Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes?

Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family which contains the toxins solanine and tomatine.

Members of the nightshade family all contain the toxin solanine. Unripe tomatoes also contain the glycoalkaloid tomatine.

Can Chickens Eat Tomatoes?

Chickens really shouldn't be allowed to eat tomatoes in excess. And definitely not the leaves, stems, or unripe fruit.

Because the nightshades do contain toxins, I don't give my chickens leaves or stems from pepper, eggplant or tomato plants, all of which are also part of the family and potentially toxic.

Leaves, stems and unripe fruit are more toxic.

Since all parts of the plant are toxic, with the stems and leaves containing the most solanine, it's really important not to feed your chickens tomato leaves or green tomatoes.

Because the toxins are reduced as the plant ripens, green tomatoes and immature eggplants and peppers should all be avoided until fully ripe, when the solanine isn't present any longer in amounts that are of as much concern.

But tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers should still only be fed to your chickens in moderation. And only to healthy, adult chickens'.

Symptoms of solanine poisoning include: slowed pulse, diarrhea, lowered body temperature, abdominal pain, digestive issues and vomiting.

Symptoms of tomanine poisoning include: nausea, cramps and diarrhea.

Tomatoes do contain health benefits.

Tomatoes do contain health benefits and when fed in moderation contain antioxidants, potassium, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C and K, and support immune and digestive systems, as well as bone and vision health.

My chickens do love tomatoes from the garden in the summer, but I only feed them very ripe tomatoes and only in moderation. As with other treats, in total they should not exceed 10% of your flock's total diet, which equals only about 1 or 2 tablespoons per bird per day.

And I would definitely avoid feeding baby chicks any tomatoes because the toxin affects young, old, or otherwise compromised birds more than healthy birds.