Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Adobe_stock/JAVIER LARRAONDO
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so.
Potatoes are a staple food in many kitchens, but can dogs eat potatoes too?
The good news is they can—in certain forms. Potatoes are a common ingredient in commercial dog food and treats, but there are a few things to know before feeding them to your pup.
Key Takeaways
- Plain, cooked potatoes (boiled, baked, or mashed without butter or seasoning) are best for dogs.
- Avoid raw potatoes, green parts, fries, and heavily seasoned dishes, which can be toxic or cause digestive issues.
- Moderation is key. All treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Can Dogs Have Potatoes?
Yes, in certain forms, potatoes are safe for dogs. Plain, cooked potatoes (without butter, salt, or seasoning) are generally safe. Fried or heavily seasoned preparations may cause problems.
Raw potatoes and excessive amounts of potato skin are hard to digest and should be avoided. Any green parts should also be removed because they contain solanine, a toxin that can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy and in large amounts even lead to neurologic problems, coma, and death.
If you want to play it safe, you can give your pup commercially prepared dog treats or food that’s made with potatoes instead of homemade dishes. Some highly rated options include:
What Potatoes Can Dogs Eat?
Are Potatoes Good for Dogs?
So, are potatoes OK for dogs or are they nutritious, too? When prepared the right way, potatoes can offer some health benefits for dogs. Here are a few:
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They provide energy. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, which give your dog a quick source of fuel.
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They’re a source of vitamins and minerals. Potatoes contain vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and magnesium, all of which support overall health.
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They’re easy to digest when cooked. Plain, boiled, or baked potatoes can be gentle on your dog’s stomach. That’s why vets often recommended as a bland, soothing diet for dogs with mild digestive upset.
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They’re high in fiber. Potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps dogs with digestion.
Can Potatoes Be Bad for Dogs?
While plain, cooked potatoes can be safe in moderation, there are some risks to be aware of. Here’s what makes potatoes potentially harmful:
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They can contain solanine. The green parts of potatoes and potato sprouts contain solanine, a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even nervous system issues.
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They might contribute to digestive issues. Eating large amounts of potato, especially raw, can lead to gastrointestinal upset like gas, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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They can be a choking hazard. Large chunks of potato, particularly if raw or undercooked, can be a choking hazard or lead to an gastrointestinal blockage.
How Much Potato Can a Dog Eat?
Your dog should only have potatoes in moderation. All treats combined, including potatoes, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. The rest of your dog’s calories should come from a complete and balanced diet.
If you’re feeding your dog potatoes for the first time, start slowly and watch for any reactions or side effects, like diarrhea or vomiting. If your dog tolerates the potatoes well, you can work up to the recommended serving sizes below.
How To Safely Feed Potatoes to Dogs
If you want to share a few spuds with your dog, keep these tips in mind to ensure the potato is safe for them to eat:
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Wash and peel the potatoes. A little skin is fine, but don’t give your dog too much.
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Remove any green or sprouted parts.
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Cook the potatoes thoroughly. Mashed, baked, or boiled potatoes are fine. Fried potatoes are not because of all the oil.
Once the potatoes are prepped, there are a few fun ways you can serve them:
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As bite-size pieces: Offer small, plain slices of cooked potato as an occasional snack.
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Mixed into meals: Stir a spoonful of plain potato into your dog’s kibble for extra variety.
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Mashed on a lick mat: Spread plain mashed potatoes onto a lick mat, like the Awoo Paradise Lick Mat, for a tasty enrichment activity.
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Stuffed into a toy: Use mashed potato as a filler in a KONG toy to keep your dog busy.
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Baked into homemade treats: Swap the sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in this Turkey Dinner Dog Treat.
What Other Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
If you want to add some variety to your dog’s diet, you can also give them other dog-safe veggies, like:
You can find dog treats that incorporate these too. Some good choices include:
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes FAQs
Can dogs eat potato peels?
A little cooked potato peel probably won’t cause any problems, but too much can be hard to digest and lead to digestive upset. Never give your dog green or sprouted potato peels because they contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
Should dogs with diabetes eat potatoes?
Potatoes aren’t generally recommended for dogs with diabetes unless your vet specifically approves. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar.
Can puppies eat potatoes?
Yes, puppies can have small amounts of plain, cooked potato as an occasional treat, but they shouldn’t replace balanced puppy food.
