Expert consulted: 
Whether fried, baked, or mashed, potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. And that extends to our four-legged friends! But just because your pup will willingly gobble up food from the table doesn’t mean they always should. In this case, is it safe for dogs to eat potatoes? We asked a veterinarian for the full low-down. Note: If you have concerns about your pet's health, contact your vet immediately.
Can dogs eat potatoes?
Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food, says potatoes are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, this healthy vegetable is packed with several essential vitamins and minerals that are good for pups.
"They've got high digestibility and they're good for energy," Dr. Bernal says. This starchy veggie is a great topping for kibble, and it can also be served alongside some of your dog's other favorite foods. But here’s the catch: be sure to wash and fully cook the potatoes before serving them. This will ensure your pooch can easily chew and digest them. The same goes for sweet potatoes, which are a good source of immune-boosting beta-carotene for dogs.
Also important: the potatoes should be plain, and not mixed with seasonings such as garlic and onion, or high-fat dairy products such as butter and sour cream. While these ingredients make potatoes extra delicious for the human palette, they’re unhealthy for pets. Sadly, this does means dogs should not eat mashed potatoes. As animal expert and veterinarian Dr. Tricia Earley explains, the high butter content won’t sit well in your dog’s stomach and could cause gastrointestinal distress. So avoid scraping your plate into the dog bowl once you’re finished with dinner.
Can dogs eat raw potatoes?
As part of the nightshade family, potatoes contain solanine, a type of natural defense compound that can be toxic at high levels. Cooking the vegetable reduces solanine to safe levels, so, as mentioned above, potatoes must be fully baked, boiled, or cooked before your dog can eat them. Raw potatoes are a no-go.
Can dogs eat potato skin?
If your pooch happens to catch a scrap or two while you’re peeling potatoes, don’t fret! A few bites of potato skin won’t harm them. Overall, though, raw potato skins are best left to the compost bin.
What are other dog-safe foods?
Curious what else your furry friend can enjoy? Dr. Earley says well-cooked turkey (minus the gravy!) is a huge hit around the holidays, and sweet potatoes and pumpkin (not pie, which is too high in sugar) are both dog-approved.
Per Dr. Earley, green beans and cranberries are also dog-safe, but you’ll definitely want to avoid raisins and chocolate. If your pet does happen to ingest something you wish they hadn't, it's best to call your vet right away.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
Dr. Tricia Earley is Country Living's resident veterinarian helping separate fur fact from fiction. Dr. Earley received her undergraduate and veterinary degree from Texas A&M university. She practiced in central and north Texas for 25 years, including with The PARC clinic, with an interest in internal medicine and ultrasonography. She has appeared in a number of educational videos for television and continuing education. Dr. Earley also enjoyed a competitive career in the equestrian sport of dressage. She is now retired and living in Virginia where she and her husband care for their many animals and maintain their farm as a sanctuary for the vast amount of local wildlife.
