Are Tomato Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs and cats because of solanine, and notes that ripe fruit is non-toxic. Signs to watch for and how to...
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Are Tomato Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists the tomato plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is solanine. The same entry notes that ripe fruit is non-toxic.
So the vines, leaves, and stems are the concern, not a ripe tomato that falls off the plant.
Signs ASPCA Lists
- Drooling
- Poor appetite
- Severe stomach upset
- Depression and weakness
- Dilated pupils
- Slow heart rate
If your pet chewed tomato plants and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. A fee may apply.
What About Peppers and Eggplant?
Garden peppers and eggplant are not on the ASPCA plant list. The ASPCA Ornamental Pepper entry is Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), a different plant that is toxic. Not listed does not mean safe. It means ASPCA has not rated the crop. See every crop on the Pet-Safe Garden Finder.
Keep Pets Off the Vines
- Cage or stake plants so stems stay off the ground.
- Fence the bed or grow tomatoes in a raised bed or large container the pet cannot reach.
- Pull and bag spent vines at the end of the season instead of leaving them on the bed. The Garden to Bed checklist covers fall cleanup.