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Is Beefsteak Tomato toxic to dogs?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Beefsteak'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — beefsteak tomato is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves, stems and unripe green fruit contain solanine and tomatine; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils and a slowed heart rate. Only the ripe fruit flesh is considered low-risk.

What to do if your dog ate beefsteak tomato

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move beefsteak tomato out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of beefsteak tomato to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten beefsteak tomato, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is beefsteak tomato toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is beefsteak tomato toxic to dogs?

Yes — beefsteak tomato is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves, stems and unripe green fruit contain solanine and tomatine; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils and a slowed heart rate. Only the ripe fruit flesh is considered low-risk.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats beefsteak tomato?

The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves, stems and unripe green fruit contain solanine and tomatine; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weakness, dilated pupils and a slowed heart rate. Only the ripe fruit flesh is considered low-risk. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to beefsteak tomato.

What should I do if my dog ate beefsteak tomato?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is beefsteak tomato toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Beefsteak Tomato is toxic to cats as well. See the full beefsteak tomato pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to beefsteak tomato?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full beefsteak tomato pet-safety