The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Potatoes: Good or Bad?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat potatoes in moderation, and this starchy vegetable can provide some nutritional benefits. However, before adding potatoes to your dog’s diet, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. While cooked, plain potatoes—especially boiled or baked without seasoning—are generally safe for dogs, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to them. What about sweet potatoes vs. white potatoes? Can dogs eat potato skins or mashed potatoes? Do fries or chips pose a risk? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate potatoes into your dog’s diet.

Are Potatoes Good For Dogs?

Potatoes can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation and properly prepared.

Always serve plain, cooked potatoes—boiled or baked without any seasoning, butter, or oils. Avoid feeding raw potatoes or green potato skins, as they contain solanine, a toxic compound that can harm dogs. Also, avoid fried or processed potato products like chips and fries.

What The Science Says

Potatoes, often debated in the world of canine nutrition, are proving to be more than just filler. When used appropriately, scientific research shows that potatoes can offer meaningful health benefits for dogs—from boosting digestibility to supporting gut health. Here’s what the studies say:

1. Beneficial dietary fiber: Pootato fiber was found to promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to support colon health and beneficial gut bacteria. It also lowered fecal pH, indicating improved fermentation in the colon.^[1]
2. Effect of potato on kibble: A study found that including potato starch in dry dog food enhanced kibble texture, making it more palatable—especially to puppies. Additionally, it increased the metabolizable energy of the diet, meaning dogs could derive more usable energy from the same amount of food. Digestibility also improved, showing that the nutrients in potato-based diets were better absorbed.^[2]
3. Digestability effects on kibble: Researchers found that potato-containing kibbles exhibited a higher degree of starch gelatinization—a process that makes starch more digestible for dogs. The better the starch is gelatinized, the more easily it can be broken down and absorbed by the canine digestive system.^[3] This supports using potatoes as a superior carbohydrate source compared to some grains or legumes, particularly in extruded (kibble) formats.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of potatoes contains the following nutrients:

Potato Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Potatos to Dogs

While potatoes can be a safe and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when cooked and served properly, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Potato Types and Their Safety for Dogs

Potato Type	Safe for Dogs?	Notes
White Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	Must be boiled or baked, plain with no salt, butter, or seasoning.
Sweet Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	Rich in fiber, vitamin A & C. Serve plain — boiled or baked.
Russet Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	High in starch. Must be fully cooked and unseasoned.
Red Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	Less starchy. Keep plain and cooked.
Yukon Gold	✅ Yes (cooked)	Buttery flavor. No added butter or seasonings.
Purple Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	High in antioxidants. Cooked and plain only.
Fingerling Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	Great for dogs when cooked. Serve mashed or chopped.
Petite (Baby) Potatoes	✅ Yes (cooked)	Cook thoroughly. Ideal as small snack pieces.
Mashed Potatoes (Plain)	✅ Yes (infrequently)	Only safe if made without milk, butter, garlic, or salt.
Raw Potatoes (Any kind)	❌ No	Contains solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
Green or Sprouted Potatoes	❌ No	Higher solanine content — not safe, even when cooked.
Fried Potatoes (Fries, Chips)	❌ No	Too much fat and salt. Can lead to pancreatitis or obesity.
Potato Skins (Raw or Cooked)	⚠️ Not Recommended	May contain oxalates and are hard to digest. Best to remove.
Boxed/Instant Potatoes	❌ No	Often contain unsafe additives like onion powder or preservatives.

Are Dogs Allergic to Potatoes?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to potatoes.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Potatoes

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide the quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining potato or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Potatoes to Dogs

When feeding potatoes to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Potatoes to Dogs

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust.

Best Potato Dog Food

If you’re looking to incorporate potatoes into your dog’s diet and provide their nutritional benefits, consider Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Whitefish & Potato Dog Food. This premium dry formula is crafted with wild-caught whitefish as the first ingredient, expertly blended with wholesome potatoes and a medley of fruits and vegetables to support digestive health and sustained energy. Fromm’s recipe delivers high-quality, human-grade ingredients in a crunchy kibble format, free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Rich in lean protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins, this balanced meal supports a healthy coat, strong muscles, and overall vitality—offering a flavorful, nutrient-dense approach to canine wellness.

Best Potato Dog Food Topper

Portland Pet Food Company Hopkin’s Pork N’ Potato Wet Dog Food Pouches deliver a farm-to-bowl mealtime upgrade with a wholesome blend of premium pork and nutrient-rich potatoes. Made in the USA with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients, this hearty topper is gently cooked in small batches for optimal taste and digestibility. This grain- and gluten-free recipe features real pork as the first ingredient, paired with russet potatoes, nutrient-dense green beans, and red bell peppers. Potatoes provide a digestible source of energy and fiber, while the soft texture and savory flavor make even picky eaters excited for dinner. Whether served as a topper, mixer, or complete meal, it stands out as the best potato-based topper thanks to its clean label, limited ingredients, and unmatched palatability.

Best Potato Dog Treat

For those who want to provide the benefits of potatoes in a simple, wholesome way, Healthfuls Sweet Potato Slices Dog Treats offer a naturally delicious and nutrient-packed snack. Made from 100% real, dehydrated sweet potatoes, these chewy treats are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall vitality. Free from artificial additives, grains, and preservatives, these single-ingredient treats are an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or limited-ingredient diets. Incorporating these naturally sweet, vitamin-rich slices into your dog

How Much Potato Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like potatoes. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning potatoes based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Feed Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1–2 teaspoons of plain cooked potato	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1–2 tablespoons cooked potato (diced or mashed)	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	2–3 tablespoons (about ¼ cup mashed or diced)	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	⅓–½ cup plain cooked potato	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	½–¾ cup cooked potato	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Potatoes?

Yes, puppies can eat potatoes, but only in moderation and in very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of plain, cooked potato—to see how they react. Feeding too much potato at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the starch and fiber. Always serve potatoes plain, peeled, and fully cooked—either boiled or baked without any added salt, butter, oil, or seasonings. Never feed raw potatoes, as they contain solanine, a natural compound that can be toxic to dogs, especially puppies. Avoid fried or processed foods like fries, chips, or mashed potatoes with dairy. When introducing potatoes—or any new food—avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day so you can monitor for any food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new ingredient at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Start by offering a teaspoon of plain, unseasoned, cooked potato, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before offering more. This slow, careful approach helps prevent tummy troubles while allowing your puppy to enjoy nutritious, dog-safe food.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to potatoes that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be a safe and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when served properly. The key is to always cook them thoroughly, peel off the skin, and avoid any added seasonings, butter, or oils. While potatoes offer fiber, vitamins, and energy-boosting carbs, they should only be given in moderation and never raw, as raw potatoes contain solanine. This is a compound harmful to dogs. By preparing potatoes the right way and feeding them in small portions, you can offer your dog a tasty treat that fits within a balanced, healthy diet. As always, introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.

Whether you’re introducing pineapple or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Potato fiber as a dietary fiber source in dog foods
2. Effect of potato on kibble characteristics and diet digestibility and palatability to adult dogs and puppies
3. Starch characterization of commercial extruded dry pet foods