Can Pugs Eat Tomatoes (5 Pros, Cons & More)
A small amount of ripe tomatoes in moderation makes great treats for dogs, but can pugs eat tomatoes, let’s find out together!
We will first answer questions regarding pugs and tomatoes, then highlight the pros and cons of giving pugs tomatoes.
Finally, we will outline and discuss some common ways to offer tomatoes to pugs in moderation, if you are ready, read on!
Can Pugs Eat Tomatoes
Since ripe tomatoes are safe for pugs, they can eat them but should be provided as a treat in moderation. Tomato leaves, vine, stems, and unripe tomatoes should be avoided since they might cause gastrointestinal problems in pugs.
Tomatoes belong to the nightshade vegetable family, which means they contain a few compounds, such as solanine, that are toxic to some animals.
In excessive amounts, solanine, a toxin present in the stems and leaves of tomatoes and similar plants, is toxic to pugs. The green sections of the tomato plant contain the most solanine.
Because solanine levels in the leaves, stems and immature green tomatoes are higher than in the ripe fruit, ripe tomatoes are typically safe to feed to pugs.
Let’s talk about the common questions you may have about pugs and tomatoes…
Can pugs eat unripe tomatoes
No, unripe tomatoes should not be eaten by pugs since they contain a lot of acids and other compounds that might cause gastrointestinal problems.
If you must feed your pug tomatoes, make sure they are ripe, fresh, and devoid of preservatives.
Can pugs eat processed or canned tomatoes
Pug is sensitive to artificial tomato flavors and preservatives, therefore any canned or processed tomatoes are not appropriate for him to eat and may create extra health risks.
Almost all canned tomatoes include flavors and preservatives, which are all detrimental to Pug.
If you must serve Pug tomatoes, make sure they are fresh and ripe rather than canned or processed.
Can pugs eat tomato leaves and stems
Pugs should avoid eating tomato leaves and stems since they may contain substances like solanine that create gastrointestinal issues and make digestion more difficult.
Before giving the tomato meat to the pugs, remove the leaves and stems from the fresh tomatoes.
Can pugs be allergic to tomatoes
Although pugs are not sensitive to tomatoes, each pug is unique and may be allergic to stuff that other pugs aren’t.
As a result, pug owners must introduce little amounts of tomatoes as prizes gradually while keeping a tight eye on their dogs’ behavior.
Diarrhea, itching, and vomiting are all indications of a tomato allergy in your pug.
If your pug appears to be in pain after eating tomatoes, contact your veterinarian.
How much tomatoes is safe for pugs
An average-sized pug can eat one to two tomato balls per day, but if they want to eat them whole, they should be cut up into smaller pieces to minimize stomach concerns.
Tomato should be given in modest amounts, just like any other item that isn’t part of your dog’s regular diet.
Tomatoes should be given as a treat rather than a complete meal, and no more than 10% of a pug’s daily or weekly calorie intake should come from them.
How to offer tomatoes to pugs
Here are a few common and safe tomato feeding options for pugs:
1. Offer as rewards for positive behavior
It’s a lot more exciting to give pugs tomato slices as a prize. The key to success is moderation.
Tomato can also be chopped into little pieces and provided as a reward or gift during pug training.
To serve as a snack rather than a meal, remove the vines from the tomatoes and slice them into little pieces.
To keep your pug hydrated, slice the tomatoes into little pieces and give them to them as a treat.
2. Offer tomato with other fruit mix
Feed your pug a fruit salad every now and then to keep them healthy and happy.
Tomatoes may also be blended with other fruits to produce a tasty smoothie or fruit salad for your Pug.
To make a wonderful, dog-friendly garnish, combine sliced tomatoes, diced melon, watermelon, carrots, and strawberries in a salad.
These fruits should be chopped into extremely little pieces before giving them to your Pug because of their small faces.
Let’s talk pros and cons…
Cons of offering too much tomatoes to pugs
Overfeeding your Pug tomatoes has a number of drawbacks, including the following:
- Pugs may experience acid reflux if they consume too much tomatoes.
- It’s possible that overfeeding your Pug tomatoes can cause diarrhea.
- Pugs who consume an excessive amount of tomatoes may get stomach problems.
- Pugs may suffer muscular weakness if they ingest too much tomatoes.
- If you overfeed your Pug tomatoes, you may have stomach pains and nausea.
Potential benefits of giving tomatoes to pugs
Here are a few of the common tomato benefits that your pug may gain from eating ripe tomatoes:
- Tomatoes can aid healthy immune system in Pugs.
- Tomatoes can provide antioxidants for pugs.
- Tomatoes can aid dental health in pugs.
- Tomatoes can aid healthy sight in pugs.
- Tomatoes can aid recovery after exercise in Pugs.
