Can dogs eat Potatoes?
In small amounts, with care
In moderation, cooked only - plain cooked potato is safe in small amounts. Never feed raw potato, or any part that is green or sprouting, and skip the butter, salt and roast trimmings.
Last reviewed
What happens
Cooked plain potato is not toxic and appears in some dog foods, but it is starchy and offers little a dog needs, so it is a small-portion food. The important caution is that raw potatoes, and any potato that is green or sprouting, contain solanine, a natural compound that is harmful to dogs. Cooking a plain, non-green potato removes most of that concern.
How much is safe?
A small spoonful of plain cooked potato as an occasional treat is fine for most dogs. It is starchy and calorie-heavy, so keep it modest, especially for a dog watching their weight, and count it towards the daily treat allowance.
How to prepare it
Boil or bake a plain, non-green potato until soft, with no butter, salt, oil or seasoning, then mash or dice a small amount. Never feed raw potato, green potato or sprouting potato, and skip roast potatoes, chips and anything cooked in fat.
Symptoms to watch for
Solanine from raw or green potato can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, more serious effects. Too much cooked potato simply adds carbohydrate and calories. Roast potatoes and chips bring added fat and salt that upset the stomach.
When to call the vet
If your dog eats raw or green potato, or a large amount of potato peelings, and then vomits, has diarrhoea, becomes lethargic or seems unwell, contact your vet. Signs of solanine poisoning are worth acting on quickly.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat raw potato?
No. Raw potato contains solanine, which is harmful to dogs, and green or sprouting potatoes are worse. Only plain, cooked, non-green potato is safe, and then only in small amounts.
Can dogs eat mashed potato?
A little plain mashed potato with nothing added is fine occasionally. The problem is that mash is usually made with butter, milk and salt, so it is best to set aside a small plain portion before seasoning.
Can dogs eat chips or roast potatoes?
It is best to avoid them. Chips and roast potatoes are cooked in fat and often salted, which can upset the stomach and add unnecessary calories. Plain boiled or baked potato is the only version worth offering.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Food Hazards in Animals MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.