Can dogs eat potatoes?
Maybe — cooked, plain potatoes are safe for most dogs in moderation. However, raw potatoes and green potatoes contain solanine, a toxic glycoalkaloid that can cause serious illness. Always cook potatoes thoroughly and never feed green-skinned or sprouted ones.
Vegetables · 77 kcal per 100 g
Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Good source of vitamin C, B6, and potassium
- Provides easily digestible carbohydrates for energy
- Contains iron and magnesium
- Bland, cooked potato is often used in bland diets for GI recovery
- Low cost and widely available
Risks
- Raw potatoes contain solanine — toxic to dogs and humans
- Green-skinned or sprouted potatoes have dangerously high solanine levels
- High glycemic index — can spike blood sugar in diabetic dogs
- French fries, chips, and loaded potatoes are too salty and fatty
- Part of the nightshade family — some dogs may be sensitive
Recommended serving size
Adjust portions based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Treats and snacks should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
| Dog size | Weight range | Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog | Under 20 lbs (9 kg) | 1-2 tablespoons, cooked and plain |
| Medium dog | 20–50 lbs (9–23 kg) | 2-3 tablespoons, cooked and plain |
| Large dog | Over 50 lbs (23 kg) | 1/4 cup, cooked and plain |
How to prepare and serve
Preparation
Wash, peel, and remove any green spots, eyes, or sprouts — these contain concentrated solanine. Boil, bake, or steam until fully cooked. Mash or cut into small cubes. Serve plain — no butter, sour cream, cheese, salt, garlic, chives, or seasoning. Never feed raw potatoes, french fries, potato chips, hash browns, or any fried potato product.
Frequency
1-2 times per week as an occasional treat or bland diet component.
Key nutrients
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
- Raw potatoes — especially white and red varieties — contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid toxin that's part of the potato plant's natural defense system. Solanine is concentrated in the skin, eyes, and sprouts of the potato, and is especially high in potatoes that have turned green from light exposure. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms. Cooking potatoes at high temperatures destroys most of the solanine, making them safe to eat. Always discard green or heavily sprouted potatoes entirely.
- Cooked potato skins in small amounts are technically safe, but they're not recommended. The skin contains the highest concentration of solanine and is also the toughest part to digest. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, potato skins can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The skin also tends to be where pesticide residues concentrate. The safest approach is to peel potatoes before cooking and serving to your dog. If you do include the skin, make sure the potato is fully cooked and the skin shows no green coloring.
- Yes — potatoes are a common ingredient in many commercial dog foods, particularly grain-free formulas where they serve as the primary carbohydrate source instead of corn, wheat, or rice. In commercial dog food, potatoes are always fully cooked during the manufacturing process, eliminating solanine concerns. However, the FDA has investigated a potential link between grain-free diets heavy in potatoes, peas, and lentils and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. If your dog eats a grain-free potato-based food, discuss this with your vet.
Related vegetables
Asparagus
CautionNot toxic, but tough to eat raw and loses most nutritional value when cooked soft enough for dogs to digest.
Beets
CautionCooked beets are safe in small amounts, but high in sugar and oxalates. Avoid for dogs with kidney issues.
Bell Peppers
SafeAll colors of bell pepper are safe — red has the most nutrition. Avoid hot peppers entirely.
Broccoli
CautionNutritious in small amounts, but florets contain isothiocyanates that can cause gastric irritation if overfed.
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