Many dog owners wonder if it’s okay to feed their canine companion plain potatoes or potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper. Potatoes are starchy vegetables that are part of a healthy, balanced diet for humans. But are potatoes safe for dogs to eat as well? Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and risks of feeding dogs potatoes.
Can dogs eat plain potatoes?
The answer is yes, dogs can safely eat plain potatoes in moderation. Potatoes are not toxic or harmful to dogs. In fact, potatoes contain several vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for dogs, such as:
- Vitamin C – supports immune system health
- Vitamin B6 – aids metabolism and nerve cell function
- Potassium – important for fluid balance and muscle contractions
- Magnesium – helps build bones and release energy from muscles
- Fiber – promotes healthy digestion
Potatoes are a starchy vegetable, so they are higher in carbohydrates than some other veggies. In small amounts, the carbs in potatoes can be a good source of energy for dogs. Just be sure to serve them plain without added butter, oils or seasonings.
Are potatoes good for dogs?
In moderation, plain potatoes can be a healthy supplement to a balanced dog diet. The vitamins, minerals and fiber in potatoes offer several benefits for dogs:
- Energy – The natural carbohydrates provide fuel for bodily functions and daily activities.
- Healthy digestion – The fiber aids proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Muscle and nerve support – Vitamins like B6 contribute to muscle contractions and nerve cell communication.
- Hydration – The potassium helps maintain normal fluid levels.
- Immune health – Vitamin C boosts the immune system to fight infection.
- Heart health – Potassium supports normal blood pressure.
It’s important to keep in mind that potatoes should only make up a small portion of a dog’s overall diet. They lack key nutrients like protein, so they cannot replace a balanced dog food designed to meet a canine’s nutritional needs.
Are there any risks with feeding dogs potatoes?
There are a few potential risks to be aware of when feeding dogs potatoes:
- Choking hazard – Raw, whole potatoes or large chunks could present a choking risk. Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- High carbohydrate content – Excessive intake could lead to obesity or blood sugar issues.
- Gastrointestinal upset – Too many potatoes could lead to diarrhea, gas or constipation.
- Glycoalkaloids – Potatoes contain these naturally toxic compounds, particularly in sprouts/skins. Only feed the potato flesh.
- Acrylamide – This chemical forms in potatoes during high-heat cooking. Only serve dogs raw or boiled potatoes.
To prevent issues, potatoes should always be served in moderation as part of a nutritious diet. Consult your veterinarian about the serving amount that is appropriate for your dog based on size, weight and activity level.
Can dogs have potatoes with salt?
Dogs should not eat potatoes that are seasoned with added salt. While salt is safe in tiny amounts, too much can cause serious health risks for dogs.
Sodium helps regulate bodily functions, but excess intake from foods like salted potatoes can lead to:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Kidney strain
- Excessive thirst/urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Seizures
Dogs with heart disease, kidney problems or sodium sensitivity are most at risk of complications from over-salting. But even healthy dogs should not regularly consume high-sodium foods.
Potatoes naturally contain a small amount of sodium, providing enough for your dog’s needs. Adding table salt or salty seasonings creates excessive sodium intake that could be dangerous.
Recommended potato serving sizes for dogs
| Dog Weight | Potato Serving Size |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1 tbsp |
| 10 lbs | 2 tbsps |
| 20 lbs | 1/4 cup |
| 40 lbs | 1/2 cup |
| 60 lbs | 3/4 cup |
| 80+ lbs | 1 cup |
These potato serving sizes are approximate guidelines. Consult your vet for specific advice about how much to feed your dog.
Can dogs have potatoes with pepper?
Plain black pepper is generally safe for dogs to consume in small quantities. However, excessive pepper or certain types of peppers can cause gastrointestinal, nerve and kidney problems for dogs.
Here is an overview of the potential effects of different types of pepper on dogs:
- Black pepper – Safe in tiny amounts but can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cayenne pepper – Can cause stomach pain and damage the liver, kidneys and nerves.
- Chili powder – Contains cayenne pepper and other spices that are very irritating for dogs.
- Red/green bell peppers – Red contains too much vitamin A; green is safer.
- Jalapeno peppers – Too spicy and can cause stomach and health issues.
The spice compounds in peppers can be inflammatory for dogs, especially when eaten in large amounts. It’s best to avoid using black pepper to season potatoes for dogs.
