Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Safety, Nutrition & Tips for Pet Owners

Simple prep tips and veggie swaps to support your pet’s digestion and well-being.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 12, 2025

Simple prep tips and veggie swaps to support your pet’s digestion and well-being.

Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? What Dog Owners Need to Know

Potatoes are a staple comfort food for many families, and itâs not uncommon for pet owners to wonder if they can share this popular vegetable with their canine companions. With colder months bringing hearty dishes and festivities onto our tables, itâs tempting to slip your dog a bite of mashed, roasted, or baked potato. But do potatoes belong in a dogâs diet? Letâs break down what you need to know before giving potatoes to your pet, including the risks, benefits, and best practices for serving this tuber safely.

Are Potatoes Safe for Dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat potatoes, but only when theyâre cooked and served plain. Serving raw potatoes to dogs is not safe because raw potatoes contain solanine, a natural toxin found in nightshade vegetables, that can be harmful to dogs when consumed in significant amounts. Cooking potatoes reduces solanine to safe levels, but uncooked potatoes (and even potato plants) should always be kept away from your pet.

Raw potatoes: Unsafe for dogs due to solanine toxicity. Dogs with access to vegetable gardens should be monitored to prevent chewing on potato plants.
Cooked potatoes: Safe only if they are plain and unseasoned. Avoid toppings like salt, butter, sour cream, or seasonings (especially onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs).

Should Dogs Eat Potato Skins?

While a very small amount of potato skin is not usually harmful, itâs safest to remove the skin before serving potatoes to dogs. Potato skins are high in oxalates, compounds that, in excess, may contribute to kidney problems if consumed in large volumes. The risk is negligible for tiny quantities, but if a dog eats large amounts of skin-on potatoes, trouble may follow.

Peel potatoes before giving them to your dog.
If a small piece of skin is ingested, itâs usually not a cause for concern unless large quantities are consumed.

Are Potatoes Nutritious for Dogs?

Cooked potatoes, when fed in moderation, offer some nutritional value:

Source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium.
Contains carbohydrates and dietary fiber, helping with energy and limited digestive support.

However, potatoes should not become a staple of your dogâs diet for these reasons:

High carbohydrate content can contribute to weight gain or digestive issues if overfed.
Excess potato intake may cause constipation in both dogs and humans.
For dogs with pre-existing health issues such as diabetes or obesity, potatoes are generally not recommended.

Raw vs. Cooked Potatoes: The Science of Safety

Type of Potato	Safe for Dogs?	Key Risk Factors
Raw White or Russet Potato	No	Contains solanine; digestive upset, toxicity
Cooked, Plain Potato	Yes (in moderation)	High carbs; can cause digestive issues in excess
Potato Skin	Occasionally, very small amounts	High oxalates; kidney issues in large doses
Seasoned/Buttered Potato	No	Toxic seasonings (onion, garlic, excess salt)

Potatoes in Commercial Dog Food

Many commercial dog foods use potatoes as an ingredient. In these cases, potatoes are usually present in cooked and processed form, which is safe for canine consumption and adds palatability and bulk. Nevertheless, when it comes to feeding your pet table potatoes or human food, always serve them plain and in moderation.

Potatoes vs. Sweet Potatoes: Which Is Better for Dogs?

Sweet potatoes are widely considered a healthier alternative for dogs than common white potatoes. They are:

Higher in fiber, supporting healthy digestion.
Rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and minerals, supporting overall health.
Do not contain solanine or high levels of oxalates.

Cooked sweet potato (steamed, baked, or boiled) makes a safe treat. Avoid canned or candied yams, which may have added sugar or harmful preservatives.

Simple Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potatoes:

Add 1 teaspoon (for small dogs) to 1 tablespoon (for large dogs) of plain cooked sweet potato to a dogâs meal.
Make sure sweet potatoes are unseasoned and free of added fats or sugars.

