Can Frenchies Eat Tomatoes?

Frenchies are among popular dog breeds with diverse eating patterns and will eat almost anything in your kitchen.

Contents show

As much as tomatoes constitute a popular ingredient in our foods, you may be left wondering if your Frenchy can have some.

It may be challenging to deny them when they are looking at you with desire as you cut the tomatoes in the kitchen.

So, can Frenchies eat tomatoes?

Yes, but you must provide them in moderation.

Tomatoes are a low-calorie food rich in nutrients such as vitamins C, K, B9, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, beneficial for your Frenchie.

However, unripe and green tomato parts contain solanine, a toxic compound to dogs.

This article discusses the nutritional aspects of tomatoes to your Frenchie, how to serve this fruit, and what to watch out for to ensure your pet’s safety.

Read on to find out more.

Tomato nutrients beneficial for your Frenchie

Ripe soft parts of the tomatoes are significant and will provide your Frenchie with the following essential nutrients:

Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Vitamin B9
Fiber
Potassium
Antioxidants

These nutrients offer the following benefits to your French Bulldog:

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for dogs that helps in boosting their immunity, skin health, and wound healing.

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. It promotes faster wound healing in case your active pup gets bruised.

Vitamin B9 promotes growth of your dog’s tissues and the effective functioning of cells.

Fiber regulates digestion and prevents constipation. It also helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

Potassium is an electrolyte that maintains the fluid balance in your Frenchie’s body. It helps to stabilize your dog’s blood pressure. It also aids in muscle function and heart health.

Antioxidants, especially lycopene, present in the red parts of the tomato, function to scavenge harmful free radical toxins from the dog’s body. This is significant in preventing cell damage and diseases such as cancer. Lycopene also supports your dog’s bone health.

How to Incorporate tomatoes into your Frenchie’s diet

Sorting

Choose organic tomatoes and feed only the ripe fleshy parts.

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family; known for harmful compounds such as solanine and tomatine.

Don’t feed your Frenchie the unripe green parts, branches, leaves, and the tomato plant, as these contain solanine, which will poison your dog.

Cleaning

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly to remove any left pesticide or herbicide that can cause your Frenchie illness.

Cut the tomatoes into small fine pieces, chop, or puree for a dense gel and give your Frenchie as you observe them for any adverse reactions or feelings of sickness.

Serving

Serve the tomatoes as a treat or mix them in their regular food.

You can add some to their kibble or dog food.

You can also chop and mix with cottage cheese or scrambled eggs.

Alternatively, you can steam and puree to make a delicious healthy soup.

Seasoning

When you cook the tomatoes for your Frenchie, don’t add salts, commercial flavoring, seasonings, fats, or dog-toxic ingredients like garlic and onions.

These will cause toxicity and ruin your dog’s health.

Boil or steam the tomatoes under low temperatures and add healthy, nutritious vegetables like broccoli, cabbages, or carrots to improve the taste.

Serve your Frenchy but not as its leading staple food. Give a portion not exceeding ten percent of their consumption.

When feeding your Frenchie tomatoes for the first time, start with a small amount to see how they react.

If they show no adverse effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you can gradually increase the amount.

Are there any risks in feeding my Frenchie tomatoes?

As the ripe tomato fruits are healthy for your Frenchie, certain risks still present with giving your furry friend this fruit.

These include:

Solanine/tomatine poisoning

The stem, leaves, and unripe fruits of the nightshade family of vegetables contain solanine.

When ingested in large amounts, this can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

It may also cause drowsiness, tremors, confusion, lethargy, abnormal heart rates, and seizures.

If not treated on time, it can be fatal to your Frenchie.

If you notice these signs after your Frenchie eats tomatoes, stop giving them tomatoes immediately and provide fresh water to help flush out the toxins.

Rush your Frenchie to the vet immediately if the symptoms persist.

Gastrointestinal issues

Feeding your Frenchie tomatoes can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting.

This could be due to the tomato acidity, which irritates the dog’s stomach.

If your Frenchie shows any adverse effects, stop feeding them tomatoes immediately and consult your veterinarian.

Allergy reactions

Some dogs can be allergic to tomatoes, and feeding them this fruit may result in mild or severe reactions.

These can occur with symptoms such as itching, swelling of the face or lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, and gastrointestinal issues.

If your Frenchie is allergic to tomatoes, avoid adding them.

Can my Frenchie eat foods cooked with tomatoes?

Yes, your Frenchie can safely eat foods cooked with tomatoes as long as all the components in the meal are safe for them.

Ensure the tomatoes form only a tiny part of the whole food, and there are no harmful seasonings or ingredients used.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first.

Dog foods always contain enough nutrients essential for your pup.

You don’t need to add other foods if you are already feeding them vet-approved complete dog food.

They will not require tomatoes as an essential component in their diet.

However, occasional treats are ok, especially when your pup is begging for some as you prepare your dish.

What do I do if my Frenchie eats many tomatoes at one time?

Some dogs may have a high craving for tomatoes and may eat more than their recommended portion.

If this happens, observe your Frenchie for any adverse reactions or feelings of sickness.

If they show any of the following symptoms, provide fresh water to help flush out the toxins:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Tremors
Confusion
Lethargy
Abnormal heart rates
Seizures

If the symptoms persist, take your Frenchie to the vet immediately.

It’s essential to be aware of how much your Frenchie is eating and keep an eye on them when they’re around tomatoes.

If you have a garden with tomatoes, ensure that your Frenchie cannot access them as they may be tempted to eat too many.

It’s also worth noting that not all types of tomatoes are safe for your Frenchie.

Avoid feeding them cherry tomatoes, green tomatoes, or tomato plants as these can be poisonous to them.

What are alternative fruits safer and healthier for my Frenchie?

If you’re looking for safer and healthier alternatives to feed your Frenchie, here are some options:

Apples

Bananas

Cantaloupe

Mangoes

Oranges

Peaches

Pears (without the seeds)

Watermelon

Strawberries

Ensure that you wash the fruits thoroughly and cut them into small pieces to avoid choking
hazards.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can Frenchie puppies eat tomatoes?

No, it’s not recommended to give Frenchie puppies tomatoes as their stomachs are still developing, and they may be more susceptible to the fruit’s acidity.

It’s best to wait until they’re at least a year old before introducing tomatoes into their diet.

Can pregnant Frenchies eat tomatoes?

Pregnant Frenchies can eat tomatoes in moderation if they do not show any adverse effects.

It’s best to consult your veterinarian before adding this fruit into their diet during pregnancy.

My Frenchie loves eating tomatoes. Is this ok?

Yes, it’s okay if your Frenchie enjoys eating tomatoes.

However, monitor their intake to ensure they eat in moderation.

Ensure they remain safe and report any adverse reactions displayed to the vet.

Conclusion

Tomatoes form a good snack for your Frenchie when you give them in moderation.

Give your Frenchie organic tomatoes and avoid commercially made tomato ketchup and sauce.

These contain added sugars, salts, and toxic ingredients such as garlic and onions, harmful to your dog.

Always feed your Frenchie while you monitor them, and don’t forget to consult the veterinarian for the best advice on your pup’s nutritional needs.

Author
Recent Posts

Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.