Most dogs do enjoy them, so I bet you’ve shared a dollop of mashed potatoes with your furry friend at some point. White potatoes, sweet potatoes, baking potatoes, baby potatoes, and even colorful potatoes are among the varieties of potatoes that are available. The term “starchy carb” or “carbohydrate” is sometimes used to describe potatoes. Not all potatoes are created equal, so let’s learn which ones are best to feed your dog. While some varieties can be a great fresh food addition to your dog’s diet,
There are several varieties of potatoes, some of which are significantly better options than others, even though the short answer to this is “yes,” as was already mentioned. The main difference is between white potatoes and sweet potatoes. White potatoes are a member of the nightshade family.
These vegetables contain solanine and can exacerbate inflammation. Additionally, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or simply “DCM,” is a diet-related heart disease that is thought to be exacerbated by white potatoes. White potatoes and legumes like chickpeas and lentils interfere with the absorption of taurine, an essential amino acid. Taurine is vital for the functioning of a healthy heart. For these reasons, it is typically advised that dogs avoid consuming any significant amounts of white potatoes.
Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, do not belong to the nightshade family and are not connected to DCM. Sweet potatoes are a great addition to a dog’s diet because they are higher in fiber and have a slightly lower glycemic index than white potatoes. We’ll talk a bit more about the benefits below.
One thing to consider when including any starchy carb in a dog’s diet is the additional calories. Overdoing it can lead to weight gain and even obesity. A cup of sweet potatoes has about 200 calories and 41 grams of fat. They have 4 grams of carbohydrates, making them a very calorie-dense food; a little goes a long way.
Important Information: You should avoid giving your dog foods high in oxalates, like sweet potatoes, if they have a history of calcium-oxalate stones.
Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins?
Even though potato skins are often incredibly tasty and crunchy, you should only occasionally give them to your dog. Potato skins contain oxalates. Oxalates are fine in moderation. But if your dog consumes too many potato skins, they might experience kidney issues. Consider keeping the potato skins to yourself and only distributing small amounts of cooked, unseasoned potatoes to keep your pet safe.
Explore our dog brands: c_brand_discovery (cat)
Can Dogs Eat Cooked White Potatoes?
If you choose to give your dog a portion of a white potato, make sure it is thoroughly cooked and free of butter or seasoning. Products made from potatoes like potato chips, French fries, or mashed potatoes sometimes have excessive amounts of fat and salt that are bad for dogs.
Feeding potatoes to your dog with diabetes can result in blood sugar spikes.
Even small amounts of potatoes given as treats should be added to other treats to make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
FAQ
How much cooked potato can a dog eat?
According to the 10% rule, which states that treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories, you can generally give them potatoes as a treat. Avoid potatoes entirely if your dog has diabetes as they may result in blood sugar spikes.
Can I feed my dog cooked white potatoes?
The nightshade family of vegetables, which also includes tomatoes, includes white potatoes. Like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, which can be toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. If you do give your dog potatoes, make sure they are baked or boiled without any additional ingredients.
What happens if a dog eats cooked potatoes?
To quickly answer your question, yes. Dogs can have potatoes. The vegetables potatoes are nutrient-dense and offer a good serving of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium. The immune and nervous systems of your dog can benefit from the combination of these vitamins and minerals.
Why can’t dogs have mashed potatoes?
The primary issue with mashed potatoes and the reason they are “bad” for dogs is that they are extremely starchy and high in calories and carbohydrates. That means it’s possible for your dog to overeat, and the extra carbs will quickly add up and cause your dog to gain weight.