In this helpful guide, we are covering everything you need to know about whether dogs can eat cooked potatoes.
Everyone loves cooked potatoes; mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, french fries, etc. These starchy root vegetables are a staple in every home mainly because they’re so versatile.
Yet, can dogs eat cooked potatoes? Yes and no. Let’s dive in.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Potatoes?
If you’re asking whether or not your dog can take some food from the dinner table, then the answer is yes. Cooked potatoes are safe for dogs to eat.
You should always talk with your vet before offering your pup any human food. Yet, sharing a couple of bites of cooked potatoes with your dog won’t harm them.
Although, if your dog is diabetic, it’s better to keep them away from potatoes altogether.
Potatoes are loaded with starch, which is a type of complex carbohydrate. During the digestive process, these carbs are converted into sugar. As a result, blood sugar levels spike to dangerous levels, causing adverse side effects.
Cooked Potatoes vs. Raw Potatoes
Besides being part of the root vegetable family, potatoes are also part of the family of nightshade vegetables, which also include tomatoes and bell peppers.
To protect themselves against insects, these plants release an alkaloid known as solanine. Even though it’s a poisonous compound, the amount of solanine is usually minimal and not enough to cause us any harm.
The bad news is that raw potatoes are highly toxic to dogs. So, never give your dogs any raw potatoes.
However, the silver lining is that cooking greatly decreases the amount of solanine in potatoes. Thus, making them much safer for your dog to consume.
How to Serve Your Dog Cooked Potatoes
If you’re going to feed your dog a cooked potato, make sure you bake or boil it first. Then, once it cools down, peel the potato, and cut it up into bite-sized cubes. This makes it easier to swallow without being a choking hazard.
In addition, make sure you serve the potato plain with no additives. Your dog doesn’t need butter, salt, or onion powder spread over their potatoes.
Besides having different taste preferences than us, these additives can cause severe stomach problems for your dog, like diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting.
Another factor to consider is the amount. As with any treat, follow the 10% rule, which states that any treats can only make up 10% of a dog’s total daily caloric intake. This makes them the perfect option for a once a year dog birthday cake with mashed potato frosting!
Health Benefits of Cooked Potatoes for Your Dog
Cooked potatoes are full of nutrients that help keep your dog healthy and strong. As long as eaten in moderation, potatoes can add variety to your pup’s diet.
Here are just some of the nutrients found in cooked potatoes:
- Vitamins A, B6, and C
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Conclusion
So, can dogs eat cooked potatoes? Yes, as long as they’re not diabetic.
Otherwise, offering them as treats can be a great way to provide your pooch with energy and nutrients to keep them in good health.
Just remember to cook them thoroughly. Then, peel them and serve with no additives of any kind.