Dogs can be known for eating just about anything, but we need only to give them safe food as responsible dog owners.
Let’s find out if dogs can eat mashed potatoes and what you need to beware of before serving to your dog.
Yes, dogs can eat mashed potatoes, however only in moderation. The mashed potatoes must be plain and not contain seasoning, cream or butter. This is the safest way to give your dog mashed potatoes.
While dogs can safely eat mashed potatoes, please note that mashed potatoes aren’t very beneficial for dogs and don’t have many nutrients. That is why it’s essential not to overfeed them mash. Make sure you leave room in their bellies for more healthy food options.
Moderation
A good balance is essential when feeding your dog. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat both meat and plant to keep healthy.
Overfeeding your dog mashed potatoes will only fill their bellies with mashed potatoes and not leave room for the healthiest stuff. That is why it’s essential only to provide your dog with a small portion.
How To Cook
Boil the potatoes in plain boiling water for around 20 minutes until soft, drain and mash them together, it’s that simple, and this is the safest way to serve mashed potatoes to your dog. Never add anything else such as seasoning, cream or butter.
Amount
The below is a guideline that will help you understand the portion sizes.
The amount of mashed potatoes below is added to your dog’s everyday food or given separately, like a treat!
- Small Dogs: Quarter tablespoon
- Medium Dog: Half a tablespoon
- Large Dog: Heaped tablespoon
- Extra Large Dog: Two Heaped tablespoon
PLEASE NOTE: You should consult a veterinarian whenever you provide new food to a dog.
Carbohydrates
Mashed potatoes are high in carbohydrates and lack the nutrients necessary to maintain your dog’s health. Although dogs need carbs, especially if they are very active, It’s all about balance!
Carbs play an essential role in energy. However, too many carbs that aren’t burnt off your dog can gain weight.
Carbohydrates Food List
Dogs can eat other types of carbohydrates. Here is a table to help you choose the best food for your dog. Click on each food to learn more about how to feed them to your dog safely.
| Safe or Unsafe | Food item |
|---|---|
| Safe | Mashed potato |
| Safe | Jacket potato |
| Safe | Pasta |
| Safe | Parsnips |
| Safe | Porridge |
Weight
If your dog is overweight and not very active, you should avoid giving them any mashed potatoes. Just stick with their everyday good quality food.
If you would like to treat an overweight dog to something tasty, try something like boiled carrots, sprouts, or boiled chicken.
Obese Dogs
Dogs with weight problems have a shorter lifespan and can develop serious health issues such as the below.
- Back problems
- Breathing problems
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Heatstroke
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
Dangers of Raw Potatoes
Can my dog eat raw potatoes?
No, it would be best not to feed your dog raw potatoes because they are high in solanine before the cooking process. When a potato goes through a cooking phase, this reduces the solanine, making it much safer for consumption.
Solanine Reaction In Dogs
Solanine can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and heart problems, and difficulty breathing can also be fatal if consumed enough.
Symptoms of Solanine Poisoning in Dogs
- Agitation
- Convulsions
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Heart Problems
- Kidney Failure
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Any signs of the above, you must contact a veterinarian.
Poisonous Amount of Solanine to a Dog
- 3 to 6 mg per 1 kg of body weight
How much is mg of solanine in a raw potato?
There is between 0.1 and 0.4 mg of solanine per one gram of raw potato.
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes are okay for dogs to eat but remember in moderation and plain mashed potatoes only, and make sure not to give raw potatoes to your dog. You’re safe to give your dog mashed potatoes by following this advice.
