Everyone is gearing up for a Thanksgiving feast filled with turkey and mashed potatoes—even your pets will want to get in on the fun! After all, the smell of all those holiday flavors is sure to garner a few puppy eyes from your four-legged friends. But before you give any dog a plate of their own, you’ll need to know: Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?
In case you didn’t already know, dogs can eat turkey when prepared properly and the Drummond dogs have been known to “really love gravy,” Ree Drummond says. But how about the popular Thanksgiving side dishes? If you’ve prepared Ree’s creamy mashed potatoes, then you might be wondering if your pup can gobble up a scoop, too. And while you’re here… what other potato dishes are safe for your dog to eat?
Here’s what Dr. Nita Vasudevan, Veterinary Consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, has to say on the matter.
So, Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Dr. Vasudevan confirmed that potatoes are safe for dogs to eat as long as you take a few precautions. “Dogs can eat potatoes, but it’s important to prepare them correctly and understand their nutritional impact and potential risks,” she says, “They should always be cooked—never raw. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound that can be harmful to dogs and cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and more. Cooked potatoes are more digestible, and cooking breaks down solanine.”
Your best bet is to cook the potatoes simply by boiling or baking chunks without any seasonings. As much as you might love garlicky potatoes or potatoes with a hint of chili powder, your dog will be better off enjoying them without the added flavorings.
“Avoid frying potatoes or adding seasonings, which are difficult for dogs to digest and can cause health issues,” Dr. Vasudevan further explains.
Health Benefits of Potatoes for Dogs
While potatoes aren’t necessarily considered a health food, there are some benefits when added to a balanced diet. “Potatoes contain essential nutrients like vitamin C, B6, and potassium, and they provide a good source of fiber,” Dr. Vasudevan says, “However, they’re also high in starch, so moderation is key to prevent weight gain or blood sugar spikes.”
Are Mashed Potatoes Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Yes! Just like other cooked potatoes, mashed potatoes are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as long as they’re served plain.
“Holiday mashed potatoes often include added ingredients like butter, cheese, cream, and garlic—all of which can upset a dog’s stomach or lead to long-term health issues. Garlic and onion powder are especially toxic for dogs,” Dr. Vasudevan warns.
Avoid ingredients like cheese, cream, butter, garlic, or even salt, which can lead to digestive issues, obesity, and pancreatitis. Instead, give your dog a small amount of mashed potatoes before you go ahead and mix in your own seasonings.
Another helpful tip from Dr. Vasudevan: “Limit potatoes to occasional treats rather than regular meals. For most dogs, a couple of tablespoons of plain, cooked potatoes as a treat is enough. Puppies, elderly dogs, and those with diabetes or weight issues should eat potatoes sparingly, as the starch can lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain.”
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
