Why only in moderation for dogs
Cooked potato is not toxic to dogs. It is a source of starch, and so of energy, so a little alongside the meal or as a treat is fine, as long as the potato is prepared without salt, butter or spices.
Raw potatoes, and green or sprouting ones in particular, contain solanine. This substance can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness. So give only peeled, well-cooked potatoes with no green patches or sprouts.
In the body starch turns into sugar, so a lot of potato is not suitable for a dog that is overweight or has diabetes.
How to give it
- Peel the potato, cut out any green patches and sprouts, and cook it well.
- Do not add salt, butter, milk or spices.
- Let it cool and cut it into small pieces.
- Give it only now and then and only a little, as an extra to the meal.
What to watch out for
- Raw, green or sprouting potatoes can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness.
- Chips, roast potatoes and crisps are high in fat and salt and can upset digestion.
- Mashed potato with butter, milk, sour cream or onion is not suitable for dogs.
- High in starch and calories: take care with a dog that is overweight or has diabetes.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Boiled, peeled potato
In moderationWell-cooked potato with nothing added is fine in small pieces.
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Raw potato
Not safeRaw potato contains solanine and is hard to digest, so it must not be given to dogs.
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Green potatoes, sprouts and leaves
Not safeThe green parts of the potato and the plant are especially high in solanine, so a dog must not eat them.
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Skin
Not safeThe skin holds more solanine than the flesh, so it is better to peel the potato.
What to give instead
- Sweet potatoes Yes, plain boiled or baked sweet potato without salt, butter or spices is fine for dogs, peeled and cut into small pieces. Safe
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin flesh without sugar or spices is fine for dogs, but not the skin, the stem or pumpkin pie filling. Safe
- Rice Yes, plain cooked rice is fine for dogs: it is easy to digest, as long as it has no salt, seasoning or sauce. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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