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My 10 kg pregnant dog just ate a few tomato stems and leaves from the garden — does this put her and the puppies at extra risk?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, this adds risk for her and the developing puppies. The solanine and tomatine in the stems and leaves can cause vomiting, drooling, and weakness. A pregnant dog's system is already under stress, and severe vomiting could lead to dehydration or distress. Watch for signs within the next few hours: lip smacking, drooling, or lethargy. Don't wait; call your vet now to discuss the amount she ate and her gestation stage. Bring a sample of the plant if you can. Keep her calm and offer small sips of water until you speak with the vet.

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 →