Potatoes are probably the most versatile of the vegetables out there. There are so many ways to cook potatoes that this vegetable can’t get boring; each way is unique and delicious. From potato chips, fries, and potato salad to mashed potatoes, fried potato broth, and even potato rice, there is no end to potato recipes. You can add them to any dish, and they will somehow find their way in perfectly. But is it the same for dog food? Let’s find out if dogs can eat potatoes and explore all the nitty gritty details.
Are Potatoes Good For Dogs?
Potatoes are rich in nutrients that benefit both humans and dogs. However, a dog on a balanced diet doesn’t require potatoes as it gets all the nutrients it needs from its daily food.
Potatoes are good in moderation and cooked. As recommended by the vets, you can feed them to your dog as a treat in a limited amount.
- Small Dogs (up to 10 kg / 22 lbs): Up to 50 grams of cooked potato daily.
- Medium Dogs (10-25 kg / 22-55 lbs): 100 grams of cooked potato daily.
- Large Dogs (over 25 kg / 55 lbs): 150 grams of cooked potato daily.
You have nothing to worry about as long as you stay within the set limits. But always make sure to consult your vet first and run everything through him before introducing new items to your dog’s diet.
Note: Do not confuse sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, both of them belongs to different plant families. Sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family, while potatoes are part of the nightshade family.
Here is a chart of nutritional information regarding 100g of potatoes, comparing them to the recommended daily intake:
Nutritional Comparison Table for 100g of Cooked Potato
| Nutrient | Amount in 100g of Potato | Dog’s Daily Recommended Intake | Covers Daily Recommended Intake? |
| Calories | 77 kcal | Varies by size, activity, and age | Almost (depends on the dog’s total needs) |
| Protein | 2.0 g | 1-2 g per kg of body weight | No |
| Fat | 0.1 g | 0.5-1 g per kg of body weight | No |
| Carbohydrates | 17.6 g | 5-10 g per kg of body weight | Almost (contributes a significant portion) |
| Fiber | 2.2 g | 1-5 g per 10 kg of body weight | Yes (for smaller dogs) |
| Vitamin C | 19.7 mg | 50-100 mg (varies with diet) | No (contributes but not sufficient) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg | 0.2-0.5 mg per kg of body weight | Yes (covers a good portion) |
| Potassium | 425 mg | 200-500 mg (varies by size and activity) | Yes (covers a significant portion) |
| Magnesium | 23 mg | 25-50 mg per 10 kg of body weight | Almost (provides a good portion) |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 1-2 mg per 10 kg of body weight | No |
Solanine Poisoning: Can Dogs Have Raw Potatoes?
No, you should never feed raw potatoes to your dogs, as they can be toxic to them. Many vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, and paprika in the nightshade family, including potatoes, contain solanine. It is toxic and harmful chemical compound for dogs.
Solanine can also be found in fruits such as apples, cherries and blueberries even though they are not a part of the nightshade family. However, these fruits are still safe in moderation as the solanine present is in very small quantity, far from being dangerous.
Feeding raw potatoes can lead to solanine poisoning, which can have fatal consequences. Fortunately, cooking them eliminates solanine, making potatoes perfectly fine for dogs.
How To Safely Feed Potatoes To Your Dog?
To safely feed potatoes to your dog, always buy fresh ones from a trusted source. Make sure to peel off the skin and cook the potato before giving it to your dog. You can slice the potato into small pieces or mash it and add it to your dog’s food. Never add any seasonings, as they can harm your dog’s health instead add some chunks of cooked eggs or bread for an exciting touch.
You can cook potatoes for your dogs in many ways, such as:
- Boiling
- Steaming
- Baking
- Roasting
- Frying in low fat dog-approved oil
- Mashed
For flavor enhancement, try adding small pieces of chicken and shrimp. You can also include veggies like peas, asparagus, and cabbage, as well as fruits like watermelon (without seeds), and a few slices of orange. For finishing touches, top it with a few cashews (unsalted and shelled) and tuna pieces for a tasty, well-rounded meal.
Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, mashed potatoes are great for dogs. But you should avoid adding seasonings and sauces and serve them in moderation. Mashed potatoes are good for dogs because they are easy to chew, digest, and light on the stomach. Cooking also eliminates the risks of solanine poisoning. However, you should always consult your vet first and properly discuss everything with them.
Some dogs might not like the texture of mashed potato and spit it out. If your dog behaves similarly, then don’t worry. To make the texture better you can try to add some salmon and corn pieces to thicken the consistency. But to be safe, keep an eye out for any allergic or other reactions such as solanine poisoning. If you catch any symptoms in your dog, immediately contact your vet.
What Are The Symptoms Of Solanine Poisoning In Dogs From Potatoes?
Solanine poisoning can be dangerous for dogs and requires immediate action to avoid further complications. Here are some of the solanine poisoning symptoms:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cramps
- Dizziness
- Neurological issues.
If you notice any of these in your dog after giving them fruits or vegetables with solanine, stop feeding them and contact your vet immediately.
Dogs are highly intelligent creatures. They can sense your mood and respond accordingly, offering affection when you’re feeling down or exhausted. Dogs have even been reported to sense pregnancy. This is why their body language and behavior are important to pay attention to. If you notice any unusual behavior, it’s likely a response to something else, and it’s important to look into it.
How To Cook Mashed Potatoes For Dogs?
To cook the perfect mashed potatoes for your beloved pets, follow this comprehensive guide.
- Use Plain Cooked Potatoes: Boil or steam the potatoes. Do not add salt, butter, or seasoning. Avoid using oils and fats, as well. They may upset your dog’s stomach. If you want to enhance the taste, you can add a little almond butter or cinnamon but its best to avoid.
- Remove the Skin: For mashing, first peel the potatoes. The skin is harder for dogs to digest.
- Mash Thoroughly: Ensure the potatoes are well-mashed and smooth. This will prevent choking, especially for small dogs and dogs with no teeth.
- Avoid Toxic Add-Ins: Onions, garlic, or any seasonings should not be added. These are toxic to dogs.
- Serve in Moderation: Potatoes should only be given in moderation. It should be an occasional treat or supplement to the main food because too many carbs can cause weight gain. However, this can be beneficial if you are trying to help your old dog gain weight.
Can Dogs Eat Potato Skin?
No, potato skin is hard for dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal blockage. You should always peel off potato skin before feeding potatoes to your dogs.
Conclusion
That’s everything about whether dogs can eat potatoes or not. We hope this article has been helpful to you. Always take good care of your pet and consult your vet when making changes to its diet plan. As the saying goes, “A healthy dog is a happy dog,” so let’s strive to make our dogs happy and healthy, together!
If want to get to know your furry fellow better why not start by exploring their most common action? Find out why your dog lick your face so much here!
