🐕 Can My Dog Eat Potatoes?

The key with potatoes is preparation. Raw potatoes contain solanine (especially concentrated in green potatoes, potato sprouts, and the skin), which can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms in dogs. Cooking at high temperatures breaks down most solanine, making the potato safe. Plain boiled, baked, or steamed potatoes are all fine. Potatoes are a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods, particularly grain-free formulas. However, the FDA has investigated a potential link between grain-free diets heavy in potatoes/legumes and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs — while the research is ongoing and inconclusive, potatoes are best as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Sweet potatoes are generally considered a more nutritious choice.

Raw/green potatoes: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, cardiac issues. Cooked plain potatoes: safe, no symptoms expected.

If your dog ate raw potato or green potato, monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms and contact your vet if they develop. If they ate plain cooked potato, no concern needed.

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than white potatoes and don't contain solanine. Other safe carb sources include plain cooked rice, oatmeal, and quinoa.