Can dogs eat potatoes? Tips & tricks for feeding
The healthy tuber is hardly missing from the menu of us two-legged beings. No wonder, as it is a true all-rounder with a low fat content, high protein and fiber as well as essential nutrients. But what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs eat potatoes and are they even a valuable ingredient in their bowl? The answer is: Yes, definitely.
The →myth that dogs only need meat has long been debunked. Thus, plant-based, carbohydrate-rich components are also making their way into the bowl - like potatoes. But beware, there are several things you need to consider when feeding. Only cooked potatoes are digestible, while raw potatoes are toxic to dogs.
That's why raw potatoes are toxic to dogs
Peeling and snacking on raw potatoes? For us, that is inedible, and the same goes for your furry friend. Furthermore, the skin contains the toxin solanine, which is also found in →unripe tomatoes and is toxic to your dog. When the potato is well cooked, solanine loses its toxic effect.
If your furry friend grabs a raw potato while cooking, it can lead to serious side effects and can be dangerous for your dog depending on the amount consumed. Symptoms that your dog may show after eating a raw potato include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trembling
- Apathy
- Heavy panting
- Cramps
If your four-legged friend has eaten a raw potato, you should safely contact your trusted veterinarian. Depending on the amount ingested, a vomiting agent may need to be administered to prevent the raw potato from entering the intestines. Under no circumstances should you induce vomiting yourself, but rather rely solely on veterinary advice.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Rohe Kartoffeln sind durch das giftige Solanin ungenießbar für Hunde. Nicht jedes Lebensmittel, das für Menschen geeignet ist, verträgt auch der Hundebauch.
Cooked, mashed, or pureed - how to feed your dog potatoes
Cooked potatoes are definitely safe for your dog and a true asset as an ingredient in their bowl. Just like →sweet potatoes, →pumpkin, →broccoli, or →carrots, they are not only tasty for most dogs but also very healthy. If you want to feed your dog potatoes, you can serve them cooked as chunks, puree, or mashed potatoes. Keep in mind that your furry friend's meal should be diverse and varied within the framework of →species-appropriate dog nutrition and should be based on the findings for a healthy meal.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Gesundheit im Napf - dazu gehören hochwertige Komponenten wie knackige Obst- und Gemüsesorten, die Nährstoffe spenden und das Immunsystem unterstützen.
Feed potatoes as a side dish, not as a complete meal. Especially dogs that are already suffering from →overweight can quickly gain weight due to the high carbohydrate content. Additionally, it is important to adjust →the feeding amount. If you feed your dog wet or dry food, you can occasionally enhance the food with some potato, but you should reduce the recommended amount accordingly with regular feeding.
Are you looking for food that already contains potatoes? In our Pets Deli wet food, we process healthy vegetables like potatoes & co. to provide true culinary delights in the bowl!
Unser Nassfutter: Verfeinert mit Kartoffeln und anderen Gemüsesorten
4 reasons why potatoes are good for dogs
1. Easy digestibility: Potatoes are gentle on the stomach and are suitable when your dog has diarrhea or is vomiting. For sensitive furry friends, potatoes are an easily digestible treat!
2. Ideal for allergies: Some dogs develop →food allergies. Fortunately, potatoes are considered very tolerable and provide your dog with healthy proteins and carbohydrates, even when they have to avoid many ingredients.
3. Pure energy: Potatoes provide your dog with energy by supplying the body with a high carbohydrate content. The plant-based protein also gives an extra energy boost!
4. Nutrient-rich snack: Potatoes shine with potassium, iron, and magnesium, which benefit healthy heart function and muscle function. Vitamins B1 and B2 as well as vitamin C are important for energy metabolism, stimulate the formation of red blood cells, and help maintain nerve function.
