Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

Only ripe red tomato flesh in small amounts, and not as a regular treat. ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both flag tomato plants and green tomatoes as toxic concerns, while ripe fruit is treated differently.

Why

This is a garden distinction. A plain ripe tomato piece is not the same as a dog chewing stems, leaves, vines or unripe tomatoes from a Kiwi vegetable patch. Tomato sauce, pizza, pasta sauce and chutney may also contain garlic, onion, salt or sugar.

If your dog ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.

Safer alternatives

Safer options are tiny pieces of plain, prepared fruit or veg your pet already tolerates, or part of their normal complete food used as a treat. Keep portions small and avoid sweetened, salted or seasoned versions.

Related reading

• Dog Food Guide NZ
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide
• New Dog Owner: First 30 Days NZ

References

• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants, Tomato Plant, checked 2026-06-11: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/tomato-plant
• Pet Poison Helpline, Tomato Plant, checked 2026-06-11: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/tomato-plant/
• ASPCA, Pets and Produce: Top Tips on Vegetable Garden Safety, checked 2026-06-11: https://www.aspca.org/news/pets-and-produce-top-tips-vegetable-garden-safety

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*