Is Tomato Plant Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

Lycopersicon spp

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Mild
Mild
Safe

Quick facts

Toxic to dogsYes
Toxic to catsYes
Toxic to horsesNo
Toxic componentSolanine, concentrated in the green (unripe) fruit, leaves, and stems
Onset of symptomsWithin a few hours
Indoor / outdooroutdoor

If your pet ate this plant

Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

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Symptoms in dogs

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy

Symptoms in cats

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy

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What to do

Ripe, red tomato fruit is considered safe in small amounts β€” the concern is specifically green fruit, leaves, and stems, following the same ripeness-dependent pattern as other nightshade-family plants.

Toxic component and mechanism

The toxic component in Tomato Plant is solanine, concentrated in the green (unripe) fruit, leaves, and stems.

Part-specific risk: Ripe red fruit is much lower in solanine than green fruit, leaves, and stems.

What makes this plant different

Ripe, red tomatoes are a genuinely common and low-risk treat for dogs in small amounts β€” the real caution applies to the green, unripe fruit and the leafy vine itself, which share the same ripeness-dependent solanine pattern seen throughout the nightshade family.

Plant identification

Scientific name
Lycopersicon spp
Family
Solanaceae
Also known as
Tomato Plant
Typically found
outdoor

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See all Solanaceae plants β†’

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Plant toxicity data is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database. If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Last verified: July 2, 2026 Β· Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control