Leftover food is often used as dog food. If they contain boiled potatoes, that's completely fine. But be careful with raw or even green potatoes - eating them can lead to symptoms of poisoning in dogs and many other animals.
Are potatoes safe for dogs?
Potatoes are safe for dogs if they are peeled, cooked and fed without green spots or germs. Raw, green or sprouted potatoes contain solanine, which can cause symptoms of poisoning in dogs.
Why are potatoes poisonous to dogs?
The solanine contained in potatoes, an alkaloid from the nightshade family, is not only harmful to humans but also to dogs. Solanine is mainly concentrated in the peel, in the germs and in green areas.
The pulp contains a small amount and after cooking there is hardly any left. Consuming peeled and boiled potatoes is therefore harmless.
Preparing potatoes for dogs
- always peel and cook
- remove green spots and germs
- do not feed the peel of boiled jacket potatoes
- Pour away the cooking water
What symptoms of poisoning can occur?
The extent to which the dog is affected depends on its weight and constitution. Can occur:
- Mucosal irritation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Convulsions, disruption of brain functions
Which other animals are affected?
Raw, sprouted and green potatoes as well as the potato herb and berries are poisonous to cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and birds, among others. Cooked potatoes can be fed in moderation.
Tips & Tricks
Digging is fun for most dogs. Since potato weeds and potato berries are also poisonous, it is better not to let your dog near the potato patch.