Cat Food Safety

Can Cats Eat Tomatoes?

Updated April 20265 min readVet-reviewed sources

Tomatoes are a mixed bag for cats. The ripe, red fruit is technically safe — low calorie, some vitamins. But the green parts of the tomato plant contain solanine and tomatine, glycoalkaloid compounds that are toxic to cats. If you grow tomatoes, keep your cat away from the plants. And honestly, since cats can't taste sweet and have minimal interest in vegetables, there's little reason to offer tomato when safer options like chicken or salmon exist.

Nutrition Facts — Tomatoes

18calories per 100g

See USDA FoodData Central for full breakdownnote

Why Tomatoes Are Good for Dogs

Safe as occasional treat

Tomatoes won't harm your cat in small amounts. As with all non-meat treats for obligate carnivores, it's a novelty rather than nutrition.

Low risk

Plain, properly prepared tomatoes has no toxic compounds for cats (except green parts for tomatoes/potatoes).

Risks & What to Watch For

Cats don't need it

As obligate carnivores, cats get zero essential nutrients from tomatoes that they can't get better from meat. It's empty calories from a feline nutrition standpoint.

Better alternatives exist

Chicken, salmon, or eggs provide protein, taurine, and amino acids cats actually need. Fruits and vegetables are nutritional dead ends for cats.

How Much Tomatoes Can Your Dog Eat?

All treats combined — including tomatoes — should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories.

Dog Size	Breeds	Serving	Frequency
Kittens (under 2 kg)	All breeds under 4 months	Not recommended	Once per week
Small cats (2-4 kg)	Singapura, Devon Rex, young cats	1 tiny piece	Once per week
Average cats (4-6 kg)	Siamese, Domestic Shorthair, Abyssinian	1 small piece	Once per week
Large cats (6-8 kg)	British Shorthair, Bengal, Ragdoll	1-2 small pieces	Once per week
Giant cats (8+ kg)	Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Savannah	2 small pieces	Once per week

How to Prepare Tomatoes for Your Dog

Wash tomatoes thoroughly

Cut into very small cat-sized pieces

No seasoning, butter, oil, or salt

Serve at room temperature

5 Ways to Serve Tomatoes to Your Dog

Occasional novelty

Offer a small piece to see if your cat shows interest. Most won't — and that's perfectly fine.

Breed-Specific Notes

Diabetic-prone breeds (Burmese)

Avoid sugary fruits for breeds with high diabetes rates. Stick to protein-based treats.

Overweight indoor cats

Keep treat portions minimal. A piece of chicken is more satisfying and nutritious than any fruit or vegetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

With caution — Ripe red tomato flesh is safe for cats in small amounts, but the green parts of the plant — stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes — contain solanine, which is toxic. Cats who have access to tomato gardens are at risk.

A small piece once or twice a week maximum. All treats should be under 10% of daily calories. For cats, protein-based treats are always more appropriate than fruits or vegetables.

Kittens over 12 weeks can try a tiny piece, but it offers no nutritional value for growing cats. Prioritize high-protein kitten food instead.

Most cats are indifferent to fruits and vegetables because they can't taste sweetness and are hardwired to prefer meat. Some cats enjoy unusual textures, but don't be surprised if yours walks away.

Plain cooked chicken, salmon, or eggs — these provide the animal protein, taurine, and amino acids that cats actually need. Fruits and vegetables are safe but nutritionally pointless for obligate carnivores.

Not really. While it has no artificial ingredients, it also has no protein or taurine — the nutrients cats need most. A piece of plain chicken is both healthier and more appealing to most cats.

Large amounts can cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting) and displace actual nutrition. Cats who fill up on plant matter aren't getting the animal protein they need. Keep all non-meat treats minimal.

Sources

Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat — feline nutrition (2024)

PetMD — Can Cats Eat Tomatoes? — veterinary reviewed (2025)

ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (2024)

USDA FoodData Central — Nutritional data (2024)

Dietary emergencies happen

If your cat eats something toxic, emergency vet visits can cost $1,000–$5,000. Pet insurance covers poisoning, food allergies, and digestive emergencies.

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