Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?

Sometimes — with care

Cooked, plain potatoes are fine for dogs. Raw or green potatoes contain solanine and are a no — and chips, crisps and mash with butter belong to humans only.

The details: why this verdict

Plain boiled or baked potato is a digestible carbohydrate that appears in many commercial dog foods. Raw potato — especially skin and any green-tinged flesh — contains solanine, the same nightshade toxin as green tomatoes, which cooking largely breaks down. Preparation is everything: fries and crisps are loaded with salt and fat, and mashed potato usually includes butter, milk, and sometimes onion or garlic powder.

How much is okay?

A spoonful or two of plain cooked potato mixed into food is plenty; potatoes are calorie-dense, so they shouldn’t become a staple unless formulated in a complete diet. Sweet potato (cooked, plain) is actually the more nutritious option and very gentle on digestion.

Symptoms to watch for

Safer alternatives

Plain cooked sweet potato is the upgrade most dogs prefer anyway. Or try rice for a bland-diet carb.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful or shows symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Full disclaimer.