Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?

It is delicious, nutritious, and filling: the potato! What is good for us humans cannot harm the dog. Or is it? We reveal why raw potatoes can be poisonous for dogs, but cooked potatoes can be fed.

Can Dogs Have Potatoes?

Potatoes belong to the nightshade family and dogs are only allowed to eat them cooked. Like all nightshade plants, raw potatoes contain the poisonous substance solanine. Thorough cooking renders the poison harmless so that the cooked vegetables are safe for dogs.

Are Raw Potatoes Poisonous to Dogs?

Raw potatoes are not only difficult to digest for dogs, but they are also poisonous. Like the aubergine, the potato belongs to the nightshade family. The poisonous solanine is contained in the raw state. It can be fatal to dogs. Solanine is mainly found in the skin and in the green parts of potatoes.

Signs of poisoning from raw potatoes

If the dog eats the tuber or shell raw, severe symptoms of poisoning can occur. The toxic effects of raw potatoes in most dogs are shown as follows:

• Diarrhea or vomiting;
• Irritated mucous membranes;
• Cramps;
• Disorders of brain function.

If your dog has eaten raw potatoes, see a veterinarian right away!

Can Dogs Eat Boiled Potatoes?

The poisonous solanine is rendered harmless during cooking. To be on the safe side, you should peel the vegetables thoroughly. Use a knife to remove any green spots and the so-called eyes, small black spots, or shoots that grow out of the potato.

Then put the peeled potatoes in a large saucepan with cold water. Under no circumstances add salt to the water. After boiling, the tuber can simmer for about 30 minutes. Then there is definitely no longer any risk that solanine is still contained. Then mash the delicious bites into a pulp for your four-legged friend or cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Tip: Combine potatoes with wholesome vegetables such as carrots.

Are Potatoes Healthy For Dogs?

Cooked potatoes for dogs are extremely healthy and nutritious. They contain lots of carbohydrates and protein and are also rich in the trace elements potassium, magnesium and iron. Vitamins B1 and B2 are also contained in high concentrations. The so-called potatoes also consist of around 80 percent water and are therefore a comparatively low-calorie side dish.

Potatoes for dogs: grain-free light food

Potatoes for dogs are also a good alternative to grains. Many dog owners are looking for food without grain additives. These are suspected of being too large in finished feed and promoting obesity. In addition, many dogs cannot tolerate the gluten contained in wheat. The potato does not contain natural glue.

If the dog suffers from gastrointestinal complaints, the potato is also ideal as a light food. Boiled potatoes are easy to digest and give the sick animal new energy.