Overview
Caution. Ripe cherry tomatoes can be a healthy treat for dogs in small amounts, thanks to their antioxidants and lycopene. However, unripe cherry tomatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.
Can dogs eat Cherry tomatoes?
Benefits
- Cherry tomatoes are a small variety of the common tomato. They have the same nutritional profile as their bigger tomato counterparts but have a higher concentration of antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. These nutrients help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- The flavonoids naringin and naringenin found in cherry tomatoes have disease-fighting properties that can prevent the development of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
- Cherry tomatoes are high in lycopene, which is good for the heart as it helps reduce cholesterol levels. They are also rich in potassium which regulates blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Risks
- Cherry tomatoes are highly acidic and can cause digestive issues in dogs when consumed in large amounts.
- Unripe cherry tomatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and heart problems in dogs.
Servings
- Cook the cherry tomatoes by boiling or steaming to bring out the lycopene. Cut into bite-sized pieces or mash the tomatoes, and add to the dog's food.
- Make sure to feed only ripe cherry tomatoes to dogs. Serve in moderation occasionally as a treat.
