Yes, dogs can eat red potatoes. They are healthy and provide ample nutrients to dogs. Make sure to remove the eyes and any green parts before feeding them to dogs.
Dogs are omnivorous creatures. They require meat and other foods to fulfill their nutrient requirements.
Apart from regular dog food, you can feed your dog various vegetables. These treats are not supposed to be an alternative to dog food, but they can be included in your dog’s diet to provide them with more nutrition.
One such vegetable is the red potato.
Can Dogs Eat Red Potatoes?
Dogs can eat red potatoes as they are low in calories and provide some essential nutrients to them. Avoid feeding red potato skin to dogs as it is difficult to digest and doesn’t provide much nutritional value.
Potatoes are used all around the world in various recipes. But can dogs eat red potatoes or are they only reserved for human consumption?
Dogs can eat red potatoes when cooked.
Raw red potato is harmful to them as it is tough to chew and digest.
Are Red Potatoes Good for Dogs?
Yes, red potatoes are good for dogs. They are high in carbohydrates but low in calories compared to white potatoes making them a good treat for dogs. They are also a source of several vital nutrients that dogs require in their daily diet.
All potatoes are rich in carbs and have a delicious flavor. Red potatoes have fewer calories compared to white potatoes. They also have a lower glycemic index[1] than the white ones which makes them a good choice for dogs suffering from diabetes.
Apart from calories, red potatoes are also full of vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B-6
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
- Proteins
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
You mustn’t overfeed red potatoes to your dog as they are not a substitute for regular dog food and can cause severe digestion problems.
Are Red Potatoes Bad for Dogs?
Red potatoes are good for dogs if fed in moderation. The green parts of a red potato are poisonous to dogs and should be removed carefully.
As with many things, overfeeding red potatoes to dogs can be dangerous. It can lead to digestion problems, upset stomach, and obesity if moderation is not exercised.
Another thing you should look out for is the green parts of the red potatoes. When red potatoes are exposed to sunlight, a chemical is produced in their skin which is poisonous to dogs. This chemical is called solanine.[2]
Solanine can cause toxicity in dogs which can lead to numerous health problems:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Slow heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
Avoid including any red potatoes with green patches in your dog’s food as they can lead to the above-mentioned conditions which can be uncomfortable to them.
What Are the Benefits/Risks of Feeding Red Potatoes to Dogs?
There are several health and nutritional benefits of feeding red potatoes to dogs. The various nutrients present in red potatoes keep dogs healthy, active, and help them fight various diseases.
Red potatoes are full of essential nutrients that dogs require in their diet.
They present several advantages and a few risks which you should be aware of before including them in your dog’s diet:
- Vitamin B-6 present in red potatoes helps in blood formation.
- Vitamin C strengthens the immune system.
- The potassium in potatoes aids in muscle development and improves cardiovascular health.
- Iron helps keep their hemoglobin levels maintained which improves oxygen flow in the bloodstream.
- Red potatoes also contain oxalates which can cause kidney stones. They are mostly present in the skin and removing the skin can eliminate oxalates in the potatoes.
- Solanine present in the skin can cause toxicity in dogs which lead to many health issues.
Nutritional Value of Red Potatoes
Red potatoes contain ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that dogs require to function effectively throughout the day.
They also contain high amounts of carbohydrates which are a vital part of a dog’s daily diet.
| Contents | Nutritional Value of Red Potatoes (100 Grams) |
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Water | 81 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15.9 g |
| Fats | 0.14 g |
| Proteins | 1.89 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Iron | 0.73 mg |
| Magnesium | 22 mg |
| Phosphorous | 61 mg |
| Potassium | 455 mg |
| Sodium | 18 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.17 mg |
Source: United States Department of Agriculture[3]
How to Prepare Red Potatoes for Dogs?
You can feed cooked red potatoes to dogs as it helps eliminate the presence of solanine, a harmful chemical. Avoid feeding raw red potatoes to your dog and peel the skin before feeding them.
Preparing red potatoes for your dog is easy. You can simply bake or boil them and feed them to your dog plain. Your dog will easily munch on the vegetable without much complaint.
Avoid adding any butter, garlic, salt, or onion to the red potatoes as these are not good for dogs.
Feeding small amounts of red potatoes once or twice a week is more than enough as excessive carbs in your dog’s diet can lead to obesity.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Red Potatoes?
No, dogs cannot eat raw red potatoes. Only cooked red potatoes should be fed to dogs. Raw red potatoes are difficult for dogs to chew and digest which can lead to severe digestion problems including constipation, upset stomach, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Red Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked red potatoes as they are good for their health. Cooking gets rid of any solanine present in the potatoes. Solanine is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.
Alternatives
Red potatoes are a great source of several essential nutrients for dogs. But there are other meals that provide similar or even better nutritional value to dogs than red potatoes.
Summary
Red potatoes are a great snack for dogs. You can include small amounts of them in your dog’s diet occasionally. They are not an alternative to regular dog food and should be given as a snack.
Red potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber and carbohydrates which are beneficial to dogs. Overfeeding them can result in digestion problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and gastrointestinal problems. You should consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
FAQs
Can Dogs Eat Red Skin Potatoes?
Red skin potatoes or red potatoes are good for dogs. You must remove the skin and cook the potatoes before feeding them to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Baby Red Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat baby red potatoes as they are healthy for them. Try not to overfeed red potatoes to your dog as it can cause solanine toxicity in them which can lead to severe complications.
Can Dogs Eat Bliss Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat bliss potatoes. Make sure there aren’t any green patches on the potatoes as they are toxic and can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
