Can my Frenchies eat tomatoes? As a pet parent, you may be wondering whether it is safe to share your tomatoes with your fur babies.
The tasty fruits are our daily food additives, but are they safe for Frenchies?
Read on to learn more about tomato safety for your dogs.
Can Frenchies eat tomatoes?
The answer to this is both yes and no. Frenchies can eat ripe tomatoes. However, green tomatoes, stalks, and stems contain Solanine and Tomatine, which are toxic for your dog.
How are tomatoes good for dogs?
Tomatoes are good for dogs for four main reasons.
- Tomatoes contain vitamins A and C and other minerals like iron and potassium necessary for healthy growth.
- They contain high fiber that aids in the food absorption process.
- Tomatoes contain lycopene which prevents cardiovascular problems.
- Beta-carotene in tomatoes improves the cognitive functions of your dog.
Tomato health benefits
- High fiber content: The high fiber in tomatoes not only aids in the digestion process but also ensures smooth absorption of food
- Fewer calories: Tomatoes are low-calorie fruits. Consequently, they reduce the chances of canine obesity.
- Better vision: Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A which lowers the probability of your dog having vision-related problems.
- Reduced vulnerability to diseases: Lycopene in tomatoes boosts immunity for your Frenchies. It lowers the chances of heart diseases and protects the skin from harmful radiation.
- Shiny coat and healthy skin: Vitamin A and C in tomatoes keep the skin healthy and brighten the dog’s coat.
How should you give tomatoes to your Frenchies?
Consulting the vet before introducing tomatoes to your dog clears your doubts on whether your Frenchie is allergic to tomatoes.
Choose tomatoes that are free from pesticides and herbicides since they are toxic for your dog.
Ripe tomatoes without the green parts are the best as they do not have harmful chemicals.
Wash the tomatoes to remove any germs.
During the introduction stage, your dog should eat small portions. Give the dog one tomato at a time and as the stomach gets used to them, increase the amount to two tomatoes daily.
You can add tomatoes to your Frenchie’s food.
Avoid Tomato Plants and Unripe Tomatoes
Tomato plants and unripe tomatoes contain solanine and tomatine, which are toxic for your Frenchies.
Signs of tomato poisoning in dogs
Signs and symptoms of solanine and tomatine poisoning will depend on the number of toxic tomatoes consumed; they include:
- Inactivity: Your Frenchies will be drowsy
- Regurgitation: Vomiting occurs immediately after consumption
- Lack of appetite: Your pooches will have no desire for food
- Diarrhea: Affected dogs will pass watery stools frequently
Treatment of tomato poisoning in dogs
Frequent vomiting and diarrhea lead to dehydration. Your vet will therefore administer fluids containing electrolytes to your dog.
The vet will constantly monitor your dog’s heart rate, and if it is high, they will administer medications.
The vet can also induce vomiting to eject the toxins from your dog’s system.
What vegetables are good for Frenchies?
Squash: it is rich in vitamins A, C, and E and has potassium and iron, promoting healthy growth. The high fiber in squash aids in digestion.
Carrots: Vitamin A in carrots is good for better eyesight; potassium and fiber facilitate absorption.
Green beans: Beans contain vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and proteins necessary for healthy growth. Moreover, beans help in regulating blood sugar.
Spinach: Spinach is low in calories and has a high fiber content.
Celery: The low-fat content in celery is suitable for your dog. The vegetable not only contains vitamins and minerals, but it also freshens your dog’s breath.
Can Frenchies eat cherry tomatoes?
Yes. Your Frenchie can eat cherry tomatoes. However, the tomatoes should be ripe, and you should remove the green parts.
Cherry tomatoes, though safe, should be served in moderation to dogs.
Can Frenchies eat red tomatoes?
Yes. Frenchies can safely eat red tomatoes, but you should avoid rotten or over-ripe tomatoes.
The red tomatoes served to your faithful Frenchies should not have toxic green parts.
Can Frenchies eat raw tomatoes?
Frenchies can snack on raw tomatoes moderately. However, the tomatoes ought to be ripe and devoid of green parts.
Your Frenchies can eat them directly or with their food.
Can Frenchies eat tomato sauce?
Tomato sauce is not healthy for your Frenchie’s as it contains seasoning like sugar, salt, and other unnatural flavors.
Some manufacturers add garlic and onions, which are highly toxic for dogs.
Can Frenchies eat canned tomatoes?
No. Canned tomatoes contain lots of sodium which causes dehydration.
Consumption of canned tomatoes in large quantities results in your Frenchie showing symptoms like fever, nausea, thirst, and frequent urination.
What about sun-dried tomatoes?
Frenchies can enjoy sun-dried tomatoes. However, they should be free from other additives that are harmful to your dog.
The main toxic additives in sun-dried tomatoes are garlic and onions.
Can Frenchies eat ketchup?
No. ketchup contains spices and seasonings, which can make your Frenchie sick. Spices in ketchup can lead to adverse allergic reactions in Frenchies. Ketchup with onions or garlic is poisonous.
Can Frenchies eat tomatoes and onions?
No. A mixture of tomatoes and onions is toxic to dogs. Onions contain a chemical called N-propyl disulfide, which disintegrates the red blood cells, thus causing anemia in dogs.
Can Frenchies eat tomato soup?
Yes. Tomato soap is safe for your dog if it does not contain other ingredients.
The soup should not have salt or pepper. Seasonings like garlic and onions are harmful.
Can dogs eat tomato sauce on pizza?
No. Most pure tomato sauces are safe, but pizza toppings can contain harmful ingredients. Cheese, the main ingredient in pizza, is high in fat, and consumption leads to canine obesity.
Can dogs eat tomato puree?
Yes. Dogs can eat the puree safely tomato puree results from blending and straining ripe tomatoes.
Ripe tomatoes are fully mature, and therefore, they are free from solanine and tomatine toxins.
Can dogs eat cooked tomatoes?
Dogs can eat cooked tomatoes. However, tomatoes should not contain other additives. These toxic ingredients include garlic and onions. Salt and pepper cause gastrointestinal problems for canines.
What to do if my Frenchie ate tomato sauce
Pure tomato sauce will not harm your dog. Consult the vet if your dog ate tomato sauce with garlic and onions. Do not wait for your dog to show symptoms.
How many tomatoes will hurt a dog?
Giving your dog one to two tomatoes per day is safe. Consequently, exceeding this recommended portion can be harmful to your dog. Consult the vet before introducing tomatoes to your dog’s diet.
Can Frenchies eat Tomatoes? Final Thoughts
Ultimately, you are the sole decision-maker when it comes to your Frenchies. You choose what your dogs can eat and what to avoid.
You can safely give your Frenchies tomatoes but remember that unripe tomatoes and the green tomato parts are toxic to canines.
Ripe tomatoes have many health benefits for your Frenchies, but they should not substitute dog food. Give your dogs tomatoes occasionally as a treat.
Accidents can happen, and your Frenchies may sneak into your garden, thus eating the toxic tomato parts. When this happens, call your vet to examine and treat them.