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\nTaters. Spuds. Pommes de terre. Whichever name you use, potatoes are a popular vegetable at the dinner table. That\u2019s possibly because they\u2019re such a versatile ingredient: we\u2019ve got mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, boiled potatoes, potato salad, potato soup, tater tots, French fries \u2014 the list goes on. With all of these options passing by their nose, there\u2019s a good chance that your dog is going to beg you for a taste of your \u2019taters at some point. So should you give in? Can dogs eat potatoes?<\/p>\n
The short answer is yes, it\u2019s OK if dogs eat potatoes as long as the potatoes are cooked and plain. But there are a few more things you should know about potatoes before your dog slurps down a spoonful of spud.<\/p>\n
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Potatoes?<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re going to feed your dog potatoes, they should be cooked. As you\u2019ll read later on, raw potatoes can cause an upset digestive system for dogs. Whichever method you use to cook potatoes, don\u2019t add salt or butter to them because these aren\u2019t healthy for dogs. You should feed your dog plain potatoes that don\u2019t have any toppings or seasonings \u2014 especially if the seasonings are toxic to dogs (garlic and onion powder).<\/p>\n
For example, if you\u2019re making mashed potatoes, get a spoonful out for your dog before you put the butter, salt or other ingredients in that make it so tasty for you. Similarly, instant mashed potatoes are not good for your dog if they have seasonings mixed in with them.<\/p>\n
Are Potatoes Good for Dogs?<\/h2>\n
Yes, potatoes are healthy for dogs if they are plain, cooked and fed in moderation. Potatoes are often used in commercial dog foods as a carbohydrate source. Carbohydrates provide energy and help promote gastrointestinal health. Potato protein is used as a protein source in some high-protein dog food recipes. Potatoes are also a good source of some vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n
Can Dogs Eat Raw Potatoes?<\/h2>\n
No, don\u2019t let your dog eat raw potatoes. They can be hard to digest, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, if your dog bites off large chunks of hard, raw potato, they could choke. Cooking the raw potato breaks down the starch and lectin in the potato making it easier to digest (and easier to eat). You should also avoid cooking raw potatoes that have green spots or have started to sprout (see the garden section below).<\/p>\n
Can Dogs Eat Potato Skin?<\/h2>\n
No. Potato skins can be hard to digest and can upset your dog\u2019s digestive tract, so it\u2019s best to feed them potatoes without the skin on. If you baked potatoes with the skin on, scoop out the potato and give that to your dog \u2014 before you add the sour cream, butter, cheese, chives and bacon, of course. You should also make sure your dog can\u2019t hunt down any raw potato skins you\u2019ve peeled.<\/p>\n
Can Dogs Eat French Fries?<\/h2>\n
No. Any type of oil-fried potato, like French fries, tater tots and hash browns, is not healthy for dogs due to the fat content. If you feed your dog one or two French fries, they\u2019ll probably be OK, but large amounts of fatty food can cause pancreatitis<\/a> or an upset digestive tract. The large amount of salt that can be in or on fried food is also not healthy for dogs.<\/p>\n Yes. Sweet potatoes have the same guidelines as potatoes \u2014 as long as sweet potatoes are cooked and don\u2019t have any toppings or seasonings, your dog can eat sweet potatoes<\/a>. Fun fact: despite their similar name, sweet potatoes are actually distant relatives of potatoes.<\/p>\nCan Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?<\/h2>\n
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes from the Garden?<\/h2>\n
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