Can Horses Eat Tomatoes? Nightshade Safety Guide [2026]

Can horses eat tomatoes? The answer is complicated. While ripe tomato flesh is not highly toxic, tomatoes belong to the nightshade family and contain compounds that can be harmful to horses. Most experts recommend avoiding tomatoes altogether.

Are Tomatoes Safe for Horses?

The short answer: No, tomatoes are not recommended for horses.

Tomatoes are members of the Solanaceae family (nightshades), which includes several plants toxic to horses. While a single ripe tomato slice probably won’t harm your horse, there are enough concerns that most equine nutritionists advise against feeding tomatoes.

Why Tomatoes Are Problematic

Solanine Content

Tomatoes contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that can be toxic to horses:

• Highest concentration in green (unripe) tomatoes
• Also found in stems, leaves, and vines
• Ripe red tomatoes have lower levels
• Cooking doesn’t eliminate solanine

Tomatine

Another compound specific to tomatoes:

• Most concentrated in green parts of the plant
• Decreases as tomatoes ripen
• Can cause gastrointestinal upset

Atropine

Found primarily in leaves and stems:

• Can affect nervous system
• May cause changes in heart rate
• Another reason to keep horses away from tomato plants

What If My Horse Ate a Tomato?

If your horse ate a small amount of ripe tomato:

Don’t panic. A bite or two of ripe tomato is unlikely to cause serious harm.

Watch for symptoms:

• Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Colic symptoms
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing (rare, with large amounts)

When to call the vet:

• Horse ate large quantities
• Horse ate green tomatoes
• Horse ate tomato plants (leaves, stems, vines)
• Any concerning symptoms appear

The Real Danger: Tomato Plants

The tomato fruit is less concerning than the rest of the plant:

Keep horses away from tomato gardens. If you have tomato plants, ensure horses cannot access them.

Other Nightshades to Avoid

The entire nightshade family should be kept away from horses:

• Potatoes (especially green ones)
• Eggplant
• Peppers (bell peppers are debated—some feed them, some don’t)
• Deadly nightshade (highly toxic)
• Horse nettle (common pasture weed)

Safe Alternatives to Tomatoes

If you’re looking for healthy treats, try these instead:

• Carrots: Classic, safe, nutritious
• Apples: Sweet favorite (cut into pieces)
• Watermelon: Hydrating summer treat
• Celery: Low calorie, good crunch
• Cucumber: Refreshing and safe
• Bananas: Potassium-rich treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can horses eat cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes have the same concerns as regular tomatoes. Their small size also makes them a choke risk. Not recommended.

What about tomato-flavored horse treats?
Commercial treats with tomato flavoring typically contain minimal actual tomato and are formulated to be safe. However, check ingredients and stick to reputable brands.

My horse ate tomato leaves—what do I do?
Call your vet. Tomato leaves contain higher concentrations of toxic compounds than the fruit. Monitor closely and seek professional advice.

Why do some people say tomatoes are fine?
A small amount of ripe tomato may not cause obvious problems, leading some to believe they’re safe. However, the risk isn’t worth it when so many other safe treats are available.

The Bottom Line

While a tiny bit of ripe tomato probably won’t harm your horse, tomatoes are not recommended as horse treats. The nightshade family’s toxic compounds—especially in green tomatoes and all plant parts—make the risk unnecessary when safer alternatives exist. Keep tomato plants fenced away from horses, and choose carrots, apples, or other proven-safe treats instead.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Kentucky Equine Research, University of Minnesota Extension