Pet safety
Is Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomatotoxic to cats & dogs?
Solanum lycopersicum "Aunt Ruby's German Green"
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Solanum lycopersicum "Aunt Ruby's German Green"
Is aunt ruby's german green tomato safe for cats and dogs?
No — aunt ruby's german green tomato is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists the Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is solanine, concentrated in the green foliage, stems and unripe fruit; signs include hypersalivation, inappetence, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. The fully ripe fruit is considered non-toxic, but with this green-when-ripe variety the protective rule of thumb (avoid all leaves, stems and hard green fruit) still applies.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats aunt ruby's german green tomato?
The ASPCA lists the Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is solanine, concentrated in the green foliage, stems and unripe fruit; signs include hypersalivation, inappetence, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. The fully ripe fruit is considered non-toxic, but with this green-when-ripe variety the protective rule of thumb (avoid all leaves, stems and hard green fruit) still applies. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to aunt ruby's german green tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate aunt ruby's german green tomato
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move aunt ruby's german green tomato out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of aunt ruby's german green tomato to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to aunt ruby's german green tomato
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato and pets — frequently asked questions
Is aunt ruby's german green tomato toxic to cats?
Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum "Aunt Ruby's German Green") is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists the Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is solanine, concentrated in the green foliage, stems and unripe fruit; signs include hypersalivation, inappetence, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. The fully ripe fruit is considered non-toxic, but with this green-when-ripe variety the protective rule of thumb (avoid all leaves, stems and hard green fruit) still applies. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is aunt ruby's german green tomato toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum "Aunt Ruby's German Green") is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like aunt ruby's german green tomato is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats aunt ruby's german green tomato?
The ASPCA lists the Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is solanine, concentrated in the green foliage, stems and unripe fruit; signs include hypersalivation, inappetence, severe GI upset, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. The fully ripe fruit is considered non-toxic, but with this green-when-ripe variety the protective rule of thumb (avoid all leaves, stems and hard green fruit) still applies. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to aunt ruby's german green tomato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate aunt ruby's german green tomato?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of aunt ruby's german green tomato to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to aunt ruby's german green tomato?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full aunt ruby's german green tomato care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete aunt ruby's german green tomato care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.