Yes, dogs can eat tomatoes, but it doesn’t mean tomatoes should be as a part of their regular food.
Tomatoes is a good source of the powerful antioxidant named lycopene, can decrease the risk of cancer. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, are both antioxidants. They can resist oxidative free radical and protect dog’s coat.
You should choose the ripe tomatoes as the unripe or green tomatoes contain poison called glycoalkaloid is very dangerous for dogs. Dogs can’t break down glycoalkaloid. The poisoning signs show: diarrhea, vomiting, depression, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, coma and even death. As the tomatoes ripen, the glycoalkaloid rate is gradually decreased to trace amounts. The ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs.
The tomato stems and leaves also contain this poison, so dogs can’t eat them too. I would strongly suggest that keep your dogs away from your vegetable garden to prevent them from eating the unripe tomatoes, stems and leaves by mistake.
If possible, cooked tomatoes are better, because dogs will be better able to absorb the nutrients.
You’d better not feed your dogs with tomato sauce, as tomato sauce contains large amounts of sugar and salt, they are bad for dog’s health. In addition, tomato sauce contains a lot of acid can stimulate the stomach.
In conclusion, dogs can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation but can’t eat unripe tomatoes, stems and leaves. Even the ripe red tomatoes, eating too much can cause diarrhea and tachycardia.