Tomato — (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
Photo by (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas GoldmaniNaturalistCC BY-SA
Pet safety reference

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

The tomato plant is a popular garden vegetable that contains solanine, a glycoalkaloid found in its stems and leaves. While the fruit is generally consumed by humans, the green parts of the plant can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.

Lycopersicon esculentumSolanum lycopersicumTomato
Light
Full sun
Habit
Vining or bushy
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and potential lethargy.

Escalation note

Ingestion of the green parts of the plant can lead to clinical signs; please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has consumed any portion of the plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and in severe cases, changes in heart rate or coordination.

Escalation note

The foliage and stems contain solanine which is toxic to dogs; consult a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

The tomato plant contains solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Solanum lycopersicum is a member of the Solanaceae family and contains toxic alkaloids in its foliage.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Tomatodogs safety pageMy dog ate Tomato

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Commonly confused with

Same safety verdict

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