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Are dog treats that list tomato puree as an ingredient safe for my 4kg small breed dog, especially if the label doesn’t specify if it’s ripe or green?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, dog treats that contain ripe tomato puree are generally safe for a small 4kg dog when given in moderation. The risk comes from green parts of the tomato plant, which contain solanine, a toxic compound, so you want to be sure the puree is made from fully ripe red fruit. Check the ingredient list for any mention of tomato leaves, stems, or unripe fruit, and avoid treats that include those parts. Offer a few small pieces and monitor for vomiting, drooling, or loss of appetite; if any of those signs develop, give your regular vet a call for guidance.

Tomato — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Ripe red fruit is fine in small pieces. Green parts (leaves, stem, unripe fruit) contain solanine, which is toxic.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tomato is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

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

Open the full food page: Tomato food facts →