Potatoes are starchy vegetables loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron and potassium. At first glance, they seem like they’d be a healthy snack for pups. Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? However, some ingredients in potatoes can cause gastrointestinal upset or even be toxic to dogs.
Introduction
Potatoes are versatile root vegetables that most people have in their kitchens. They contain carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With all of these nutrients, it’s natural to wonder if dogs can enjoy potatoes too. But there are some important considerations before feeding potatoes to dogs. Can dogs have potatoes without consequences? Let’s find out.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? The answer is yes, dogs can eat potatoes on occasion but only if cooked and prepared properly without added salt, oil or pepper. Raw potatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested in excess.
Conclusion: Dogs can eat plain, cooked potatoes in moderation but raw potatoes should be avoided.
Is Potatoes safe for dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Cooked potatoes can be a tasty treat that many dogs seem to enjoy. Dogs may like the starchiness or slightly sweet flavor of potatoes. Some dogs eat potatoes out of curiosity if they smell or see their owner eating.
Some owners feel OK feeding plain cooked potatoes to their dogs since potatoes are less unhealthy than fatty meats or table scraps. But that still doesn’t make them a nutritious food choice.
Is Potatoes Poisonous To Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Two compounds found in potatoes – chaconine and solanine – can cause poisoning in dogs if consumed in high amounts. Solanine in particular can accumulate in various parts of the potato plant, including the leaves, stems and any sprouting areas.
Vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, weakness and lack of coordination can occur if dogs eat enough toxic potato matter.
Benefits of Potatoes to dogs
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Cooked potatoes contain B vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium. The vitamin C, vitamin B6 and fiber they provide gives some nutritional value if fed on occasion.
Some think starch in potatoes provides satiating carbs that could aid digestion and provide energy. But there are healthier meat and veggie options that would be a better source of balanced nutrition for dogs.
How much Potatoes can dogs eat?
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Potatoes should only account for 10% or less of a dog’s daily caloric intake. A few small, cooked potato slices or baby potatoes once or twice a week is likely fine. But a steady diet of potatoes is not ideal for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Some benefits of feeding small potato portions may be less begging/food stealing and opportunity to enforce training using lower value potatoes as a reward. But too much can upset digestion or cause weight gain or nutrient deficiencies over time.
How to feed Potatoes to dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? To introduce potatoes, offer a small piece of peeled, cooked potato without added fat, salt or pepper. Allow it to cool to room temperature. See if your dog appears interested and will gently take the bite-size piece without fighting over it.
If your dog does not appear interested in the plain cooked potato or has an adverse reaction like vomiting, avoid feeding potatoes again. Some dogs simply don’t tolerate carb-heavy options.
To prepare potatoes for dogs, wash, peel, chop and boil or steam until fork-tender. Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Allow to cool completely before feeding small slices. Discard any potato pieces with sprouts or green color, which tend to be higher in toxins.
Alternatives and Supplements
Other dog-safe vegetables: Carrots – beta carotene; Green Beans – vitamins A, C, K, iron; Broccoli – fiber, calcium; Squash – Omega-3s; Brussels Sprouts – B vitamins; Spinach – iron, calcium.
Quality dog food brands: Purina, Blue Buffalo, Science Diet, Wellness Core, Royal Canin.
What happens if dogs are overtreated with Potatoes?
Overfeeding potatoes can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, weight gain or nutrient deficiency in dogs.
Can Dogs have Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat plain boiled or steamed potatoes occasionally in small amounts as long as they are cooked through and allowed to cool before feeding.
Can Puppies eat Potatoes?
No, puppies should not eat potatoes. Their growing digestion can’t handle high amounts of starch.
Can Bulldog eat Potatoes?
Yes, bulldogs can eat small amounts of plain, cooked potatoes on occasion. Take care not to overfeed potatoes, as bulldogs are prone to flatulence, bloating and weight gain.
Can Pitbull eat Potatoes?
Pitbulls can eat moderate portions of cooked potato as an infrequent snack. Since pitbulls tend to have sensitive stomachs, monitor them for signs of GI distress after feeding potatoes.
Can Labrador eat Potatoes?
Labrador retrievers can have small potato portions parceled into their diet every so often. Just don’t overdo it, as Labs can easily become overweight.
Can Boxer eat Potatoes?
Yes, boxers can consume some cooked potato in moderation. But limit potato intake, as excess starch could exacerbate flatulence, a common issue for the breed.
Can Husky eat Potatoes?
Huskies can snack on boiled potatoes on occasion. But they have a tendency toward weight gain, so potatoes should be limited. Lean protein and vegetables are better options.
Can German Shepherd eat Potatoes?
German shepherds can handle bites of plain cooked potatoes here and there. Make sure to cool potatoes down first and watch for allergies.
Can Golden Retriever eat Potatoes?
Yes, golden retrievers can eat a few bites of potato every week or so. Goldens require regular exercise though, not excess carbs from too many potatoes.
Can Poodle eat Potatoes?
Occasional small helpings of potato are fine for most poodles. But avoid feeding potatoes long-term, as poodles are disposed to gain weight if overfed carbohydrates.
Can Rottweiler eat Potatoes?
Cooked potatoes make an OK sporadic snack for rottweilers. But don’t feed them too often, since rotties can put on extra weight easily leading to joint issues.
Can Beagle eat Potatoes?
Beagles can have taste of cooked potato a couple times a month. But limit potato intake since beagles have big appetites and will easily overeat carbs.
Can Dachshund eat Potatoes?
In moderation, miniature dachshunds can consume some plain boiled potato here and there. Limit portions to prevent weight gain in this breed prone to IVDD.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? By following our website, you can find the perfect dog breeds for you and provide them with the best possible dog care. Remember that owning a dog is a lifelong commitment that requires time, money, and patience. But it is also a rewarding experience that will bring you joy and companionship. All information in Dog care tips.