Healthier potato topping alternatives for dogs
Instead of salt and pepper, try these healthy potato topping options that are safe for dogs:
- Fresh herbs – Parsley, cilantro, basil
- Steamed vegetables – Carrots, broccoli, spinach
- Organic chicken broth
- Pork/veggie dog broth
- Shredded cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Diced apples
- Blueberries
- Peanut butter
- Pumpkin puree
Aim to include some protein and nutrients along with the potatoes. You can mix in small amounts of shredded chicken, turkey or boiled eggs as well.
How to prepare potatoes for dogs
The healthiest ways to prepare plain potatoes for your dog include:
- Boiled – Cut washed potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil until soft; drain and let cool before serving.
- Baked – Bake whole washed potatoes until easily pierced with a fork. Scoop out flesh.
- Mashed – Peel and boil potatoes until soft. Mash with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth.
- Dehydrated sweet potatoes – Purchase dried, bite-sized sweet potato treats.
Avoid adding butter, oils, salt, onion, garlic, chives or other seasonings. Excess fat and spices can upset a dog’s stomach. Refrain from feeding dogs raw potatoes or potato skins.
Tips for feeding potatoes to dogs
Follow these tips for safe potato feeding:
- Select plain varieties like russet or sweet potatoes.
- Wash, peel and cook potatoes thoroughly before serving.
- Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Mix potatoes with dog-friendly broths, herbs or veggies.
- Refrigerate leftovers and serve within 3 days.
- Start with small portions to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
- Always supervise your dog when eating to monitor for signs of problems.
- Consult your vet if your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or other adverse effects.
Should dogs eat potatoes every day?
Potatoes should be an occasional treat for dogs, not something eaten daily. Frequent potato feeding could lead to:
- Nutritional imbalance – Potatoes lack key nutrients dogs need.
- Weight gain – Potatoes are high in carbs and can lead to obesity.
- High blood sugar – Excess starch can spike blood glucose levels.
- GI problems – Too much fiber causes intestinal upset.
To avoid issues, limit potatoes to no more than one or two times per week. Instead, rotate other people-friendly fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, green beans and squash into your dog’s diet for variety.
Can diabetic dogs eat potatoes?
Dogs with diabetes generally should not be fed potatoes. Potatoes are high glycemic, meaning they cause blood sugar spikes. Uncontrolled blood sugar is dangerous for diabetic dogs.
Safer vegetable options for diabetic dogs include:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Green beans
Always consult your veterinarian before feeding potatoes or other human foods to a diabetic dog. Follow your vet’s dietary recommendations to help control your dog’s blood sugar.
Can puppies eat potatoes?
Potatoes generally should not be fed to puppies under 6 months old. Young puppies have developing digestive systems that may struggle to properly break down the complex carbs and fiber in potatoes.
Issues potatoes could cause for puppies include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nutritional deficits
- Developmental problems
Puppies also need different ratios of nutrients than adult dogs. It’s best to feed a puppy-formulated dog food and avoid table scraps like potatoes.
Once puppies reach 6-12 months old, small amounts of cooked potato can be introduced. Gradually increase serving sizes as the dog grows. But the bulk of a growing puppy’s diet should still come from complete puppy food.
Maximum recommended potato serving sizes for puppies
| Puppy Age | Potato Serving Size |
|---|---|
| 6-9 months | 1-2 tbsps |
| 9-12 months | 1/4 cup |
Again, verify appropriate feeding amounts with your veterinarian. Limit potatoes to occasional small treats, not daily meals, for growing puppies.
Can senior dogs eat potatoes?
In moderation, potatoes can be part of a healthy diet for senior dogs. The nutrients in potatoes provide anti-aging benefits:
- Carbs for energy support
- Potassium for heart health
- Vitamin C for immune function
- Fiber for digestive regularity
However, potatoes may need to be restricted for senior dogs with certain health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or congestive heart failure. Check with your vet about the appropriateness of potatoes for your senior dog.
Some tips for feeding potatoes to elderly dogs include:
- Stick to small serving sizes
- Cook thoroughly for easier digestion
- Mix with moist protein like shredded chicken
- Use mashed consistencies if needed
- Avoid raw potatoes or skins
Monitor your senior dog closely when introducing potatoes to watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset or other reactions.
Conclusion
Plain potatoes can be a healthy supplement for dogs in moderation. Avoid seasoned potatoes, especially those with added salt. Focus on proper preparation methods and safe serving sizes. Potatoes should not outweigh balanced dog food in your dog’s diet. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about incorporating potatoes into your dog’s meal plan.