Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 12 kg dog just licked salsa that had a small piece of tomato plant in it. Is this dangerous?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, and you should call your vet or the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435. Tomato leaves and stems contain solanine, which is toxic. For a dog his size, a small piece might cause drooling, vomiting, or an upset stomach. Check the salsa container for any other green bits stuck to the lid. Watch him closely for the next few hours and call for advice now rather than waiting for symptoms.

Tomato leaves & stems — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

The fruit is fine, but the leaves and stems contain solanine and tomatine.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tomato leaves & stems should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Tomato leaves & stems has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Tomato leaves & stems food facts page.

Open the full food page: Tomato leaves & stems food facts →