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My 5 kg terrier ate one small, unripe green tomato from the vine — is the solanine risk higher for his small size?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, his small size does increase the risk. Solanine is more concentrated in green tomatoes, and a 5 kg dog has less body mass to dilute the toxin. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or a wobbly gait within the next few hours. Offer him plenty of fresh water and a bland meal like plain boiled chicken and rice if he seems okay. Call your own vet if you see any of those signs or if he refuses food. For a dog his size, one whole green tomato is enough to cause a significant upset, so keep an eye on him tonight.

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.

Tomato can turn up now and then, but not as a daily habit: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged 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 food facts page.

Open the full food page: Tomato food facts →