Can Dogs Eat Raw Potatoes?

The Short Answer is:

It is never a good idea to feed a raw potato to your dog. Dogs can be toxic to solanine, which is present in raw potatoes. Nevertheless, cooking a potato reduces its solanine content.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Raw Potatoes?“.

The potato is often considered to be a cheap and beneficial vegetable that adds bulk to a dogs diet.

The reason for this is that both raw and cooked potatoes do technically contain some nutritional value.

It is generally recommended that you do not feed raw potatoes to your dog. Dogs are poisoned by solanine which is present in high levels in these foods.

The level of Solanine in potatoes is reduced when they are cooked but you should only feed dogs boiled or baked potatoes rather than those cooked in oil as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

It will be discussed in this article why you should not feed raw potatoes to your dog. This article will also discuss other beneficial vegetables to feed your dog instead of potatoes. 

Do Raw Potatoes Have Any Nutritional Value? 

In 100 grams of raw potatoes there are 85 calories 76.7 grams of water 17.6 grams of carbohydrates and 2.6 grams of fiber.

Sugars saturated fats and cholesterol are not present in them. It would seem that raw potatoes are a healthy option from time to time. 

Dogs on the other hand do not need carbs to live.

They should consume a majority of fats and proteins in their diet.

Beef and chicken are the most common sources of these compounds. However some dogs such as working dogs require high-fat and carbohydrate-rich diets to provide them with the energy they require. 

Because of their intense schedules working dogs typically require high levels of glucose and fiber in their diet both of which are found in potatoes.

So raw potatoes should never be fed to dogs and even cooked potatoes should not be given in large amounts to the average pet. 

When Might Raw Potatoes Become Toxic?

It is very dangerous for dogs to consume raw green potatoes as they can poison your four-legged friend.

In the presence of light potatoes begin to produce chlorophyll which gives them their green color. As a result plants can take advantage of the suns energy through photosynthesis. 

By stimulating the production of other compounds chlorophyll protects the potato from damage caused by insects fungi and bacteria. The compounds however can be toxic to both humans and dogs. 

Even though small green patches on potatoes are generally harmless they may indicate the presence of a toxic compound called solanine which can be harmful to your dog.

Solanine and green potato poisoning can cause irritation of the nervous system and organs particularly the kidneys.

In addition it can cause tremors heart problems and breathing problems.

Even if your dog does not appear to be showing any symptoms it is best to call your veterinarian if you think he has eaten large amounts of raw potatoes. 

Potatoes should be avoided in a dogs diet as well as the plants themselves since they are also toxic.

When you grow potatoes in your garden its always best to keep them out of reach of your dog or enclose them so that he can not access them. 

What Other Side Effects Might Eat Raw Potatoes Have?

Solanine typically only causes issues for dogs when eaten in large quantities but its best to look out for the symptoms of poisoning to make sure your dog is not in any discomfort.

Vomiting diarrhea weakness dizziness paralysis and in the worst cases death are some of the symptoms. 

Additionally potatoes and their skins contain toxins known to cause digestive tract irritations and kidney disorders. 

How Much Raw Potato Should I Feed My Dog?

As a result of the severity of these symptoms it is generally not recommended to feed your dog raw potatoes.

You will avoid any veterinarian bills resulting from green potato poisoning by doing this and keeping your dog in the best health possible. 

You can instead feed your dog small amounts of cooked potatoes.

Nevertheless they should never make up the majority of your dogs diet and they should never be given to them in excess. You can prepare them in several different ways as explained below. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Potato Skin?

The consumption of raw potato skin has also been linked to green potato poisoning. This makes them equally unsafe to feed your dog.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten potato skins you should take them to the vet even if they are showing the slightest signs of poisoning. 

What Is The Healthiest Way Of Preparing Cooked Potatoes For My Dog?

Cooking potatoes in a pot until they are soft and then removing their skin is the most healthful way to serve them to your dog.

Adding salt or seasonings to the potatoes is not necessary and they should only be used occasionally as a treat for your dog.

The average serving of one small potato contains approximately 100 calories so your dog does not need any more than this.

Various homemade treats for your dog can be made from boiled potatoes.

The potatoes could be mashed with small amounts of Greek yogurt.

Another great technique is to mix them with their favorite ground meat and vegetables to make different shapes.

Those efforts will definitely be appreciated by your dog!

Potatoes should never be given to your dog if they are greasy or oily.

Among these are products like fries hash browns chips and mashed potatoes made with butter and dairy.

Your dog can develop obesity or heart problems as a result of any of these factors. Therefore its best to stay away from high-fat potato products like those listed above. 

Is Feeding Your Dog Canned Potatoes Okay? 

Depending on which type you buy canned potatoes can also cause problems for your dog.

The average 100-gram portion of regular canned potatoes contains approximately 60 calories 5mg of sodium 1.4g of protein 5mg of calcium and 229mg of potassium. 

A 100-gram portion of canned potatoes with added salt has 167mg of sodium and 94 calories.

You should always check the ingredients and nutritional information before giving your dog canned potatoes. 

A diet that consistently contains salt such as that found in canned potatoes could increase the likelihood of your dog developing heart disease.

Not only could this cost you a lot each month in vet bills but it could also lead to your dogs death. 

What Is The Best Raw Vegetable To Feed Your Dog? 

Raw vegetables are a great source of nutrition for your dog.

It is important to feed your dog a variety of vegetables because they provide nutrients and minerals that meat lacks so they will keep your dogs body in top shape.

They are rich in fiber antioxidants and enzymes even though they are not considered essential. You can give your dog any of these to boost his immune system and nourish him. 

You should try a variety of different vegetables to see what your dog prefers as far as ‘the best’ vegetables for your dog are concerned.

You will make treats extra tasty for them if you do this and they will certainly appreciate the time you took to find their favorite snacks.

Raw vegetables such as broccoli Brussels sprouts carrots and green beans are safe for dogs.

They benefit from Broccolis high fiber and vitamin C content carrots’ fiber and vitamin A content and green beans’ mineral and fiber content. 

Some vegetables should not be given to your dog raw or at all.

You should consult your vet before introducing any new raw food into your dogs diet.

You might even save yourself a lot of unnecessary hassle if you do a quick google search before doing so. 

What Vegetables Are Toxic To Dogs?

It is not uncommon for dogs to be poisoned by both raw and cooked vegetables.

Garlic onions leeks and mushrooms are some of these.

Corn on the cob is potentially fatal for dogs because it can cause stomach blockages while anything in the onion family including chives and garlic can damage red blood cells.

In addition to eggplants and unripe tomatoes solanine compounds are also present in them so avoid them as well.

Even though giving your dog vegetables is known to benefit their health not all vegetables are appropriate.

You must therefore take the time to understand which vegetables are safe and which ones are harmful. 

Should Dogs Eat Raw Potatoes? 

Generally you should always consult your vet before introducing any new food to your dogs diet.

The extensive range of health problems that raw potatoes can induce makes them unsuitable for dogs.

You can instead introduce vegetables like carrots and broccoli to your dogs diet to give him a diverse diet and encourage his well-being.

Whenever you suspect your dog has eaten raw potatoes keep an eye on them.

It is crucial that you take your pets to the veterinarian as soon as possible if they show any symptoms. 

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.