As a dog owner, you may be wondering if your dog can eat potatoes as a treat or snack. The short answer is yes, but it is a little more complex than that. Potatoes contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium and potassium, that are beneficial for dogs. They are also an easily digestible carbohydrate - which is why James Wellbeloved™ includes potatoes in our Grain-Free Dog Food. However, it’s important that dog owners inform themselves of the potential risks with this vegetable, so they can take necessary precautions to give potatoes to their dog safely.

Ultimately, it depends on the type of potato, how they are prepared and how often your dog eats them. In this article, James Wellbeloved™ helps dog owners navigate their dogs eating cooked potatoes including mashed, roasted, boiled and sweet potatoes. It’s essential that your dog primarily eats high-quality dog food to benefit from a complete and balanced diet according to their age, size and lifestyle. However, your dog can eat potatoes as an occasional treat or snack, rather than as a main meal. Learn how to offer this versatile vegetable to your dog in a safe, healthy and appropriate manner.

What types of potatoes can dogs eat safely? 

Dogs can eat potatoes in moderation, as long as they have been properly and plainly cooked without butter. You should never season your dog’s potatoes with salt, herbs or spices. This is because some seasonings contain onion and garlic, both of which are toxic for dogs, can damage their red blood cells and result in anaemia. Seasonings with salt can also be dangerous for your dog as high levels of salt can cause dehydration, imbalance their electrolytes and potentially damage their kidneys. It’s important to know what foods dogs can and can’t eat to protect their health. We elaborate on what types of potatoes dogs can eat safely in this section.

Can dogs have sweet potatoes?

Yes, dogs can have sweet potatoes as a sweet snack - they are healthier than normal potatoes! Sweet potatoes are good for your dog’s health as they contain several vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, C and B6, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. They also contain antioxidants that protect your dog’s cells from damage, and fibre to support their digestive system. However, you should offer your dog sweet potatoes with the skin removed, as some dogs may have difficulty in digesting it, and without any seasoning. It is safe for dogs to have sweet potatoes and it can be good for them as an occasional treat, but ideally, your dog should eat a healthy, balanced diet of high-quality dog food - such as James Wellbeloved™ Superfoods.

Can dogs eat cooked potatoes?

Cooked potatoes are the only potatoes that dogs can eat! Potatoes contain vitamins B6 and C, as well as minerals iron, magnesium and potassium. Together, these vitamins and minerals can support your dog's immune and digestive system, as well as help to maintain healthy skin and coat. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates to provide energy for your dog’s daily activities, hence why potatoes are in our Grain-Free Dog Food recipe. Whilst potatoes can be beneficial on occasion, they should not be given to dogs as a main meal. 

Dogs can eat cooked potatoes with skin in moderation, however, it is best to remove the skin as it can cause digestive upset in some dogs - and you should avoid it altogether if the potato skin is green. Green skin and raw potatoes are bad for dogs as they are high in the toxin solanine, which is why you should ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly cooked for your dog to eat. Whether it’s mashed potatoes or roast potatoes, your dog can only eat them if they’re prepared without any seasoning. Always chop potatoes into small pieces to prevent a choking incident. 

Can dogs eat roast potatoes? 

Yes, dogs can eat roast potatoes in moderation, as long as they have been thoroughly cooked and don’t contain any butter, oil, salt, herbs or spices. Whilst your dog can eat cooked potatoes with skin in small amounts, it’s best to remove the skin as some dogs have difficulty digesting it. Your dog can’t eat the roast potatoes from your family dinner if you added any seasoning to them before cooking - even if you rinse them - and it should not be offered regularly.

Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?

Dogs can eat mashed potatoes, but not in the same way us humans enjoy them. Mashed potato recipes include butter, milk, salt and seasonings which can be harmful for your dog - particularly onion and garlic powder. You can offer plain mashed potatoes for your dog to have, but only as a rare treat.

Can dogs eat boiled potatoes?

There is a difference of opinion on whether or not dogs can eat boiled potatoes. Boiling potatoes is a reliable way to ensure they are properly cooked and makes it easier to give plainly to your dog. However, solanine (a natural toxin in potatoes) may not be adequately removed by boiling, which is why it might be unsafe for your dog to eat boiled potatoes. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian before giving boiled potatoes to their dog, as every dog is different.

What types of potatoes should dogs not eat?

While there are many ways for your dogs to enjoy potatoes, there are some that are off the list. In this section, we discuss what types of potatoes dogs should not eat and the reasons why. 

What is the risk of feeding dogs fried potatoes? 

Although us humans can enjoy fried potatoes, this is not a human food that dogs can eat. Potatoes deep-fried in oil have a high amount of fat which can cause problems for your dog’s digestive system, including stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea. Fried potatoes are usually seasoned with lots of salt and spices, and excessive salt in dogs can cause dehydration, an imbalance of electrolytes, and potentially sodium poisoning. Chips are also high in calories and can lead to unhealthy weight gain. If your dog has accidentally eaten a few chips, it is unlikely to cause much damage, however, dog owners should never offer fried potatoes to their dog.

Are raw potatoes bad for dogs?

Raw potatoes are bad for dogs as they contain a high amount of naturally-occurring toxin solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine poisoning in dogs can cause digestive upset, difficulties in breathing, lethargy, weakness, and possibly tremors. This is why it’s essential that dog owners ensure potatoes are thoroughly cooked in order to ensure that as much solanine as possible has been removed. 

What should you do if your dog eats raw potato?

Raw potatoes for dogs can be dangerous as they are a choking hazard and contain the toxin solanine which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. If your dog eats a small piece of raw potato, it’s unlikely to cause much harm. However, you should still contact your vet immediately and monitor your dog for solanine poisoning. Look out for any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, as well as difficulties in breathing, confusion, lethargy, weakness, drooling, tremors or collapse. You should also watch for signs of food-related allergies if this is the first time your dog has tried potatoes. If you suspect your dog has ingested raw potato, you should seek vet support immediately.

How many potatoes can a dog eat?

Dogs can eat potatoes as a treat in moderation, and dog owners should follow the 10% rule: any treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. However, it’s better that your dog receives the majority of their nutrition from a complete and balanced diet.

Even if it’s plainly and properly cooked, if your dog is eating too many potatoes it can eventually lead to solanine poisoning. Also, whilst potatoes are a nutritious food, it’s still a carbohydrate and an excessive amount can cause weight gain and other health issues. You should offer potatoes to your dogs as an occasional treat, rather than as a main meal. 

It’s important that your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet of high-quality dog food that is specific to their age, size, lifestyle and health, to ensure they are receiving the essential nutrients in the right amounts that they need to grow and thrive. James Wellbeloved™ offers Grain-Free Dog Food which is easily digestible for dogs with grain sensitivities - and it contains potatoes in a healthy and appropriate amount. We also have a Superfoods range of natural and healthy dog food without any additives or preservatives, to support your dog’s health.

It’s safe for dogs to eat plainly cooked potatoes in moderation, as long as they have been properly prepared without any butter or seasonings. Potatoes contain various nutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s health and can be a wholesome treat for them. In fact, sweet potatoes are a superfood that you should be feeding to your dog, among others that you can read about in our article!