Can Dogs Eat Ketchup? What You Need To Know

Before you share this condiment with your pup, ask yourself, “can dogs eat ketchup?” This is what you need to know.

If you have ever wanted to give your dog ketchup, you are not alone. You need to know that large amounts of ketchup could give your furry friend an upset stomach – or worse. Keep reading and learn why giving your dog tomatoes is a bad idea.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating ketchup.

Can Dogs Have Ketchup

When it comes to your dog’s health, you should only give them whole foods that are safe for them to eat. Ketchup is processed and includes a lot of different ingredients that are not safe for dogs to eat. It could upset their stomach or lead to worse reactions.

As with all types of food, the amount your dog eats matters. Small amounts – like the amount in one tiny ketchup packet – probably won’t hurt your dog very much. What is in the ketchup also matters.

In this guide, you will learn all about the dangers of ketchup for dogs, and whether small quantities of ripe tomatoes are a better idea.

whippet dog in front of a bowl of ketchup.

Is Ketchup Bad For Dogs

Yes, large quantities of ketchup is bad for dogs to eat. Most types of ketchup contain added salt and other spices that could cause allergic reactions or worse effects like kidney damage. This all depends on how much they eat, but a lot of ketchup is unsafe for dogs to eat.

Most types of ketchup (like Heinz) also contain added sugar. Dogs that eat a diet high in sugar could become obese and then will be at a higher risk of heart disease.

Harmful Ingredients In Ketchup

There are a lot of different brands and types of tomato ketchup out there. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, they should avoid all of it. Here is a bit more information about all the different ingredients in ketchup and how safe or dangerous they are for your dog in high quantities.

Tomato Concentrate

The main ingredient in any type of ketchup is some kind of tomato puree. This, by itself, is not harmful to dogs. It might hurt their stomach, but it is safe for them to eat.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Sugar or high fructose corn syrup is another common ingredient in commercial ketchup. A lot of sugar is bad for dogs to eat because it could lead to weight gain and related health consequences.

Too much sugar in a dog’s diet could lead to heart disease and is especially dangerous for diabetic dogs.

High Salt Content

The added salt is also unsafe for your fur babies. Dogs that consume too much salt are at risk for developing salt poisoning. It’s best to keep foods with high salt content away from your pet.

Garlic Powder

There are also a lot of adverse effects of garlic or garlic powder on dogs. Garlic contains disulfide and thiosulphates and both of these things are toxic to dogs. It can cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells.

Onion Powder

Onions are also part of the allium family and they contain the same toxic compounds as garlic. Just like garlic, if dogs eat too much onion powder or onions, they are at risk for developing hemolytic anemia, which damages their red blood cells.

Xanthan Gum

This is a thickener or stabilizer and it is safe for dogs to eat. If dogs eat mega doses of it, they might get diarrhea.

Artificial Sweeteners

The sugar substitute in sugar-free ketchup might cause health problems in dogs. Read the ingredient list. If you see the word Xylitol, do not buy it. This is toxic to dogs.

Artificial Flavors

As a general rule, artificial colors or flavors are unsafe for dogs to eat, and you should not give your dog any type of food that contains them.

Can Dogs Eat Homemade Ketchup

Now that you know all of the unsafe ingredients, what if you make homemade tomato sauce or ketchup?

Pure tomato sauce is safe for dogs in small doses. As long as you do not add salt, sugar, garlic, or onion to it, it is safe to give your dog a little bit of it.

The same rules apply to other things like tomato juice or tomato soup.

Can Puppies Eat Ketchup

This popular condiment is not safe for puppies to eat.

Puppies should not eat any kind of processed food. They need nutrition from whole foods that will help them grow.

My Dog Ate Ketchup

How much ketchup can a dog eat before they get sick? This depends on their size and what else they had to eat that day. Just watch your dog and if they start to act lethargic or sick, call your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Ketchup Chips

Dogs should not eat Lay’s Ketchup Chips. Not only could they give your dog a stomach upset but they have so much salt in them that they could lead to salt poisoning.

Can Dogs Eat Fries with Ketchup

French fries are not good for dogs because of the fat and salt. Dogs should never eat fried foods, either. Adding ketchup only makes it much more unhealthy and harmful for dogs.

Do not give your dog French fries with ketchup because it might upset their stomach or contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Can Dogs Eat Hot Dogs With Ketchup

Hot dogs by themselves are not a healthy treat, so don’t give your dog hot dogs with ketchup either.

Can Dogs Eat Tomato Plants

Even though dogs can eat tomatoes, do not let them eat the green parts of the plant. There are toxins (solanine and tomatine) in the green parts of the plant and young green tomatoes.

The tomato fruit is safe to give to your dog in small bits after it is fully ripe.

Can Dogs Eat Tomato Pomace

Tomato pomace is a by-product of tomato manufacturing (like for ketchup) and it’s sold to animal food manufacturers.

It’s an excellent sour of amino acid, antioxidants, and soluble fiber. Yes, this is safe for dogs to eat.

Final Thoughts

A very small amount of ketchup is safe for dogs to eat. However, it’s a better idea to avoid giving your dog any kind of ketchup at all.

More Dog Food Resources

What other human foods are safe for dogs? Here are some more resources about the different types of food dogs can eat:

Find lots of information about human food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) here on Spoiled Hounds!

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