Can dogs or cats eat potatoes?

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
27 June 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat potatoes?

The answer is: it depends.

Plain, cooked potatoes are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, but raw potatoes are definitely not. They can be toxic, so never offer them to your pet.

Potatoes cooked with other ingredients are also potentially hazardous for dogs. Recipes containing garlic and onions are particularly problematic. These are members of the allium family, which can cause haemolytic anaemia, a dangerous condition where the red blood cells become damaged.

Another one to steer clear of is fried or creamy potato dishes containing large amounts of dairy products or fat. These can cause stomach upsets like vomiting or diarrhoea. High levels of salt or other seasonings like chilli flakes or cajun spices could cause digestive upset too.

So if you want to give your dog a little potato, it must be offered plain and unseasoned. Just remember that treats and extras, including vegetables, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Too many potatoes could lead to dietary imbalances and weight gain over time. Save it for an occasional treat rather than making up the bulk of their meals.

Can dogs eat potato skins?

No, potato skins are not recommended. While cooked potato skins are not toxic, they are quite tough to digest. Large amounts of potato skin could cause an obstruction.

Can dogs eat raw potatoes?

Uncooked potatoes are toxic, especially if they are green or have sprouted. They contain solanine, which is a glycoalkaloid poison. This poison causes a slow heart rate, stomach upset (vomiting and diarrhoea), and possible vision problems. For this reason, you must never feed your dog raw potatoes or potato peelings. You should also keep uncooked potatoes well out of reach from your pet or shut away in a cupboard. If your dog accidentally consumes raw potatoes, then ring your vet immediately for advice.

Can dogs eat jacket potatoes?

The plain scooped out flesh of cooked jacket potatoes is safe for dogs to eat. Only offer it on an occasional basis and don’t serve it with cheese, butter, or any other jacket potato fillings. These will add extra calories and could cause stomach upsets.

Can dogs eat potato fries?

Potato fries are usually high in fat and salt, and low in nutrients. They could also trigger stomach upsets if given in excess. Some dogs may even develop a painful episode of pancreatitis due to their high-fat content. Whilst the odd fry is unlikely to do too much harm, definitely don’t risk feeding them regularly.

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Bacon

Unsafe

Bell Peppers

Safe In Moderation

Can cats eat potatoes?

Everything we’ve covered for dogs also applies to cats, but we’ll recap this with a feline twist!

Cats are obligate carnivores and only need small amounts of carbohydrate in their diet. Plain, cooked potato is safe for them to try, but you may find they aren’t really that interested.

Don’t give your cat raw potatoes, as these are toxic. You also shouldn’t give them potatoes with any additional ingredients. Garlic, onion, and salt can be toxic for cats, and other ingredients like butter, cheese, cream, and spices could cause stomach upsets.

Can cats eat potato skins?

Potato skin is tough and hard to digest, so it shouldn’t be fed to cats.

Can cats eat raw potatoes?

No, never offer your cat raw potatoes. These contain solanine, which is a glycoalkaloid poison. Concentrations of this toxin are even higher in green or sprouted potatoes.

Can cats eat jacket potatoes?

The plain scooped out flesh of a jacket potato is fine for cats to try. Just offer it in moderation with no additional ingredients.

Can cats eat potato fries?

Fried and processed foods are not recommended for cats. They contain high levels of fat and salt, which are not particularly healthy for them.

What’s the best way to prepare potatoes for dogs and cats?

There are a variety of ways that you can prepare potatoes for your pet, including:

  • Giving the scooped-out flesh of baked potatoes. Avoid the skin as this can be tough and indigestible, especially in large quantities. You also shouldn’t give your pet any jacket potato fillings like cheese, butter, baked beans, or chilli.

  • Boiled potatoes, cooked in boiling water without salt. Serve plain this plain with no butter or seasoning.

  • A small amount of mashed potato made with minimal milk/butter and no seasoning

Whichever type of potato you choose, offer it in modest amounts as an occasional treat only. Cooked potato and other vegetables should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily diet.

Most vets would recommend sticking to your pet’s normal, good-quality pet food where possible.

Summary

Cooked potato is fine for pets to try occasionally, if you offer it to them plain and unseasoned. Make sure to avoid added ingredients like garlic, onions, salt, fat, and dairy products as these could either be toxic or cause unpleasant stomach upsets.

Sticking to your pet’s normal complete diet is usually best, but it’s nice to know that cooked potatoes can be a safe treat the next time you are preparing them at home!

If you have any concerns about your pet or they seem unwell after eating potatoes, then make sure to give your vet a call for advice.

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Safe

Milk

Safe In Moderation

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet