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Yes, possums can eat tomatoes, but with some important caveats to keep in mind.
Tomatoes can be part of a possum’s diet, but their safety depends on which part of the tomato plant they eat and in what quantity.
Raw ripe tomatoes themselves are generally safe for possums, while unripe green tomatoes and other parts of the tomato plant can be harmful.
In this post, we will explore whether possums can eat tomatoes, the risks involved, and how tomatoes fit into their natural diet.
Let’s dive into the details and clear up some common questions about possums and tomatoes!
Why Possums Can Eat Tomatoes
Possums do eat tomatoes, especially ripe red ones, in the wild or in backyard gardens when available.
1. Tomatoes Are a Fruit They Can Digest
As omnivores, possums eat a variety of foods—including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals.
Ripe tomatoes fit well into their diet because they are soft, juicy, and easy for possums to chew and digest.
Tomatoes provide hydration as well as some nutrients like vitamins A and C, which benefit possums as part of a varied diet.
2. Ripe Tomatoes Aren’t Toxic to Possums
Ripe tomatoes are not toxic to possums and can be eaten safely in moderation.
Though some wildlife might find tomatoes acidic or irritating in large quantities, possums generally tolerate ripe tomatoes well.
Their digestive systems are robust enough to process the natural compounds found in ripe tomatoes without issues.
3. Possums Consume Various Wild Fruits Naturally
In the wild, possums eat wild berries, figs, and other fruits similar in texture and nutritional profile to tomatoes.
This natural diet variety suggests they can process and benefit from the nutrients in tomatoes if they come across them.
Because tomatoes are soft fruits, possums can easily incorporate them into their eating habits.
Risks of Feeding or Finding Tomatoes for Possums
While possums can eat tomatoes, there are risks and important safety considerations to understand.
1. Green Tomatoes and Plant Leaves Are Toxic
Unripe green tomatoes and leaves or stems of the tomato plant contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid.
If possums consume the green parts, it can cause gastrointestinal upset or more serious poisoning symptoms.
It’s important to ensure possums only have access to ripe, red tomatoes and not the leafy parts or unripe fruit.
2. High Acidity Can Upset Some Possums
Tomatoes are somewhat acidic and eating large quantities at once may cause stomach discomfort to possums.
If you notice a possum visiting your garden, it’s best not to offer whole bunches of tomatoes at one time.
Moderation is key to avoid upsetting their digestive systems.
3. Pesticides and Chemicals Are Dangerous
Tomatoes grown with pesticides or chemical treatments pose a risk to possums.
If tomatoes in your garden are sprayed, possums eating these fruits might ingest harmful substances.
Opt for organic or untreated tomatoes if you’re intentionally providing fruit for wildlife like possums.
4. Excessive Fruit Can Disrupt Their Natural Diet
While possums do enjoy fruit, too many tomatoes can lead to nutritional imbalance.
Possums rely on a mix of insects, leaves, and other foods to obtain sufficient protein and fiber.
Relying heavily on tomatoes alone isn’t ideal for their health or natural behavior.
How Tomatoes Fit into a Possum’s Natural Diet
Understanding how tomatoes compare to the foods possums eat in the wild can help us appreciate when and why tomatoes are suitable.
1. Possums Are Opportunistic Eaters
Possums feed on whatever is available—fruits, flowers, insects, small animals, and even carrion.
This opportunistic behavior means if they find ripe tomatoes, they’ll likely eat them as part of a balanced diet.
They don’t rely solely on one food source but rather multiple types throughout the year.
2. Fruits Are a Seasonal Treat
In the wild, possums consume fruits seasonally when they’re abundant, much like ripe tomatoes in a garden during summer.
Tomatoes provide a juicy, sweet option that mimics wild berries and other fruiting plants possums eat naturally.
This makes tomatoes a tasty, familiar treat for them.
3. Possums Also Eat Leaves and Insects
Tomatoes are not a complete food for possums because they lack the fiber, protein, and other nutrients found in insects and leaves.
Possums balance fruit intake with insects, small mammals, eggs, and foliage to meet their dietary needs.
Therefore, while tomatoes are safe and edible, they are just one part of the broader diet possums require.
4. Wild Tomato Relatives Are Sometimes Eaten
Certain wild tomato species and related plants produce fruit that wildlife, including possums, might consume.
But often these fruits have lower toxicity risks because they ripen fully before being eaten.
This evolutionary relationship supports that possums can handle ripe tomato fruit safely.
Tips for Safely Offering Tomatoes to Possums
If you want to share tomatoes with possums or encourage them safely around your property, these tips will help.
1. Offer Only Ripe, Red Tomatoes
Make sure any tomatoes you share are fully ripe and red, not green or partially ripe.
Ripe tomatoes pose no toxicity risk and are digestible for possums.
Avoid letting possums access tomato plants with stems or leaves intact.
2. Avoid Pesticide-Treated Tomatoes
Use organic or home-grown tomatoes free of chemical treatments.
Washing fruit thoroughly also reduces the risk of passing on harmful residues or dirt.
This helps keep your possum visitors safe and healthy.
3. Keep Quantities Moderate
Offer tomatoes in small amounts to prevent stomach upset.
Too much tomato or fruit at once can lead to digestive issues in possums.
Spread out offerings over time if you want to provide tomatoes regularly.
4. Supplement With Native Vegetation
If you want to attract and support possums, plant native bushes and trees alongside tomato patches.
Native plants provide their natural diet components, complementing the tomatoes they enjoy.
This balanced natural environment helps possums thrive.
So, Can Possums Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, possums can eat tomatoes as ripe, red tomatoes are non-toxic and digestible for them.
They enjoy tomatoes as part of their varied diet, especially when available in gardens or the wild.
However, care must be taken to prevent access to green tomatoes and plant parts, which contain toxic compounds.
Also, avoid pesticide-contaminated tomatoes and feed them in moderation to protect possum health.
Tomatoes can be a tasty seasonal treat for possums, but are not a substitute for their natural diet of insects, leaves, and diverse foods.
By understanding how tomatoes fit into possums’ natural eating habits and following safe feeding practices, you can share this juicy fruit safely with your local possum friends.
That way, tomatoes can be a welcome addition to their menu without any risks.
Enjoy your garden visits from these fascinating little creatures, and maybe a few tomatoes too!