It’s often tempting to give your dog treats that are different from what you usually offer them. However, you have to be careful when doing this because there’s a chance that your pet might not respond well to the food. Tomatoes, for instance, can have some good effects on your canine companion, but also some bad ones too.
They’re full of nutrients
Good nutrition is essential for being healthy. That’s the case for both you and your pets. With that in mind, tomatoes are a good treat for your dog because they’re full of the stuff. This includes lycopene and beta-carotene, both of which work to prevent cell damage. With this stuff in your system, your pet should stand a better chance of avoiding the vets. Then again.
They can also be poisonous
Tomato is part of the nightshade family, something that may set off alarm bells in your head. After all, these types of plants can be poisonous. Thankfully, it’s typically the flowers and stems that pose this danger rather than the fruit itself. Even so, you should be careful not to give your dog too much of it. Otherwise, they may experience symptoms like stomach upset.
.
They’re high in fiber
Like it or not, you have to be invested in your dog’s bathroom habits. After all, if you don’t want them to go in the house, you need to know that they’re doing their business when you let them out, right? If they’re having trouble with this, the issue may be that there’s not enough fiber in their diet. Fortunately, you can improve that by feeding them treats like tomatoes. This fruit is full of fibrous content, so it helps keep your pet’s digestion in good condition.
They can cause mental health issues
Your dog’s mental health is important. Unfortunately, because these animals can’t communicate with words, it’s tougher to know when they’re struggling. If your pet does seem down, it could actually be tomatoes that are to blame. One of the more significant symptoms of tomato poisoning is depression. Although additional factors may be influencing this, if you currently feed your dog tomatoes, it might be worth stopping that for the time being. Other potential symptoms include muscle weakness, abnormal heart rate, and constant salivating.
They’re rich in vitamins
Nutrition? Check. Fiber? Check. Vitamins? Also check. Tomatoes contain both vitamin A and C, meaning they can potentially do great things for your dog’s health. This includes better eyesight and healthier skin, two benefits that can help your pet avoid serious problems in the future. That’s good for your bank balance because it means you’re less likely to have to fork out on expensive vet bills.
Tomatoes aren’t without their risks for dogs. However, provided they’re served in the appropriate way, there’s no reason why they should do any harm. Make sure the fruit is ripe, washed thoroughly, not salted, and has all the greenery removed. Feed your pet like this in small amounts, and they should hopefully reap all the benefits without any consequences.