Can dogs eat potatoes? Yes, when the right amount is given, carbohydrate-rich potatoes can be a good add-on to your dog’s diet. This root vegetable holds a broad variety of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and zinc aside from carbs.
Potatoes are packed with nutrients that dogs need, but they can cause adverse health effects when not prepared properly. Find out the risks associated with feeding potatoes to your dog and learn the best way to prepare them.
Are potatoes good for dogs?
Your dog can benefit from having potatoes as a snack. They are packed with vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, and fiber. Potatoes also contain other essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium. They provide extra nourishment that helps keep him in good health.
Are potatoes OK for dogs?
Potatoes are good sources of nutrients, but excessive consumption can lead to adverse health effects. The most common dangers that dogs may face are allergies, weight gain, and even serious heart disease.
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May Trigger Allergies
Some dogs are allergic to potatoes. When feeding your dog potatoes for the first time, start with small amounts. Avoid giving too much to prevent a severe allergic reaction in case he turns out to be allergic to potatoes.
Itchiness, constant scratching, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, and swelling are the most common signs of allergy. If your dog starts to exhibit these symptoms, bring him to the vet for treatment.
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High in Carbohydrates
Potatoes contain high levels of carbohydrates. A medium-sized potato has 37 grams of carbohydrates. It gives your dog extra energy for his daily activities, but too much can be destructive to his health.
Consuming excessive amounts of carbs can lead to several health issues, like pancreatitis and obesity. It can also raise blood sugar levels, which is very risky for diabetic dogs.
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Linked to Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
DCM is a heart disease that reduces the heart pumping function. This causes the heart to increase in size, which can lead to serious complications such as heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest.
Recent studies suggest that potatoes, together with legume seeds such as peas or lentils, increase the risk of DCM. Thus, dog owners need to be very careful about how often they feed potatoes to their furry friends.
How many potatoes can dogs eat?
Give potatoes in moderation to avoid digestive upset. If a dog weighs less than 10 pounds, he can have around ¼ cup of potatoes.
Feed your dog ½ cup of potato if he weighs up to 30 pounds. Dogs weighing up to 70 pounds should consume no more than 1 cup of potato.
Avoid overfeeding your dog with potatoes to ensure that he maintains a balanced diet. Consuming large amounts of this vegetable can take a toll on his health instead of improving it.
Can dogs eat raw potatoes?
Raw potatoes are dangerous for dogs as they contain a toxin called solanine. This poisonous compound acts as a natural pesticide and is commonly found in nightshade family species. Tomatoes, cherries, apples, green beans, and white potatoes are some plants that contain solanine.
If ingested in small amounts, raw potatoes do not usually cause solanine toxicity in dogs. If your dog accidentally ate a raw potato, look out for symptoms of poisoning such as:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Appetite loss
- Drooling
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
Get your dog checked by the vet immediately if he starts showing these symptoms. He will be required to take a few tests, such as complete blood count, chest X-ray, and kidney and liver function tests.
Once the diagnosis is completed, the vet will administer treatment. They may induce vomiting and use activated charcoal to remove the toxins from your dog’s stomach. Gastric lavage may be necessary too in case there are toxins still left in his system.
Your dog will then be hooked with IV fluids and undergo oxygen therapy. After that, the vet will administer the necessary medications to help your pooch recover quickly. Laxatives and gastrointestinal protectants may be included as well.
Can dogs eat potato skins?
Potato skins, especially green ones, are dangerous dogs as they contain solanine. Moreover, they are also high in oxalates, which can cause kidney problems. Potato skins are not a suitable treat for your dog, so make sure to peel off the skin.
Can dogs eat cooked potato skins?
Cooking can lower the solanine concentration in potato skins, but it does not completely remove the toxins. So your pooch is still at risk of ingesting the toxin. It is best to remove the skin before serving cooked potatoes to your dog.
Can dogs eat baked potatoes?
Baked or boiled potatoes or sweet potatoes can be a good addition to your dog’s diet. Just make sure to serve them plain. Do not add any ingredients such as salt, oil, butter, and spices as these can harm his health.
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?
Mashing the potato is a great way to serve potatoes to your dog because it is easy to chew and greatly reduces the risk of choking.
Similar to baked or boiled potatoes, be sure to serve plain mashed potatoes only. It should not contain additional ingredients such as milk since most dogs are lactose-intolerant.
Can dogs eat potato chips?
Potato chips are not recommended as a dog snack because they are high in sodium, fat, and artificial flavoring.
It is best not to include potato chips, french fries, and other processed potato snacks in the pet food. Baked and boiled potatoes are healthy for dogs.
Can dogs eat red potatoes?
Just like white potatoes, red potatoes are safe for dogs. Since they also contain solanine, make sure to remove the skin and then cook them without adding salt, butter, or fat.
Red potatoes can be served plain or added to your dog’s favorite food.
How to prepare potatoes for dogs?
Consult a veterinarian before adding potatoes to your dog’s diet for the long term. Consider buying organic potatoes as they have lower chemical exposure compared to regular potatoes.
Completely peel off the skin and wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove harmful chemicals, dirt, and bacteria. After that, slice them up into bite-sized pieces. Boil, bake, or steam the potatoes, and serve them to your dog without added ingredients.
Homemade Potato Dog Treats
Transform a simple potato into a delicious snack for your pooch with this easy-to-do dog treat recipe:
Potato ’n Carrot Balls
Ingredients:
Procedures:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and shredded carrot using a fork. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add the yolk to the mixture and stir until combined completely.
- Form the potato mixture into miniature balls.
- Place potato balls on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Let them cool and serve them to your furry buddy.
- Place leftovers inside an airtight container or Ziploc bag and store them in the fridge.
