Potatoes are one of the world’s most popular and versatile vegetables. They can be boiled, baked, mashed, fried, or roasted, and eaten on their own or as part of a recipe. But what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs eat potatoes? And, if so, are they beneficial or detrimental to them?
Let us go through the advantages and disadvantages of giving potatoes to your dog, as well as the best ways to prepare them. Let’s know if your furry companion can enjoy this vegetable or not.
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Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Yes definitely! Your dog can eat potatoes as long as they are cooked. Potatoes are safe for dogs to eat as this vegetable is packed with several essential vitamins and minerals that are good for pups. However, potatoes are only beneficial if dogs eat them baked or boiled.
A dog should never consume raw potatoes. Since potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, they contain solanine. Solanine is a compound that is potentially toxic to some dogs.[1] Fortunately, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine.
If you’re serving potatoes to your Fido, make sure not to add any salt, seasonings, garlic or onion powder. Most seasonings will irritate the stomach and cause digestive issues. In addition, dogs that eat a large amount of salt can become dehydrated. Onion and garlic powder is toxic to dogs and can result in anaemia.
As mentioned by VCA hospitals, “Consumption of onion and garlic causes gastroenteritis or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Irritation of the mouth, drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur.“
Can Dogs Consume Potato Skin?
Whether to feed the skin of potatoes or not depends on your dog. A little skin is ok to feed, but it is better to remove the skin. Potato skins can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause an upset stomach so if you’re feeding potatoes to your dog make sure you remove the skin first.
Moreover, Potato skins are high in oxalates and if your dog gets a lot of oxalates that might cause some kidney problems. Many believe that potato skin might add nutrition to the dish but for some dogs, it resulted in stomach upset. Thus, it is a good practice not to feed potato skin to your dog.
Are Potatoes Healthy for My Dog?
Although dogs can enjoy potatoes, it is not healthy for them. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and calories and giving a dog too many carbohydrates can result in obesity or other health problems. Thus, potatoes can’t be part of a regular diet. They can be fed occasionally, but not as a complete meal. But, if your pet has diabetes, they should not be given potatoes, which can cause blood sugar spikes.
Check the potato skin before you prepare it for your pet. If there’s a green colour, it means solanine is present. Cooking such potatoes won’t destroy all of the solanine, so it’s best to avoid potatoes with green skin.[2]
Additionally, dogs can only eat cooked potatoes as raw ones can be proved toxic. A cooked potato implies boiled, baked or roasted. Your Fido should not eat fried potato treat like french fries or potato chips.
Such dishes are fried in oil and can be harmful to the dog. It makes them high in fat and calories. If they eat enough, such foods can cause inflammation of the pancreas, causing that organ to produce enzymes that can severely damage your pet’s intestines and they are at risk for developing pancreatitis.
Be sure to also look into can dogs eat canned tomatoes to learn about the safety of another common vegetable.
How Many Potatoes Can My Dog Eat?
Potatoes should be served in moderation as an occasional treat and as a general guideline, treats should make up not more than 10% calories of your dog’s daily diet. Thus, feeding potatoes to your dog, you must stick to the 10% rule.
A medium-sized potato contains around 120 calories. Accordingly, you should feed your dog potatoes whether boiled or baked after removing the skin.
Serving Ideas for Your Pet
We like to eat potatoes in a variety of ways, whether it’s fried or roasted, with cheese or butter. However, our Fido is restricted to certain preparations. You can add potatoes as a side dish to your pet’s meal and let him enjoy the delicious taste of it. Mash up boiling potatoes and a spoonful of plain Greek yoghurt, and you’re done with your pet’s meal.
Use bone-shaped cookie cutters to cut thick slices of potato into shapes. Bake until soft in the centre, then use as treats or toppings for your dog’s normal dinner.
You can also try adding some chopped gherkins for extra flavor and crunch. But be sure to read up on can dogs have gherkins before giving them any.
You can also make meatloaf muffins with ground beef or turkey, an egg, and shredded carrots. Top with mashed potatoes and bake in a muffin tray. Decorate the cupcakes for your next puppy party with colourful dog-friendly fruits and vegetables such as sweet peas, beets, bell pepper, apples, and mango.
Apart from this you can also try to feed your dog this below mentioned tried and tested recipes:
Mashed potato
Mashed potato is an easy-to-make dish which will give your dog a break from the regular diet. To make mashed potato you need to boil the potato soft enough that it gets mashed easily. Once the potatoes are boiled smash them and add veggies as a bonus. You don’t need to add any extra ingredients to it, just serve it to your dog by cooling it.
Baked potato
To make baked potatoes you need to strip the potatoes and bake them for 2-3 hours. Once the potatoes turn dry and crunchy let it cool and serve your dog thus delicious treat.
Potato and chicken stew
To make potato and chicken stew boil the potatoes and saute chicken breast with a pinch of olive oil. Once the potatoes are boiled mix them in pot with chicken and let it cook for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
You can also try squeezing some lemon juice over the boiled potatoes for extra flavor. But be sure to read up on can dogs have lemon before giving them any
FAQs
Is cooked potatoes good for dogs?
Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are plainly cooked and offered in moderation. Roasted potatoes, prepared without spices or butter are the best way to let your pet have a taste of a delicious spud. But avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they’re not safe for dogs to eat as they contain solanine.
How many potatoes can a dog eat?
In general, you can share potatoes with your four-legged friend as a treat following the 10% rule, which states treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. If your dog suffers from diabetes, avoid potatoes altogether as they could cause blood sugar spikes.
Which other vegetables can dogs eat?
Other than potatoes, some healthy vegetables for your Fido are beets, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, celery, green beans, peas and spinach.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? — An Overview
Potatoes are not toxic for dogs, but they are not a necessary part of their diet either. They are high in carbohydrates and calories, which can cause weight gain and other health problems if fed in excess. However, potatoes can also provide some benefits for your dog, such as fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
If you decide to feed potatoes to your dog, make sure they are cooked well and without any added salt, butter, cheese, or spices. And always feed potatoes in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Potatoes can be a tasty treat for your dog, but they should not be a staple food. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, and monitor their reaction carefully. Happy Feeding!
References:
- Toxicology of solanine: an overview. (1983, February 1). PubMed.
- Beth Waitrovich, Michigan State University Extension. (2016). Is it safe to eat a green potato? MSU Extension.
