Yes, dogs can eat potatoes, but only when they're cooked plain and served in moderation. A little plain boiled or baked potato with nothing added is safe for most dogs. What you must never do is give raw potato, and especially not any potato that has turned green, because raw and green potatoes contain a natural toxin that is genuinely harmful to dogs. So the rule is simple: cooked and plain, yes; raw, green or seasoned, no.
Potatoes come up in the salon here in York whenever owners are dishing up a roast or clearing the veg drawer, and it's a fair question because the answer really does hinge on how they're prepared. Let's break it down.
Are potatoes good for dogs?
In small cooked amounts, a plain potato is a harmless carbohydrate. It won't do much for your dog nutritionally that their normal food doesn't already cover, but it's not a problem either. Potatoes offer some fibre, potassium and a little vitamin C, but they're also fairly starchy and calorie-dense, so they're best treated as an occasional extra rather than a regular feature.
- A source of energy: starchy carbohydrate, easy to overfeed.
- Some fibre and vitamins: minor benefits, nothing your dog needs.
- Calorie-dense: easy to add unwanted weight if overdone.
For dogs watching their weight, or with conditions like diabetes, potato is one to be cautious with, so check with your vet first.
The real danger: raw and green potatoes
This is the important bit. Raw potatoes, and any potato with green patches or sprouts, contain a compound called solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Solanine builds up when a potato is exposed to light and turns green, and cooking a plain potato properly reduces the levels considerably, which is why cooked potato is fine but raw is not.
- Never feed raw potato: it's hard to digest and higher in solanine.
- Never feed green potato: green patches signal high solanine, bin it.
- Cut out any sprouts or eyes: these concentrate the toxin too.
Signs of solanine poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in more serious cases, weakness or a slow heart rate. If you think your dog has eaten raw or green potato, ring your vet for advice.
> Vet note: If your dog eats raw or green potato and shows any sickness, wobbliness or unusual tiredness, contact your vet promptly. You can also ring the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (a paid UK service) to check whether a vet visit is needed.
How to serve potato safely
If you'd like to share a little potato, keep it plain and simple:
- Cook it fully: boiled, steamed or plain baked until soft.
- No seasoning at all: no salt, butter, oil, gravy, garlic or onion.
- Small portions: a spoonful of mash or a couple of small pieces is plenty.
- Skip the chips and roasties: fried and fat-laden potato is not suitable.
Plain cooked potato and sweet potato are both fine prepared this way. Whatever you serve, keep treats and extras under about 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the rest coming from balanced food. The PDSA's guidance on safe veg for dogs is a handy reference and confirms that raw potato should never be given.
What to avoid completely
The potato itself is only half the story. Steer clear of:
- Raw or green potatoes: toxic, never feed them.
- Chips, crisps and roast potatoes: too much fat and salt.
- Mashed potato with butter, cream or milk: rich and fatty.
- Anything with garlic or onion: both are toxic to dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat raw potato?
No. Raw potato is hard to digest and contains solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Only ever offer potato that has been cooked plain, and never give any potato that has turned green.
Can dogs eat mashed potato?
Only if it's plain, with no butter, milk, cream, salt or gravy added. A small spoonful of plain mash is fine, but the buttery, salty version we make for ourselves is not suitable.
Can dogs eat chips or roast potatoes?
It's best to avoid them. Chips and roasties are cooked in oil or fat and are usually salted, which isn't good for dogs. Stick to plain boiled or baked potato in small amounts.
Are sweet potatoes safe for dogs?
Yes, plain cooked sweet potato is safe in moderation and is a popular dog-friendly option. As with ordinary potato, serve it cooked and unseasoned, and never raw.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A balanced diet and a healthy weight make grooming easier and comfier for your dog. Book your dog in with Fluffs.