Tomato Plant Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,018 found this helpful

Lycopersicon spp

All parts of the tomato plant except fully ripe red fruits contain the toxic glycoalkaloid solanine

The plant is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested

Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological and cardiac symptoms in susceptible animals

FAQ

Is Tomato Plant toxic to Humans?

Ingestion of unripe fruit or plant parts may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mild headaches in humans (Moderate)

Is Tomato Plant toxic to Cats?

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

Is Tomato Plant toxic to Dogs?

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

Is Tomato Plant toxic to Horses?

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Ingestion of unripe fruit or plant parts may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mild headaches in humans

Cats

Moderate

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Dogs

Moderate

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Horses

Moderate

Hypersalivation, inappetence, severe gastrointestinal upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsLeaves, stems, roots, unripe green fruits, and flowers of the tomato plant

Exposure RoutePrimarily ingestion of toxic plant parts; rare mild skin irritation from contact with plant sap in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSolanine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining tomato plant material from the animal's mouth and surrounding area
• If ingestion occurred within the last 10 minutes and the animal is fully conscious, offer small amounts of fresh water to dilute the toxin
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your cat, dog, or horse has ingested any part of the tomato plant except fully ripe red fruit
• If any symptoms such as hypersalivation, dilated pupils, weakness, or gastrointestinal distress appear after exposure
• If you are unsure how much toxic tomato plant material was consumed

Prevention

• Keep potted and garden tomato plants out of reach of pets and grazing livestock
• Dispose of pruned tomato leaves, stems, and unripe green fruits in sealed, inaccessible containers
• Supervise pets and horses when they are in areas where tomato plants are cultivated

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer decontamination measures including induced vomiting and activated charcoal for recent ingestions
• Supportive care including IV fluid therapy, antiemetics, and cardiac monitoring may be provided for animals showing severe symptoms
• Most affected animals make a full recovery with prompt, appropriate veterinary intervention

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLycopersicon spp

AliasesGarden Tomato、Cultivated Tomato

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractNervous systemHeartEyes

Mechanism of Action

• Solanine disrupts cell membrane function and inhibits cholinesterase activity in the nervous system, leading to gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiac symptoms

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Ingestion of large volumes of tomato plant waste may cause salivation, diarrhea, and reduced milk production

Sheep: Moderate toxicity risk if grazing on discarded tomato plant material, leading to gastrointestinal distress and lethargy

Poultry: Low toxicity risk; ingestion of small amounts of plant parts may only cause mild temporary digestive upset

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Bittersweet Nightshade Solanum dulcamara

Visually similar in leaf shape and small fruit structure to young tomato plants; key difference is that bittersweet nightshade produces small bright red or purple berries rather than large fleshy tomatoes, and all parts are highly toxic even when ripe

Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum

Has identical small white flowers and green unripe fruits to juvenile tomato plants; key difference is that black nightshade produces small black ripe berries rather than large edible tomatoes, and most plant parts are toxic

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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