If you are wondering “can dogs eat potatoes?” then you are at the right place! This article not only talks about the benefits potatoes have but also the risks.
In short, the answer is YES! Dogs can eat potatoes safely but in moderation. Here is everything you need to know about potatoes and dogs.
Are Potatoes Good For Dogs?
If you want to feed your dog potatoes, you can always choose the better and safer ways! Not only is this delicious human food, but it comes with multiple health benefits for your pooch. Here are the perks:
1. Carbs
The potatoes are a great source of healthy carbohydrates. They give your dog the fuel to mess around all day and be active during the training sessions. Although potatoes should not solely be a meal, as it does not fulfill all the other nutritional needs of a dog.
2. Fiber
One of the best things about feeding your dog potatoes is that they are super fiber-rich. If you properly cook and feed your dog mashed potatoes, it will help to ease out the bowel movements. So, if your dog suffers from constipation often, give potatoes a try!
3. Vitamins and minerals
Potatoes are also packed with vitamins and minerals, which are essential for a dog’s health and overall well-being. They include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Electrolytes
What Potatoes Can Dogs Eat?
Everyone loves potatoes! One can literally make everything out of this versatile veggie. And well, which is why some cultures even refer to potatoes as the king of vegetables. From deserts to snacks and from dishes to creamy sauces- there is no place you cannot fit potatoes in.
Below are some of the common ways humans consume potatoes and might want to toss some to their doggos. So let’s see if dogs can eat all these potato varieties or not:
1. Raw potatoes
You should never feed your dog raw potatoes! They are super unhealthy and contain toxins. We are talking about solanine, a compound that is toxic to dogs in certain amounts (study). Potatoes contain solanine, which is also found in some green leafy vegetables and, in this case, raw, green potatoes.
Every dog has its individual tolerance and may not react the same as other dogs. To some, the toxin symptoms may hit earlier. The key is to avoid feeding your dog raw, green, or sprouted potatoes.
2. Cooked potatoes
Yes, you can feed your dog cooked potatoes! All you have to do is peel the potatoes and boil them until they are soft. You can chop them into tiny pieces, mix them with their kibbles, or even serve a salad. The best way to feed your dog potatoes is to mash them!
Mashed potatoes are healthy for dogs if fed in moderation. You can also use it as a paste on your dog’s chew toys. Similarly, you can also feed your dog plain, cooked, and peeled sweet potatoes!
3. Potato fries
Yes and No. You can pass on your dog one- or two potato fries occasionally, but it should not be an everyday snack. We know they are crunchy and are ultimately made of potatoes, but the oil/butter content makes them unhealthy. High amounts of fat and oil can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
If you ever want to treat your dog with 2-3 pieces as an occasional reward, we recommend that you fry them with sesame oil or coconut oil.
What Are the Signs of Potato Poisoning in Dogs?
If your dog ate raw potatoes, they may show signs of solanine toxicity. You should get in touch with your veterinarian and monitor your dog for the signs and symptoms mentioned below:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Irregular heartbeats
- Rapid or difficulty breathing
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat potatoes?” is a big yes! Potatoes are one of the human foods that are safe for dogs if fed in moderation and properly. This means you should only feed your dog plain and cooked potatoes and not raw or seasoned ones.
If you make it a small part of your dog’s diet, it will lead to balanced nutrition. So yes, next time your dog asks for a boiled potato, don’t shy away from tossing them some!
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of potato a dog can eat depends on size and age. If you have a small to medium-sized dog, you can feed them 2-3 tablespoons of plain and cooked potato. If your dog is large, you can go about half a boiled potato. Remember that it should not be a significant part of your dog’s diet.
Nah! We do not recommend feeding your dog potato peels or potatoes with the peels on. The dirt and contaminants are stuck to the peels, which are hard to wash away from water. Also, the peels can cause choking hazards in dogs. Anyways, there is no nutritional value included, so there is no point in compromising your dog’s health.
You should feed your dog potato chips or any kind of fried or processed potatoes. They hold no nutritional value but can definitely cause health problems in dogs. If your dog is obese, you should avoid any such fried snacks.
It’s your choice(technically, your dog’s!), as the one key point is to cook them, peel them and serve in moderation. Even though potatoes are nutritious, they are insufficient to fulfill all the nutritional requirements of a dog. Hence, it is best to include high-quality dog food as their primary meal and potatoes as a snack or a side meal.
Yes! Dogs can eat potato salads unless there are veggies and fruits included that are toxic to dogs. You can make an impressive and healthy salad for your dog that includes human foods like apples, celery, beans, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and even a little bit of cheese if you like!
