Is it toxic to dogs?
Tomato plants
Solanum lycopersicum (listed by the ASPCA as Lycopersicon spp.) · Solanaceae
Also called Tomato vines, Tomato leaves
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Moderate
Yes, the green parts are. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs, mainly the leaves, stems and unripe fruit. Ripe tomatoes are considered non-toxic.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, Stems, Green (unripe) fruit
- Toxic compounds
- Solanine
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
Signs of poisoning
- Drooling (hypersalivation)
- Loss of appetite
- Severe gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Depression and weakness
- Dilated pupils
- Slow heart rate
- Stumbling or disorientation
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Tomato plants belong to the nightshade family, and their green parts contain defensive alkaloids. The ASPCA names solanine and notes that the ripe fruit is non-toxic. Pet Poison Helpline explains that every part of the plant carries some of these alkaloids, with the ripe fruit carrying the least, so green tomatoes, leaves and stems are the worry.
What that means in real life is a dog that tears through a backyard tomato bed, or a puppy that swipes green fruit off a low vine. The ASPCA lists drooling, loss of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils and a slow heart rate. Pet Poison Helpline adds stumbling and disorientation.
The ripe red fruit is a different story. If you only want to know about the fruit, see tomatoes.
If your dog ate tomato plants
Pull plant bits from your dog's mouth and take your dog away from the plants. Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog ate leaves, stems or green tomatoes, since weakness and a slow heart rate are on the ASPCA's list.
Go to an emergency clinic if your dog is weak, stumbling, vomiting repeatedly or acting disoriented. Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Tell the vet what parts were eaten and when.
Keeping your dog safe
Fence the vegetable bed, or grow tomatoes in tall cages and raised planters. Pick up dropped green fruit, and compost trimmings in a covered bin that your dog can't open. Stake or cage the plants so fruit hangs above nose level.
If your dog loves grazing in the garden, give them their own safe herb patch with basil and rosemary. A solid "leave it" and supervised garden time help most.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Are tomatoes themselves safe for dogs?
The ASPCA says the ripe fruit is non-toxic. The leaves, stems and unripe fruit are the concern.
Are green tomatoes dangerous?
Pet Poison Helpline names green tomatoes, leaves and stems as the parts that cause problems, especially in large amounts.
What if my dog only ate one leaf?
Pet Poison Helpline's concern is with large amounts, but no safe amount is given. Watch for vomiting, weakness or odd behavior and call your vet if any appear.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy