Can dogs eat potatoes? You’re probably asking this if you want to share a bite with your dog from the dinner table. Humans eat potatoes, so are they safe for dogs?
The answer is both yes and no. Like most things that we eat and our dogs both eat, much of the answer lies in the preparation of the food item in question. In the case of potatoes, cooked is usually fine, but you should never feed your dog a raw potato.
Also, you must always consult your vet before sharing human foods with your dog. Here’s what you should know about dogs and potatoes.
Raw Potatoes Versus Cooked Potatoes
Raw potatoes are an absolute no-no for dogs, and the reason for this is solanine. Solanine is a poisonous compound found in species of the nightshade family, which includes both white potatoes and tomatoes.
Usually the amount of solanine present in these foods isn’t enough to cause harm in humans, but it can be toxic to dogs depending on the amount.
Cooking the potato depletes the amount of solanine and makes them less dangerous for dogs to eat. If you’re going to give your dog a potato, it should be baked or boiled with no additives.
Are Potatoes Good For My Dog?
The potato has a long and storied history. It was actually first cultivated in Peru and Bolivia thousands of years ago. Spanish Conquistadors and colonizers brought it back to Europe where sailors began to cultivate them. Eventually, potatoes were brought to Ireland where they’d become most commonly associated with the rest of the western world.
That’s all well and good, but naturally you’re wondering, are potatoes actually healthy for your dog?
Potatoes contain vitamin C, B6, iron, and magnesium. These are nutrients both we and our dogs benefit from, so giving your dog cooked potatoes isn’t, by itself, a bad thing.
That being said, potatoes shouldn’t become a staple treat for your dog. Carbohydrates are also a big problem when it comes to consuming potatoes, so if your dog already has issues with obesity or diabetes, it might be best to steer clear from them altogether.
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Has your dog ever eaten potatoes? Are there any healthier snacks you give your dog? Let us know in the comments below!
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