How to Safely Feed Potatoes to Dogs

If you choose to feed potatoes, follow these guidelines for your dogâs safety:

Always cook potatoes thoroughlyâboil, steam, or bake without any seasonings or fats.
Peel the potatoes before serving to reduce oxalate content.
Serve in moderation: A small bite for a treat, not as a meal or staple.
Skip salt, butter, oils, cheese, or any rich toppings; these add unnecessary fat, sodium, or may contain toxic ingredients.
Never feed mashed potatoes made with garlic or onion powder (both are toxic to dogs).
Check with your veterinarian if your dog has pre-existing conditions or dietary restrictions.

Common Dishes: Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes, Chips, or Fries?

Mashed Potatoes: Only if plain. Avoid garlic, onion, cream, or too much salt. Mashed potatoes are not recommended for dogs with diabetes due to high starch content.
French Fries or Potato Chips: Not recommended. High in fat, oil, and sodium, and usually made with added seasonings unsuitable or harmful to dogs.
Roasted Potatoes: Safe in very small, plain, and unseasoned quantities. Avoid any cooked with aromatics (like onion or garlic).

Potential Risks: When Potatoes Can Be Dangerous

Potato Plant Parts: Leaves, stems, and sprouts contain higher concentrations of solanine and are toxic to dogs.
Green Potatoes: Any potato with a greenish hue contains increased solanine and should be avoided for both dogs and humans.
Too Much Potato: May cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or constipation. In severe cases, solanine poisoning from ingesting raw potatoes or large amounts of skins can result in serious illness.
Underlying Health Conditions: Dogs with diabetes, obesity, or kidney issues should generally avoid potatoes due to blood sugar spikes and other dietary concerns.

Are There Dogs Who Shouldnât Eat Potatoes?

Some dogs are at greater risk from potatoes, such as those with:

Diabetes – Starchy foods like potatoes can rapidly increase blood sugar levels.
Obesity – Extra carbohydrates add unnecessary calories.
Kidney issues – High oxalates may exacerbate kidney problems.
Allergies or sensitivities to potatoes.

Sweet Potatoesâand Other Healthy Alternatives

When looking for a healthy, naturally sweet treat, sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for dogs. Compared to traditional potatoes, they:

Offer a more robust vitamin and mineral profile.
Are easier to digest and do not contain solanine.
Can be prepared simply and served as occasional treats or meal toppers.

Other safe veggie alternatives include:

Carrots
Green beans
Pumpkin
Squash

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can dogs eat potatoes raw?

Noâthe solanine in raw potatoes can be toxic. Only serve potatoes that are thoroughly cooked and plain.

Is it safe for dogs to eat mashed potatoes?

Plain, cooked, and unseasoned mashed potatoes are safe for most dogs in small amounts. Avoid any added garlic, onions, cream, or excessive salt.

Can dogs have potato skins?

Very small amounts are generally safe, but itâs best to peel potatoes for dogs. Potato skins are high in oxalates that can be problematic in large quantities.

Whatâs betterâpotatoes or sweet potatoesâfor dogs?

Sweet potatoes are richer in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and they lack the toxins present in white potatoes. They are generally a healthier treat.

How much potato can I give my dog?

Potatoes should be fed as small, occasional treats and should never replace a balanced dog diet. Large servings can disturb digestion and promote unwanted weight gain.

Are potatoes used in commercial dog foods safe?

Yes. In commercial foods, potatoes are cooked and free from dangerous toxins. However, speak with your vet if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Should dogs with special health concerns eat potatoes?

Dogs with diabetes, kidney issues, or who are overweight should avoid potatoes. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Key Takeaways for Pet Parents

Cooked, plain potatoes can be shared in moderation as an occasional treat.
Never feed raw potatoes or potato plant parts to dogs.
Peeled potatoes are best, minimizing oxalate risks.
Sweet potatoes are a superior, nutrient-rich option.
Always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods, especially for dogs with health problems.

If you follow these guidelines and keep your dogâs dietary needs in mind, potatoes can be a safe occasional snack. For the healthiest options, stick with plain, cooked, and unseasoned potatoesâor better yet, sweet potatoesâfor a rewarding treat both you and your dog can feel good about.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete