Tomatillo
What are tomatillos?
Tomatillos (Physalis philadelphica) are a plant species from the genus of bladder cherries (Physalis) within the nightshade family (Solanaceae). They originate from Mexico and Guatemala and have been cultivated there for thousands of years. Tomatillos have a diameter of around 2 to 4 cm and a green to yellowish color. They taste tart and refreshing and are often used in sauces, soups or salads.
Are tomatillos healthy for dogs?
Tomatillos contain valuable nutrients that can also be beneficial for dogs. These include:
- Vitamin A: This vitamin is important for your dog's eyesight, immune system and skin health.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin acts as an antioxidant and protects your dog's cells from free radicals. It can also promote wound healing and prevent infections.
- Potassium: This mineral is essential for the function of your dog's nerves, muscles and heart. It can also regulate blood pressure and maintain fluid balance.
- Magnesium: This mineral is involved in many enzymatic reactions in your dog's body. It can strengthen bones, promote muscle relaxation and stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Fiber: These plant-based ingredients can help your dog's digestion and prevent constipation or diarrhea. They can also increase the feeling of satiety and control your dog's weight.
Are tomatillos poisonous for dogs?
Unfortunately, tomatillos also have a downside: they contain alkaloids that can be toxic to dogs. Alkaloids are natural compounds found in many nightshade plants, such as potatoes, eggplants and peppers. One of the best known alkaloids is solanine, which is found in the leaves, stems and flesh of tomatillos. Solanine can lead to symptoms of poisoning in dogs, such as
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- tremors
- convulsions
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- shortness of breath
- coma
- Death
The amount of solanine in tomatillos varies depending on the degree of ripeness, variety and growing conditions. In general, the greener the fruit, the more solanine it contains. Solanine can also be partially neutralized by cooking.
How many tomatillos can my dog eat?
Given the potential dangers of solanine, it is advisable not to give your dog any or very few tomatillos. The lethal dose of solanine for dogs is around 3 to 6 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 10 kg dog could die from eating around 30 to 60 g of tomatillos. This corresponds to about half to a whole fruit.
If you still want to give your dog a small piece of tomatillo from time to time, you should take the following precautions:
- Choose ripe, yellow tomatillos, which contain less solanine than green ones.
- Remove the skin and wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any pesticides or dirt.
- Cut the tomatillo into small pieces and cook it to reduce the solanine.
- Only give your dog a very small amount of tomatillo, for example as a treat or as an addition to their food.
- Monitor your dog for signs of poisoning after eating tomatillo and seek veterinary advice immediately if you notice any.
Tomatillos are not recommended for dogs as they contain solanine, which can be toxic to them. Although tomatillos do provide some healthy nutrients, the risks outweigh the benefits. There are many other vegetables that you can safely give your dog, such as carrots, cucumbers or zucchini. If you still want to give your dog a small portion of tomatillos, you should follow the tips above and monitor your dog closely.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