Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?

Yes, dogs can eat potatoes if they are plain and cooked until soft. Keep the amount small. Potatoes contain solanine, a natural toxin that is highest in green spots, so never feed green or raw potato. Fries, chips, and potato dishes with butter, salt, or onion are not good for dogs.

Why do potatoes need to be cooked and plain?

Potatoes belong to the nightshade family of plants. When a potato sits in the light, it can grow green spots. The AKC explains that these spots mean more solanine, a natural toxin, and says to avoid them completely. That includes green skin.

Cooking matters for another reason too. The AKC says potatoes should be cooked until soft enough to mash, so your dog doesn’t choke on hard pieces.

What you add matters just as much. The AKC says plain, soft, cooked potato is fine in small amounts. Butter and spices are the problem. Too much butter can lead to pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas.

How do I serve potato safely?

• Pick a potato with no green color. Toss any that have green spots.
• Boil, bake, or steam it until it is soft.
• Serve it plain: no butter, milk, salt, or seasoning.
• Mash it or cut it into small pieces.
• Give only a small amount, once in a while.

Treats, including potato, should stay a small part of your dog’s food. A common guide is no more than about 10% of daily calories.

Other kinds of potato

Is a baked potato okay for dogs?

Yes, if it is plain and soft. A baked potato is fine as an occasional bite. Let it cool and take off the toppings first. Butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives do not belong in your dog’s bowl. Chives are in the same plant family as onion and garlic, which the ASPCA says can upset the stomach and harm red blood cells. The AKC says cooked skin is fine if it is not green.

Can dogs eat potato chips?

Not as a treat. Chips are fatty and salty. The ASPCA says too much salt can make dogs very thirsty and make them pee more. In bad cases it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

One chip is unlikely to hurt a big dog. A small dog that eats a lot of chips is a bigger worry. The Merck Veterinary Manual says signs of salt poisoning can start at about 2 to 3 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight. Vomiting usually starts within a few hours.

Flavored chips may also have onion or garlic powder, so check the label. If your dog ate a whole bag, call your vet. (Some people spell the question “potatoe chips.” It is the same answer.)

Can dogs eat french fries and hash browns?

No. The AKC advises against them because of the grease and seasoning. Offer a few bites of plain cooked potato instead.

Is scalloped potato okay for dogs?

It is better to skip it. Scalloped potatoes are baked in cream, butter, and cheese, and often have onion or garlic too. The ASPCA warns that onion and garlic can damage red blood cells, and that fatty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. If your dog steals a bite, watch for an upset stomach. If your dog ate a large amount, call your vet.

Can dogs eat potato salad?

Skip it. Potato salad usually has creamy dressing, salt, and often onion. The sources we read do not cover potato salad directly, so this answer comes from what the ASPCA and AKC say about its parts: fat, salt, and onion. A small lick is unlikely to cause trouble, but don’t share it on purpose. If your dog ate a lot, or the salad had onion or garlic, call your vet. Picnics and cookouts are when this tends to happen, so keep the bowl out of reach.

Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?

Plain mashed potato is fine in small amounts. The AKC says to leave out the butter, milk, salt, and spices.

What if my dog ate potato?

• Plain cooked potato: No action is needed if it was a small amount.
• Salty, buttery, or creamy potato dishes: Give fresh water and watch for vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if it doesn’t pass or your dog ate a lot.
• Green or sprouting potato: Call your vet or a poison hotline right away, even if your dog seems fine.

Safer treats to try

Plain sweet potato, cooked until soft, is a good alternative. The AKC calls it a nutritious choice. For more ideas on what to keep away from your dog, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs. If you are wondering about dairy toppings, read can dogs eat cheese.