Daily, new concerns arise. How can you differentiate between truth and myth? Let’s explore some common misconceptions that have been around since dog food was first invented. There’s a prevalent belief concerning tomatoes. If your dog enjoys a slice of tomato on their food, are they getting enough Vitamin A? Could this result in an unwanted reaction?
Let’s find out!
A Tomato a Day Keeps the Vet Away?
According to pet nutritionists, there is nothing wrong with giving your dog tomatoes-in fact, they are often included in some very high-quality foods because of their antioxidant content. Tomatoes contain less Vitamin A than an average-sized carrot, five times the amount of Vitamin A than a tomato. Also, the amount of Vitamin A it would take to be harmful to your pet could only come from 1/2 cup of carrots or tomatoes-it’s that small!
The one thing you should never do is give your dog unripe (green) tomatoes because they contain toxins called glycoalkaloids. If enough of these are ingested, they can cause your dog to become sick with diarrhoea or vomiting.
So go ahead and slice up some tomatoes. You only have to look out for how many you give them; too much fruit can lead to diarrhoea!
Do You Give Your Dog Tomatoes?
Do you let your dog eat tomatoes? Tomatoes are a healthy part of any dog’s diet, but too many can lead to diarrhoea. If you give your dog fruit, make sure it is in moderation.
If you want to make sure your dog has a healthy, balanced diet, give them vitamins to ensure they receive the right amount for all their nutritional needs.
Benefits of Dogs Eating Tomatoes
Tomato is rich in flavonoids that act as antioxidants and help guard against degenerative diseases like cancer and heart disease. It contains lycopene which helps maintain bone mass and strong teeth by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent on the inside walls of cells where tissue regeneration occurs. And choline aids digestion, metabolizing food into energy for our body.
Reminders:
- Only give your dog the juice from tomatoes, not the fruit itself.
- Make sure your dog’s meal does not contain too many carbs or sugars.
- Not only is it harmless, but studies suggest that eating tomatoes can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
- If you give your dog fruit, make sure it is in moderation.
- Give your pet vitamins to ensure they’re receiving the right amount of all their nutritional needs.
Conclusion
If you’re a dog owner, it’s essential to know what foods are safe for them and which ones aren’t. Besides tomatoes, another food comes with some controversy: bananas. While many people give their dogs this fruit without any problems, too much of the potassium in bananas can be dangerous if consumed regularly. The best thing to consult your vet about how often they recommend giving your pup something like a banana–and don’t forget to add vitamins.
