The answer is yes, ripe and juicy tomatoes are safe for dogs and can be eaten appropriately. But you should still pay attention to a substance called tomatine in tomatoes, which may cause poisoning in dogs. Tomatine is usually found in the stems and leaves of tomatoes.
In daily life, tomatoes are a very common ingredient. People who like to eat may eat it every day. But this has also increased the doubts of some owners. Will there be any problems if the dog secretly eats tomatoes? Can dogs eat tomatoes? Sure, dogs can eat tomatoes, but there are a few things you should know before you give them to them.
What are the benefits of tomatoes for dogs?
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene. It is one of the strongest antioxidants found in plants in nature. Lycopene has the effect of preventing and inhibiting tumors. On the one hand, it is because of its antioxidant effect; on the other hand, lycopene can block the gene mutation process of tissue cells under the action of external mutagens, which is the formation of tumors. one of the important mechanisms. Tomatoes are also rich in potassium, folate, and vitamins C and K. For overweight dogs, tomatoes are low in calories and contain a lot of fiber, making them a very suitable food. It can also help dogs fight diseases such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, or stroke. Minerals such as folic acid, chromium, and potassium in tomatoes can improve blood pressure and strengthen your dog's nerves and muscles. With all these nutritional benefits, it’s no wonder dogs want to try it too. Tomatoes are rich in nutrients and are good for dogs if consumed in moderate amounts. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which is good for digestion.
What are the bad things about tomatoes for dogs?
Although tomatoes taste sweet and sour, they are not a very safe food. The Spanish and Italian colonists who visited South America a long time ago wanted to introduce tomatoes back to their countries, but people in Northern Europe did not support it at that time because they thought tomatoes were poisonous. Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, and like mandrake, they also contain alkaloids, many of which are used to make poisons. Unripe tomatoes also contain a substance called solanine, which releases toxins under the action of gastric acid and cannot be eliminated even at high temperatures. Eating unripe tomatoes may cause a bitter taste in your mouth, or may cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach burning, or even poisoning.
How should dogs eat tomatoes?
When giving tomatoes to dogs, they should be given to ripe red tomatoes with the stems and leaves completely removed, so dogs cannot eat them even if they are thrown in the trash. While many people make tomato sauce, this additive is very harmful to dogs, so a small piece of tomato that has been thoroughly washed is safe. If your dog likes to eat fresh tomatoes, just give them tomatoes without adding anything else. Ketchup or juice is not particularly healthy for dogs because of added salt and sugar, as well as artificial flavors or other chemicals. If you add anything else, make sure the ingredients are healthy and safe. Many owners also like to add tomatoes when making homemade dog food for their dogs. Generally speaking, eating one piece of tomato every week can ensure that your dog gets nutrients without being threatened by tomatine.
Veterinary advice:
Dogs can eat a small amount of tomatoes, but pay attention to the intake. Because the digestive enzymes of dogs’ stomachs are different from those of humans, it is best for dogs to eat food that suits them, such as dog food, canned dogs, etc. . It is safe for dogs to eat a small amount of ripe tomatoes. However, tomatoes have little nutrition for dogs. At the same time, tomatoes contain alkaloids and atropine, which may be dangerous to dogs after being eaten in large amounts. For example, they can cause Poisoning phenomena such as diarrhea, drowsiness, drooling, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, convulsions, dilated pupils, and irregular heartbeat. In addition, each dog’s gastrointestinal function and body’s adaptability to food are also different. Most dogs can eat some tomatoes, apples, pears, watermelons and other fruits appropriately, but some dogs cannot due to physical reasons. Eat fruits. If your dog develops any abnormality after eating fruits, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.