If you are craving a tender yet firm potato salad or want to add pizzazz to your soups and stews, red potatoes will be the go-to because of their subtly sweet flavor.
However, you may have noticed that every time you serve yourself a plate of red potatoes, your furry friend will want to join in.
This leaves you wondering; can dogs eat red potatoes?
So, can dogs eat red potatoes?
Yes.
Red potatoes are particularly healthy for your dog as they are full of fiber, B vitamins, iron, and potassium, which help in maintaining a strong immune system.
The thin red skin is also high in fiber and helps with your dog’s digestion.
As you feed your fido the red potatoes, do it in moderation and always be on the lookout for any adverse reactions.
This article will dive into the health benefits, risks, and what you must consider before feeding your pup red potatoes.
Health benefits of red potatoes for your dog
Energy production
Vitamin B6 in red potatoes promotes energy production in dogs by facilitating adequate absorption of fats and proteins.
It is also responsible for hormone regulation and DNA synthesis and promotes a healthy immune system in dogs.
Hemoglobin formation
The iron in red potatoes makes hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the dog’s body and plays a significant role in forming red blood cells.
When your pet has enough red blood cells, it can produce energy at maximum levels.
Iron also promotes healthy liver function, increases vitality, and strengthens anemic dogs.
Energy transfer
Red potatoes have magnesium, which facilitates energy transfer in your dog’s muscles.
It also maintains normal nerve function and regulates blood sugar in dogs.
Aids digestion
Red potatoes are high in fiber, which aids in your dog’s digestion and improves gut health.
Good gut health in your pet will control its appetite, improve skin and coat health, and lowers blood pressure.
Aids in weight loss
Due to the high fiber in the red potatoes’ skin, they will be ideal for overweight dogs as they will make them feel fuller for a long time.
If your dog is diabetic, feeling fuller for an extended time will prevent blood sugar levels from spiking too high after a meal; hence red potatoes will benefit such dogs.
Simple red potato recipe for dogs
Ingredients
Five medium red potatoes
One cup of your dog’s favorite dry food.
Direction
Step 1: Wash the red potatoes thoroughly, dry them and pierce them with a fork.
Step 2: Place them in a bowl and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, until softened.
Step 3: Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.
Step 4: Once cooled, roll into balls, and serve to your adorable dog with its favorite dry food.
Risks of feeding red potatoes to dogs
When introducing red potatoes to your dog’s diet, familiarize yourself with the associated risks and know how to prevent them.
Most are avoidable by properly cooking the potatoes and feeding your dog in moderation.
Some of the risks include:
Red potatoes are high in carbohydrates which can cause a spike in your dog’s blood sugar, causing diabetes, when fed in large amounts. A high-carb diet can also lead to weight gain in dogs and trigger health complications such as heart disease and pancreatitis.
Raw red potato peels contain oxalates, a harmful compound to dogs’ kidneys, especially when eaten in large quantities.
An allergic reaction can occur when your dog eats red potatoes. Watch your dog closely as you introduce the meal to its diet. Some allergy symptoms to watch out for include swelling of body parts, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, fever, and weakness.
Red potatoes with patches of green skin have an elevated level of solanine, a highly poisonous compound in dogs.
If you are introducing red potatoes as a staple diet for your furry friend, start with once a week in small amounts.
As your dog gets used to the potatoes, increase the frequency to twice a week.
Plain or mashed potatoes will be okay when served in moderation.
Remember to follow the 10 percent rule, whereby the red potatoes should take only 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Mix in some vegetables and fruits with the red potatoes so that your pup gets an extra health kick.
Can dogs eat raw red potatoes?
No. As you prepare the red potatoes, your dog will be tempted to gulp some down when you are not looking.
This shouldn’t be a cause for concern if eaten in small amounts.
Raw red potatoes have high levels of solanine, a compound that is toxic to dogs.
When consumed in hgh amounts, the raw potatoes will cause poisoning.
A small amount will only make your dog vomit and have diarrhea.
A prompt visit to the vet will be appropriate on both occasions.
Raw red potatoes can also be difficult to chew, causing a choking hazard or blocking the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
No.
Raw red potatoes have high levels of solanine, a compound that is toxic to dogs.
When consumed in high amounts, red potatoes will cause poisoning.
A small amount might only make the dog vomit and have diarrhea.
It’s best to get a check-up on both occasions.
Raw red potatoes are also difficult to chew, which can cause a choking hazard or block the pet’s gastrointestinal tract.
What to consider before feeding your dog red potatoes
Don’t feed your fur friend red potatoes with green patches, as they can cause toxicity when consumed in large quantities.
Avoid frying the red potatoes you want to feed your dog, as they will lead to weight gain.
Keep the raw red potatoes away from your dog as they will cause harm to its digestive and immune system.
Watch the portion of the red potatoes that your dog eats. Start small and increase the amount depending on your dog’s needs. Throw some veggies into the mix to make a well-balanced meal for the dog.
As you prepare red potatoes for your dog, don’t add spices or salt as they will harm its health. Also, avoid adding onions and garlic as they will be toxic to your dog.
Contact your vet immediately if an allergic reaction occurs after your dog eats the red potatoes.
Yes, potatoes can cause constipation in dogs because of the high starch they contain.
Feed it to your dog in moderation.
Are sweet potatoes suitable for dogs?
Yes, sweet potatoes are suitable for dogs as they have a low glycemic index and contain essential minerals and vitamins that will add healthy goodness to your dog’s immune system.
To wrap up
Red potatoes will be a nutritious addition to your dog’s meal because of the health benefits they will provide.
As you prepare the red potatoes, keep the recipe simple and don’t add any ingredients that will upset your dog’s stomach.
The next time your canine gives you those sympathetic eyes for a bite of the red potatoes, go ahead and let him indulge.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
