Potatoes are an essential in every kitchen.
There’s just so many things you can do with the vegetable! It’s easy to cook and tasty.
I always have potatoes in my house. After all, I am a sucker for mashed potatoes, potato wedges, and fries!
And, whenever I make something, my furry friend likes to beg for it.
But, it’s not always a good idea to feed your dog human food.
After all, a lot of common ingredients in your kitchen may prove to be fatal for your furry friend.
So, it is a good idea to look common human foods up before you give it to your doggy.
In this article, I will answer the question, “Can dogs have raw potatoes?” in as much detail as I can.
So, let’s start!
Can Dogs Have Raw Potatoes Without Any Problems?
Potatoes are safe for dogs to consume but only if they’re ripe, fully mature and cooked.
Potatoes are healthy for humans; it is a good idea to not feed any parts of a raw potato or potato skins to your furry friend as they contain toxins.
While a small amount of the peeled tuber doesn’t post too much risk for your dog, it is always preferable if you stick to the cooked kind and, that also, in moderation.
Following are the kind safe for your dog:
Baked
Boiled
Mashed
Plainly prepared
You can feed potatoes to your furry friend in moderation and, that too, on occasion.
Potatoes are rich in nutrition and will provide your furry friend with essential nutrients such as:
Potassium for the regulation of blood pressure
Vitamin B and C
Carbohydrates for energy
However, you can only give your doggy friend limited quantities of potatoes so; the health benefits will be negligible.
Potatoes are versatile and are an essential ingredient for several yummy treats.
However, you need to keep your dog away from things like potato chips, french fries, baked potatoes, and potato skins as they contain a significant number of toppings that might not be safe for your dog.
Frying oils, excess salt, seasonings, etc. are not suitable for dogs either.
Carbohydrates and Canines: What’s the Deal?
We all know that potatoes are rich sources of starch and carbohydrates.
While active dogs easily burn off these calories by running around, those who aren’t so active can be weighed down.
Dogs do need carbohydrates in their diet but, an excess of carbs can cause your dog to gain weight.
So, you shouldn’t give your dog too many potatoes.
Good quality dog foods contain the right balance of all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.
This means that you don’t have to supplement your dog’s diet at all.
What To Look Out For: Symptoms of Potato Poisoning
Feeding your dog raw potatoes isn’t a good idea because they contains toxins that can wreak havoc on your dog’s system.
The symptoms of raw potato poisoning actually depend upon the amount of chaconine and solanine present in the potato skins or potatoes your doggy friend got his paws on and the size of the dog.
In most cases, the symptoms are mild unless your dog is ill, small in size, or had a large amount of potatoes in a short amount of time.
Following are the symptoms:
Bleeding
Burning of the throat
Cardiac dysrhythmia
Death
Delirium
Difficulty breathing
Dilated pupils
Dizziness
Excess drooling
Fever
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea
Headache
Jaundice
Loss of sensation
Low body temperature (hypothermia)
Numbness and burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and lips
Paralysis
Progressive paralysis
Seizures
Shock
Slow pulse
Slowed breathing
Swelling of tongue or lips
Trembling
Vision changes
Vomiting
Weakness
If you begin to see any of these symptoms listed above, call the vet as soon as possible and seek emergency treatment.
Time is of the essence if you want to save your furry friend’s life.
Causes of Potato Poisoning
A chemical called acetylcholine which is essential in transmitting nerve impulses is interrupted which causes the Solanine symptoms.
Acetylcholine also causes damage to the cell membrane and can lead to irritation in the intestinal tract as well as the nervous system.
These chemicals are found in the following:
Green potatoes
Potato foliage
Raw potato skins
Sprouts grown on potatoes
It is always a good idea to keep your dog as far away from raw potatoes as possible.
Final Words: Can Dogs Have Raw Potatoes?
No, dogs cannot have raw potatoes as they contain two very harmful toxins named chaconine and solanine that can wreak havoc on your dog’s system.
Following are the kind safe for your dog to consume if given in moderate quantities:
Baked
Boiled
Mashed
Plainly prepared
Feeding your furry friend raw potatoes can have aversive consequences including bleeding, dizziness, seizures, excessive weakness, vomiting, vision changes, etc.
If you see any aversive symptoms, you need to call your vet immediately and seek emergency medical help.
I hope this article is helpful in answering the question, can dogs have raw potatoes.