From the UC Davis School of Medicine: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.While the most common cause of DCM is genetic, on rare occasions other factors can also result in the condition, particularly in breeds that are not frequently affected.”.The humble potato — the makings of french fries, hash browns, tater tots, and many other essential comfort foods.A dog’s body is designed to get most of its nutrients from animal protein, so if you decide to feed your pup baked or boiled potatoes, it should be done in moderation.Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isn’t safe for their canine companions to eat.
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Can Dogs Have Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Potato Skins, or Raw
Potatoes are popular root vegetables that serve as a source of starch and other nutrients for humans.Potatoes provide a common source of starch and protein in commercial dog foods.If you decide to feed your dog part of a white potato, it must be well-cooked with no added butter or seasoning.Vegetables with an orange color contain beta-carotene, which is a precursor for vitamin A and an antioxidant that helps boost immunity.Boiled, steamed, baked, or dehydrated sweet potatoes can be great snacks for your dog.However, check with your veterinarian before adding sweet potato to your dog’s diet because too much vitamin A can cause bone problems and muscle weakness. .
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
The next time you have potato scraps on your plate, feel free to scrape leftovers into your pup's bowl after dinner.Improve the health of your dog's skin, coat, and muscle strength by serving him foods rich in protein.Country Living animal expert and veterinarian Dr. Tricia Earley shared her tips with us: Well-cooked turkey (minus the gravy!).You want to avoid mashed potatoes, Dr. Earley explains, due to the high butter content, which won't sit well on your dog's stomach. .
Are potatoes a healthy snack for my dog?
But when your pooch is on a life stage-appropriate, complete and balanced diet, there’s no need for the additional nutrients and calories from potatoes.Boiling or baking the potato are the best ways to get rid of or significantly reduce solanine.Eating potatoes could lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar, which can have harmful consequences in diabetic dogs.However, the skin of potatoes contains oxalates which can be harmful to dogs if eaten in excess.Eating too many potato skins may increase a dog’s risk of kidney issues.The best way to protect your pet from these oxalates is to offer potato skins to your dog sparingly.Onion, garlic powders, and a variety of other seasonings can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.Also, salt is an important predisposing factor for dehydration and kidney problems, especially when your dog consumes too many salty foods frequently.Fortunately, cooking reduces solanine levels, making these veggies safe for your dog.There have been reports about the link between certain pet foods and an increase in DCM cases in dogs.The major ingredients of these pet foods include potatoes, peas, lentils, and other types of legume seeds.Starting in July 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating reports of an increase in the incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that were on grain-free diets.The multi-pronged investigation participated in by the FDA, veterinary professionals, and pet owners continue to be an ongoing endeavor.But the exact cause for the apparent increase in diet-related DMC continues to remain a mystery.For potatoes to be safe for canine consumption, they must be fully cooked with no added seasonings and flavor enhancers.Substances found in potatoes, like solanine and oxalates, can cause a variety of health risks for dogs. .
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Make sure to get it before any illnesses arise, like those from eating raw potatoes, and you’ll have up to 90% of your expenses reimbursed.Potatoes contain a number of nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.These nutrients are beneficial for both humans and dogs, which implies that feeding them to your furry friend isn’t a bad thing by itself.Dogs’ bodies are designed to get most of their nutrients from animal protein, so if you decide to feed your pet potatoes, make sure it’s done in moderation.If your dog suffers from diabetes, avoid potatoes altogether as they could cause blood sugar spikes.Like other vegetables belonging to the nightshade family (such as tomatoes and eggplants), raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs.However, you can combine them with a scoop of plain Greek yogurt or other dog-friendly cooked veggies such as sweet peas and carrots.Avoid feeding your pup with solid potato chunks as they’re very difficult to digest and can obstruct the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.As mentioned before, even though your pup can enjoy the occasional potato, if eaten raw, this veggie does come with certain risks to dogs.If your dog has consumed raw potato and is experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your vet immediately.If there’s vomiting or diarrhea, your vet will likely prescribe drugs to correct it or fluids and electrolytes in case the animal is at risk of dehydration.Recent research also suggests that dog kibbles with potatoes as a main ingredient might be associated with canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).DCM is a disease of the cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to pump blood through the vascular system.Potatoes are high in calories and complex, starch-heavy carbohydrates, so consuming too many of them may also result in weight gain which, in turn, might lead to diseases and illnesses as your pup ages.Never feed your pup raw sweet potatoes because they’re hard to chew and they could easily upset their stomach or even cause intestinal blockage. .
