Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?

The sweet-and-simple answer to “can dogs eat potatoes” is yes — but in moderation. There are many kinds of potatoes, and sometimes they can be found in prescribed dog food. You can feed your pup white potatoes and sweet potatoes, but not as the main part of their diet. However, stay far away from potatoes that have a green skin. These are not safe for dogs.

Are Potatoes Safe for Dogs?

We already know the answer to “can dogs eat potatoes,” but are they safe for them? The short answer is yes, but only if they’re cooked and don’t have added grease or salt! Just remember to never replace your dog’s usual means with potatoes. Diabetic dogs, however, should not eat potatoes of any kind.

Are Potatoes Healthy or Toxic? Breaking Down the Nutrients

As we’ve discussed, potatoes are not toxic to dogs. The only exception to this is if they’re not raw potatoes or green on the outside.

Potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, B and C. They’re also rich in potassium, carbohydrates and iron. No wonder they make such nutritious treats and are so good for dogs! Potatoes are great to give your puppy even more energy.

Although they have a toxin called solanine, peeling them and cooking them well gets rid of it. Because potatoes with green peels have higher amounts of solanine, you should keep your dog away from them.

Dogs Need Their Daily Minerals and Vitamins Too!

Dogs are just like us — they need their daily fix of vitamins and minerals to be healthy. Can dogs eat potatoes to help meet all their dietary needs? Yes! Because of the abundance of vitamins and some macronutrients, potatoes complement your dog’s diet well. However, they should never replace a meal.

Sweet potatoes are healthier than regular white potatoes. Invest the most in sweet potato treats for a healthy diet supplementation.

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Feeding Your Dog Potatoes: Possible Side Effects!

The question “can dogs eat potatoes?” turns into “what can happen if I feed my dog potatoes?” The risk vets warn dog owners the most about is the gastrointestinal obstruction. Symptoms of this are abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. To avoid having to deal with this, never feed your dog raw potatoes or a lot of potatoes at once.

Because they’re rich in carbs, they might lead to weight gain in the long-run. This is especially true for older dogs and those who don’t get a lot of exercise in.

Eat All the Things: Foods Dogs Can Eat

Here are some other human foods dogs enjoy that are not toxic to them:

1. Rice
2. Chicken
3. Raw Bones
4. Brussel Sprouts
5. Cheese
6. Lettuce
7. Green Beans

Stay away from these foods, though:

1. Chocolate
2. Popcorn
3. Alcohol

Make Potatoes for Dogs: The Ultimate Potato Recipe Your Pet Will Love

As we’ve talked about, raw potatoes are toxic. So it’s important to know how to cook them. Here are some good recipes that will win your pup’s day:

Dog-Friendly Mashed Potatoes

Boil a peeled potato in water without any salt. Once it’s tender, drain most of the water. With a fork, mash the potato until it’s soft and easy to be swallowed. Et voilà!

Baked Potato Wedges

Peel a potato (sweet potatoes work wonders here!) and cut it into pieces. They should be small enough that they’re easy to swallow. Bake the potato in the oven for 40 minutes, or until it’s very tender and soft. Let them cool and serve.

Don’t forget, never add any fat or spices to dog food.

Dog Not Eating Potatoes or Dog Won’t Eat Your Meal? 4 Tips to Help Them Out

Mealtime doesn’t have to be a battle if you know how to handle the situation. Here are some tips to make it easier for you and your pooch.

1. Slowly introduce new foods into their diet.
2. Mix soft, cooked potatoes into their solid food.
3. Give your dog baked potato wedges as a treat when they do something well.
4. Try new recipes and cooking methods — as long as they’re safe for your dog!

Comparing Apples and Oranges: What Can Cats Eat as Well as Dogs

Kitties and puppies both love the taste of cooked (unseasoned!) chicken and fish. They usually also like to share scrambled eggs — again, unseasoned.

Just Food for Dogs: 3 Foods Your Dog Can Eat But Not Your Cat

Sometimes the world is cruel and your cat might have to watch their canine friend enjoying a meal they can’t. It’s for their own safety. When thinking of introducing a new food item into a cat’s diet, you should always check if it’s safe. Here are some examples of foods dogs are fine with but will make a cat sick:

1. Cheese
2. Citruses (oranges, lemons…)
3. Cooked bones
4. Tinned tuna

What Do Dogs Eat? 2 Ways to Feed Your Dog Potatoes

Here are some ways you can cook potatoes for your dog:

Raw

If you were paying attention, you’ll know not to feed dogs raw potatoes! This will make their stomach and esophagus upset and inflamed.

Cooked

Good news — you have culinary creative freedom here! Just remember to never add milk, salt, pepper, bacon and other harmful foods to the potato treats. Boiling or baking potatoes are the best courses of action.

So, Are Potatoes Good for Dogs? Can Dogs Have Potatoes?

Absolutely! As long as you pay attention to a few things, your dog will be happy enjoying his potato treat. Remember to not pick potatoes that look green and to always peel potatoes. Don’t forget that raw potatoes are dangerous and that salt and other spices are best avoided. Sweet potatoes are the best option, but the white kind is also good.