A majority of dogs would like to take whatever food we’re eating, regardless of the food. If it’s a juicy beefsteak tomato or succulent steak of beef your dog is eager to be there to help you finish the dish. Veterinarians generally don’t suggest feeding table scraps to dogs, however certain foods are safe to feed occasionally as a reward.. tomatoes are one of these when owners are aware of the risks. Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family of vegetable This means that the plants contain some elements that pose a threat to animals in particular, such as the solanine. Solanine is a compound located in the stem and leaves of tomatoes and other related plants, can cause harm to dogs in large amounts. However, for dogs who love tomatoes, it is not a problem. Solanine is mostly found in the leaves and stems that make up the tomatoes. The stems, leaves and even the younger green tomatoes contain greater quantities of solanine than the ripe tomatoes, so the tomatoes that are ripe are usually safe to feed dogs. It is however a concern for us who have an heirloom tomato plant in the garden, since we must be concerned about our pets eating green tomatoes , or eating stems and leaves.
When your pet has eaten the part of the tomato that is green plant, keep an eye on him for signs of poisoning by tomatine. Signs of a diet high in tomatine are:
The positive side is that these signs are uncommon and the outlook for dogs suffering from poisoning by tomatine is generally favorable. Consult your veterinarian in the event that your dog displays these symptoms, since they may be an indication of other serious health issues as well as tomatine consumption.
Do dogs have the right to take tomatoes? The answer is yes and no. Ripe tomatoes are considered safe to dogs and may be eaten in moderation for an occasional treat. Tomato plants that are not ripe however must be avoided. It’s recommended to keep dogs out of tomato plants whether by fencing off the garden area, or keeping your dog in check when you are in the garden. Your dog as well as your tomatoes will appreciate it.
