Is Tomato Plant Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Lycopersicon spp
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | Solanine, concentrated in the green (unripe) fruit, leaves, and stems |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
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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Last verified: July 2, 2026 Β· Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control