Can cats eat tomatoes? The answer is yes, but only red, ripe tomatoes. Unripe green tomatoes, as well as the leaves and stems of tomatoes, are not okay for cats. These green parts contain αlpha‐tomatine and αlpha‐dehydrotomatine which are toxic to cats.
Can Cats Eat Tomatoes?
The short answer is, “Not recommended.” According to ASPCA, tomatoes have something called solanine which is not only toxic to cats, it’s also harmful to horses and dogs. If the stems and leaves are ingested, they are at risk of stomach issues, lethargy, slower heart rate and more.
Nevertheless, the ASPCA notes that the ripe fruit is secure. Tomato paste is sometimes added to commercial pet food brands’ ingredients lists, but since paste is typically made from small amounts of ripe tomatoes, this shouldn’t be a cause for alarm.
Are tomatoes healthy for cats?
Something isn’t always healthy for cats just because it’s good for humans. We also have distinct digestive systems and dietary requirements since we are distinct species.
Cats can’t always process certain nutrients from plant sources the same way humans can, even in situations where the need for particular nutrients, like potassium, overlaps.
That’s because cats don’t need any plant foods. Because they are obligate carnivores, cats eat almost exclusively meat and eggs.
Some nutrients are exclusive to meat and eggs, such as taurine. Since cats are unable to produce taurine, they must obtain it through food.
Moreover, the digestive system of cats is not designed to break down plants. They lack the enzymes necessary to break down plants and extract all of the nutrients they contain.
Plants are neither necessary nor beneficial for cats, despite the fact that recent research has shown that cats can quickly adapt to digest certain plant carbohydrates instead of meat proteins to make glucose.
A certified nutritionist should already be creating commercial cat food that is complete and balanced for your cat. Since this type of food gives cats all the nutrients they require, a tomato would only be considered a treat.
You should speak with a reputable veterinarian if your cat does require extra nutrients. It is generally not advised to give cats human food in place of prescription supplements.
What kinds of tomatoes can cats safely eat?
If the leaves and stems are removed, cats can safely consume ripe, fresh tomatoes. How about cooked tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste?.
Although tomatoes by themselves might be safe, there are many other ingredients we use to season and cook them that are not good for our feline companions.
The most common offender is salt. Salt can be toxic to many pets, including cats.
Usually, symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea and vomiting, accompany salt poisoning. There may also be a decrease in hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, lack of energy, and impaired coordination. In more severe cases, tremors, seizures, and comas are occasionally observed, and they may even be fatal.
Tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato soup, tomato paste, and related by-products should be avoided as they frequently contain large amounts of salt, especially when purchased from a store.
Added sugars should be avoided by pet parents as well, as cats cannot properly digest them. These simple carbohydrates have the potential to cause diabetes, problems controlling weight, and the frequently associated conditions like arthritis and dental problems.
Products labeled as sugar-free, like some ketchups, frequently contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. While xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, it’s unclear from research if cats are similarly affected. Cats shouldn’t come into contact with xylitol for your own safety.
FAQ
What happens if a cat eats a tomato?
Are cherry tomato plants toxic to cats?
Why does some cat food have tomatoes in it?
Can cats eat pasta with tomato sauce?