Potatoes are the makings of world-famous comfort foods such as French fries, tater tots, and gravied mashed potatoes. Since the humble potato has become a staple food in our daily lives, many dog owners would question, “can I give my dog potatoes?” The answer is: YES, as long as it is cooked and prepared well.
Why Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Potatoes provide nutritional benefits to our canine companions when appropriately prepared. These scrummy tubers supply iron, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and many other nutrients. Potatoes also provide our pets with a quick energy boost. What’s more, potatoes are highly digestible and easily tolerated by most dogs.
Moreover, many dog food manufacturers use potatoes in place of rice and corn due to the rising demand for grain-free dog food. You can also incorporate potatoes to your dog’s kibble, just as long as you prepare them properly.
Quickest and Safest Way to Mix Potatoes in Dog Food
Here’s a process you can follow:
- Scrub, wash, and peel the potatoes.
- Cut the potatoes in quarters, slices, or in bite-sized form. Slicing it too big for your pooch to swallow may lead to choking.
- There are many ways to cook a potato, but when it comes to our pooch, you always want to keep it simple and bland.
Boiling
The standard way to cook a potato is through boiling. Diced potatoes usually cook within 10 to 12 minutes.
Microwave
You can also microwave the potato. As well as being quick, it is easy, and it preserves the color of the potato nicely. Place the diced potatoes inside a microwavable dish. Cover the bowl with cling wrap suitable for microwaving and don’t forget to pierce the wrap with several holes. The time it takes for a potato to cook slightly depends on the microwave, but usually, it only takes 2 minutes. - Either way, you’ll know if it’s ready when you can pierce a toothpick through the potatoes.
How Many Potatoes Can I Give My Dog?
Know that potatoes are carbohydrates, and although dog food manufacturers incorporate carbs into their kibble, the National Research Council states our canine companions have no nutritional requirement for dietary carbohydrates. While dogs can enjoy a quick energy boost with carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes, it should not serve as a dominant nutrient in their diet. Therefore, you should only serve it as minimal as you can. Just enough to — let us say, give your pooch a taste. Otherwise, you risk your pet getting obese. It is wise to consult your vet. How many potatoes you can give your dog depends on individual metabolism and body.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Raw Potatoes?
Raw potatoes, especially green-skinned ones, contain high amounts of solanine — a poisonous compound commonly found in nightshade plants. There is a high possibility that dogs will eat a raw potato complete with its skin and all, causing them to have what we call as Green Potato Poisoning. Eating raw potatoes can cause inflammation of the stomach, too. Thereby, you should always cook potatoes to reduce its solanine content and make it safe enough to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are the best way to serve dogs because they can eat it without the risk of choking.
Can Dogs Eat French Fries?
Sure, as long as the French fries are baked and are salt-free. Deep-fried French Fries are not for dogs. Everything slathered in oil spells danger for our furry companions. Grease or oil can cause skin and internal problems.
Conclusion
So, can dogs eat potatoes? Yup, but you need to consult your vet for you to learn how much potatoes your dog can tolerate. Remember that eating it raw is poisonous and slicing it too big can pose a choking hazard. Frying can result in skin and internal problems. Adding seasoning may upset your dog’s stomach. So, be a responsible pet owner always, and raw potato feeder… NEVER!
References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-potatoes/
https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a45049/can-dogs-eat-potatoes/
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat#next
https://www.pawculture.com/pet-wellness/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-potatoes/
https://www.certapet.com/can-dogs-eat-potatoes/
https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/71383-can-dogs-eat-potatoes-safe
https://honeysrealdogfood.com/feeding-adult-dogs/
https://petcentral.chewy.com/vegetables-for-dogs/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/harmful-foods-avoid-feeding-dog/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMGOLVPwMKI
