Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Safety Guide for Dogs and Cats
If you're prepping spuds for dinner and your cat is staring at the counter, you might wonder if sharing a bite is okay. The short answer is yes, but only if they're cooked plain. Raw potatoes and green skins spell trouble for both dogs and cats.
Not sure about a specific food? Check it instantly in Lumis Paw, free on iOS and Android.
The Details: Dogs
Cooked, plain potatoes are safe for your dog in moderation. They offer a bit of fiber and vitamins, but they're mostly starch. Too much starch can upset a dog's stomach or lead to weight gain over time.
The real danger comes from raw potatoes and any green parts on the skin. These contain solanine, a natural compound that is toxic to pets. You should never toss your dog a raw spud or let them munch on potato peels from the trash.
The Details: Cats
Cats can also eat plain, cooked potatoes in very small amounts. Since cats are strict carnivores, they don't need plant carbs in their diet, so a tiny taste won't offer much nutritional value.
Just like with dogs, raw potatoes and green skins are toxic to cats. A cat who sneaks a bite of raw potato or green peel can get very sick. Always keep raw veggies stored away where curious paws can't reach them.
Lumis Paw covers 321+ foods for dogs and cats with vet-sourced safety data. It's free to download.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog or cat gets into raw potatoes or green potato peels, they might show signs of solanine poisoning or digestive upset.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
What to Do in an Emergency
If you catch your pet eating raw potatoes or green peels, stay calm and call your vet right away. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Don't try to induce vomiting on your own. While getting to a vet, keep your pet calm and bring the leftover potato packaging or peelings with you so the vet knows what they ate.
How to Prepare Potatoes for Your Pet
If you want to share a bite of potato with your dog or cat, prep matters. Follow these rules to keep things safe:
- Cook thoroughly by baking, boiling, or mashing.
- Serve them completely plain with no butter, salt, or seasoning.
- Never serve raw or green potatoes.
- Keep portions small, especially for cats.
The Bottom Line
Potatoes can make a fun, occasional treat for dogs and cats as long as they're cooked plain and served without butter or salt. Raw potatoes and green skins are toxic and should stay far away from your pets. Check any food in Lumis Paw (iOS / Android) or ask your vet.
Sources
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.