Tomatoes are a popular summer fruit,  providing a multitude of health benefits. According to healthline.com, tomatoes have been linked to reduced risk for heart disease and cancer, as well as being a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. In 2020, there were 186.82 million metric tons of tomatoes produced worldwide, according to Statista.

Clearly, the tomato offers benefits for humans. But, can other species, such as our furry friend the dog, benefit from the tomato? Are tomatoes safe for dogs to consume?

Here’s what you need to know to safely give your dog a fresh snack.

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Can dogs eat tomatoes?

There’s no clear answer to if dogs can eat tomatoes. They are unsafe and safe.

 According to the American Kennel Club, tomatoes are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts only if ripe. Despite being a fruit, the tomato plant is part of the nightshade family of vegetables, says the AKC. Nightshades contain a toxin called solanine, says sciencedirect.com. According to Purina.co.uk, unsafe quantities of Solanine are found in unripe, green tomatoes, tomato stems and tomato leaves. Therefore, avoid feeding your dogs unripe tomatoes, as well as the stems and leaves.

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