The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
Sweet potatoes originated in the Americas in the 15th century, becoming a staple crop with the arrival of Christopher Columbus.In love with the taste, Columbus eventually brought the orange potato back to Spain, and by the 16th century they quickly dominated European gardens.Although both are underground tuber vegetables, yams are drier and starchier than sweet potatoes and are typically only found in specialty markets.For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content.Have you ever wondered what gives sweet potatoes their yellow, gold, or orange (and sometimes even purple) coloring?Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while simultaneously providing protection against heart disease.“Each Beta-carotene converts to two molecules of Vitamin A in your dog’s body, which is essential for your dog’s vision, bone growth, skin and reproduction,” Steve Doerr, Technical Director and Research and Development Scientist at Redbarn Pet Products said.”.One of the main reasons for adding fiber to a dog’s diet is to encourage regular, healthy bowel movements.Some diets have higher fiber content to displace calories, increase a feeling of fullness, and help a pet lose weight.When observing your dog, If you see your pet repeatedly straining then a vet check is strongly advised.According to PETMD, sweet potatoes are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs.Because they contain more carbohydrates, white potatoes can potentially be one of many factors to cause blood sugar problems and obesity.That said, sweet potatoes are also primarily carbohydrates so don’t go overboard and only add a limited amount to your dog’s diet.“Pet owners should consult a veterinarian before feeding sweet potatoes to dogs, as too much vitamin A can cause bone problems and muscle weakness, and a sudden increase in fiber could create gastrointestinal issues, so start slow!”. .
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Read Before You Feed
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer to the question “can dogs eat potatoes?” Human foods don’t always make an easy transition into the canine world.That’s why it’s important to understand if and how to offer dogs a piece of that delicious potato dish, so that both you and your pet can enjoy your meals safely and happily.Although this root vegetable is packed with fibre and has many vitamins and minerals, it’s always best to offer it to your dog in moderation with their meal or as an occasional treat.Other fruits or vegetables such as sweet potatoes are not typically necessary and if offered in large quantities, this can lead to health problems in the long run.Yes, as long as the potatoes are roasted and not boiled and no salt, seasonings, milk or butter is added your pet can enjoy this all-time favourite dish.However, the levels of solanine are reduced when the potatoes are cooked (so long as they aren’t boiled) which is why it’s always best to roast them before offering a bite to your pet.If you suspect your dog ate a piece (or more) of raw potato, watch out for symptoms of solanine intoxication which might include vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy. .
Are White Potatoes Bad for Dogs? – The Honest Kitchen
As with many pet food trends, certain ingredients tend to become ostracized (or promoted) due to marketing initiatives and inaccurate rumor mills.Significant quantities of molybdenum, chromium and selenium can also be found just beneath the potato’s skin.A study by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service tested more than 100 white potato varieties, and discovered 60 different vitamins and phytochemicals including flavonoids, which support immunity, heart health and protect against some types of cancer.The bookby Paul Pitchford (which is many holistic vets’ go-to for nutrition information, with its Traditional Chinese Medicine food attributes) characterizes white potatoes as being able to neutralize body acids and actually reduce some causes of inflammation and rheumatism.The potatoes we use in our dog foods are cleaned, steam peeled and flash heated to help break down the cellulose, aiding with digestion.She is passionate about advanced nutrition and holistic health including complementary modalities such as herbalism and homeopathy.She also recently authored Dog Obsessed, a guide to a happier, healthier life for the pup you love.When it comes to food allergies, the diet should be adjusted to suit what the individual animal can and can’t tolerate, and potatoes should simply be avoided, along with any other intolerable ingredients, if the pet is sensitive to them. .
Sweet Potatoes for Dogs
Adding veggies to your dog’s diet can have loads of health benefits (as long as you skip the marshmallow topping).‘Taters, yams, spuds … whatever you call them, sweet potatoes can be a great addition to your dog’s food (in moderation, of course).According to Harvard University’s School of Public Health, sweet potatoes are one of the top sources for beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.This antioxidant can help aid the immune system and lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.Sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamins C and B5, copper, calcium, dietary fiber, potassium, and iron.Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively in order for your dog to produce healthy stools.This makes their sweet potato chews, fries, and mini bites a safe and healthy dog treat alternative that you can give your pups without worry.Sweet Potato Fries Dog Treats $12.49 At Wholesome Pride, our mission is to create a better, healthier, treat—using 100% real ingredients.That’s why we work with farmers in the US and around the world to sustainably source and produce delicious and nutrient-rich treats made with farm fresh ingredients.Sweet Potato Chews Dog Treats $12.49 $10.99 At Wholesome Pride, our mission is to create a better, healthier, treat—using 100% real ingredients.That’s why we work with farmers in the US and around the world to sustainably source and produce delicious and nutrient-rich treats made with farm fresh ingredients.Sweet Potato Bites Dog Treats $16.99 At Wholesome Pride, our mission is to create a better, healthier, treat—using 100% real ingredients.That’s why we work with farmers in the US and around the world to sustainably source and produce delicious and nutrient-rich treats made with farm fresh ingredients. .