From mashed and fried to tater tots and latkes, people adore potatoes in all forms. So when prepping spuds, it’s natural to wonder: are potatoes good for dogs too?
The answer is yes – potatoes offer a safe, nutritious starch source when prepared properly and fed in moderation. Let’s explore why potatoes make good occasional additions for most canine diets plus best feeding practices.
Are Potatoes Healthy for Dogs?
Known for their starchy, carbohydrate-rich qualities, potatoes offer some nutritional merits when included conservatively in a balanced dog diet. Benefits include:
- Highly digestible source of energy from carbs and fiber
- Contains Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron
- Effective filler for added bulk to prevent overeating
- Bland flavor suitable for picky eaters or stomach upsets
Additionally, plain potatoes don’t contain any known toxins dangerous to dogs, earning them placement on veterinarian-approved human food lists. Just take care preparing properly and stick to moderation.
Best Ways to Prepare Potatoes for Dogs
Before tossing leftover baked spuds in with kibble or adding tater tots to a homemade dog food recipe, keep preparation in mind.
Some potato types and cooking methods prove safer than others for canines:
Recommended Potatoes
- Plain white or sweet potatoes
- Cleaned, peeled and fully cooked
- Whole potatoes boiled, baked or mashed
Avoid Higher Risk Potatoes
- Raw potatoes contain solanine toxins
- Fried foods pose choking hazards
- Seasoned/buttered potatoes can upset stomachs
- Potato skins may obstruct digestive tracts
Proper prep unlocks nutritional benefits without troublesome effects.
Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes?
Once prepared plain with no butter, milk, onions or seasoning, yes – mashed potatoes make an excellent way to serve cooked spuds to dogs.
Benefits of mashed potatoes include:
- Easy chewing texture
- Better digestibility
- Gravy mixer for picky eaters or added hydration
- Easily portioned serving sizes
Just allow cooked mashed potatoes to cool fully before mixing a spoonful into kibble. Remove all peels first too.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Along with regular white russets, sweet potatoes offer similar merits for dogs.
Sweet potato benefits:
- Highly palatable taste and aroma dogs love
- Rich in vitamins A, B6 and C
- More antioxidant and fiber content
- Helps regulate digestion
Simply peel, steam or bake sweet potatoes fully, then mash before mixing into food. Both white and sweet spuds make healthy additions in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins?
While the potato flesh offers safe nutrition, things get risky when it comes to the peel and skin remnants. Potato skins earn a spot on toxic foods lists for dogs.
Potential problems with ingesting skins:
- Digestive tract obstruction risk
- Contains higher concentration of solanine toxins
- Peels provide minimal nutritional value
Stick to fully peeled white or sweet potatoes only to obtain the most benefits safely.
How Much Potato Can Dogs Eat?
When first introducing potatoes, start slow with modest amounts to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Follow these serving guidelines:
- Small dogs: 1-2 tbsp cooked potatoes
- Medium dogs: 3-5 tbsp cooked potatoes
- Large dogs: 0.5-1 cup cooked potatoes
Gradually increase portion sizes from there according to your dog’s tolerance. Monitor stool health closely when integrating new foods.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes Every Day?
While occasional small potato servings pose few issues for most canines, daily spuds should be avoided. Too much can lead to:
- Weight gain – potatoes offer nothing unique nutritionally over kibble
- Elevated blood sugar risks – especially problematic for diabetic dogs
- Digestive issues – gas, diarrhea from starch overdose
- Nutritional imbalances – potatoes lack vitamins provided by well-balanced dog foods
Stick to no more than 1-3 servings per week according to size. Focus on proper preparation and moderation control!
Are Potatoes Bad For Dogs?
Outside of preparation and portion caveats, potatoes themselves carry few unique harms or dangers.
However, solanine toxin sensitivity affects some dogs after eating potato skins or any green-tinged potatoes. Discontinue feeding if vomiting, diarrhea or neurological symptoms occur.
Otherwise, potatoes offer a safe supplemental source of digestible energy, vitamins and minerals when prepared properly in conservative amounts!
The Verdict: Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
In summary, here’s the final word on spud safety for canines:
👍 Yes, dogs can eat peeled, fully cooked white or sweet potatoes in moderation! Potatoes provide beneficial nutrients and energy.
However, preparation matters:
❌ Avoid feeding dogs any raw potatoes, skins, fried/seasoned/buttered potatoes or potato sprouts.
Follow sound preparation and serving size guidance to allow your pup to safely tap into the tater trend.
Potato FAQs
Still have questions before sharing potatoes with your pup? See below:
Q: Can diabetic dogs have potatoes?
A: Only in very small amounts occasionally. Work with your vet and monitor glucose levels closely since potatoes quickly elevate blood sugar.
Q: What potato prep is safest?
A: Steam, boil or bake potatoes fully until soft. Then mash thoroughly with no added milk, butter or seasonings.
Q: Can dogs eat potato chips?
A: No. Dogs should never consume potato chips or other fried, oily or seasoned potato products as these pose significant health hazards.
Now that you know spuds can safely supplement your dog’s diet when precautions are taken, let your pup join in on potato fun in perfect moderation.
