daily food allowance. Our free food calculator works out how much your dog needs, and you can find a complete feeding plan with guidelines for treats in our book “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). New to life with a puppy? Our free Puppy Starter Pack can help. And if you would love to see your dog on your living room wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, available as a framed portrait or digital file.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food allowance: how much your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to check body shape and ideal weight
- Adding rice and potatoes to dog food: how to account for extras
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Tomato Plant (Lycopersicon spp), Toxic to Dogs, ripe fruit non-toxic; ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Onion, Garlic, Chives); Pet Poison Helpline, Tomato Plant; American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
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