Tomato Plant Toxicity in Dogs
The leaves, stems, and green unripe tomatoes of the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) contain solanine and tomatine — alkaloids that are toxic to dogs. Ripe red tomatoes contain minimal toxin and are generally safe in small quantities, but the green plant parts pose a real risk, especially if a dog chews through garden plants.
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⚡ Immediate Actions
- 1Identify what part of the plant was eaten — green plant parts are more toxic than ripe fruit.
- 2Estimate how much was consumed and your dog's weight.
- 3Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 for guidance.
- 4Monitor for vomiting, weakness, or behavior changes for at least 4 hours.
- 5Go to an emergency vet if neurological signs (weakness, tremors, disorientation) develop.
Symptoms & Timeline
Mild GI phase (30 minutes – 2 hours)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
Neurological phase (2–6 hours, larger ingestion)
- Weakness and lethargy
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dilated pupils
- Slowed heart rate
- Tremors (rare, large doses)
ℹ️ Safe Amount Context
Ripe tomato fruit in small amounts (a slice or two) is generally not toxic. All green plant parts (leaves, stems, unripe tomatoes) should be considered potentially toxic regardless of amount.
How Tomato Plant (Leaves & Unripe Fruit) Affects Dogs
Tomatine and solanine are glycoalkaloids that disrupt cell membrane integrity and interfere with acetylcholinesterase activity, slowing nerve signal transmission. These compounds are found in highest concentrations in the leaves, stems, and unripe (green) fruit; they break down significantly as the tomato ripens. Tomatine is poorly absorbed in the dog gut, which limits systemic toxicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog ate a ripe tomato from my garden — is it dangerous?
A ripe red tomato in small amounts is very unlikely to cause harm. The concern is with the green plant parts: leaves, stems, and unripe tomatoes. If your dog ate the whole plant or large amounts of green material, call your vet.
Are cherry tomatoes also toxic to dogs?
The ripe fruit of cherry tomatoes is similarly low-risk. The leaves and stems of the cherry tomato plant contain the same alkaloids and carry the same caution as full-size tomato plants.
What about tomato sauce or ketchup?
These products are made from ripe tomatoes and contain very little tomatine. However, they often contain onion, garlic, or high salt content, which are toxic to dogs on their own. Avoid letting your dog eat tomato sauces.
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