Should Dogs Eat Potato Peels? What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know
If you've ever wondered whether your dog can safely snack on potato peels, you're not alone. Potatoes themselves are a common ingredient in many dog foods and treats, but the skins—or peels—raise important questions about safety and nutrition. Let's break down what you need to know before sharing potatoes or their peels with your furry friend.
The Nutritional Side of Potatoes for Dogs
Potatoes are a source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and magnesium. When cooked thoroughly and served plain (no butter, cheese, garlic, or onion), they can be a safe treat for most dogs. However, the story changes when we look at raw potatoes and their skins.
What's in Potato Peels?
Potato skins contain solanine, a naturally occurring compound that's toxic to dogs in large amounts. The highest concentrations of solanine are found in green or sprouting areas of the potato and its skin. Additionally, potato skins are high in oxalates—compounds that can potentially cause kidney issues if consumed in excess.
- Solanine: Mostly in green/sprouting parts and skins; toxic if ingested in quantity.
- Oxalates: Present in skins; large amounts may affect kidney health.
Raw vs Cooked: Why It Matters
Raw potatoes and uncooked potato skins should never be fed to dogs. Cooking reduces solanine levels significantly. That's why boiled or baked potatoes—with the skins removed if possible—are much safer options for your pet.
How Much Is Too Much?
A small amount of cooked, plain potato skin is unlikely to harm most dogs. But moderation is key. Too many potato skins (or too much potato overall) can lead to gastrointestinal upset or constipation. For extra safety—especially if the skin has any green spots—remove it entirely before offering your dog any potato.
Risks of Potato Peel Consumption
- Toxicity from Solanine: Ingesting raw or green-skinned potatoes/peels can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain—and in severe cases—cardiac issues or confusion.
- Kidney Concerns: High oxalate content may impact kidney health over time if consumed regularly or in large quantities.
- Digestive Problems: Too much peel can result in constipation or stomach upset.
If you notice symptoms like vomiting or lethargy after your dog eats raw or green potato skin, contact your veterinarian right away.
The Right Way to Serve Potatoes to Dogs
- Only give fully cooked, unseasoned potatoes.
- Avoid fried preparations and skip all added salt or dairy products.
- If you choose to include some peel, make sure it's from well-cooked (not green) potatoes and keep portions tiny.
- Avoid dishes containing onions, garlic, chives, heavy fats, or high salt content—they're unsafe for dogs.
- Monitor your dog for any digestive upset after introducing new foods.
If you're wondering about portion sizes: for extra-small dogs (2–20 pounds), stick with just one teaspoon of cooked plain potato; small dogs (21–30 pounds) can have one to two teaspoons; medium breeds (31–50 pounds) two to three teaspoons; large breeds (51–90 pounds) one to two tablespoons; extra-large breeds (91+ pounds) three to four tablespoons. These guidelines help keep treats safe and prevent overfeeding.
Special Considerations: Diabetes and Heart Health
If your dog has diabetes—or is prone to blood sugar spikes—potatoes aren't a good choice since they can raise blood sugar levels quickly. There's also ongoing research into whether diets high in potatoes (especially grain-free formulas) might contribute to heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy in some breeds. So keep potatoes as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.
The Verdict on Potato Peels for Dogs
Your best bet? Remove the peel whenever possible before offering cooked potato as a treat. If your dog happens to eat a small amount of cooked plain peel by accident, it's unlikely they'll suffer harm—but don't make it a habit. Never feed raw peels or any part of green/sprouting potatoes.
If you want a safer alternative with more vitamins and fiber (and fewer risks), try sweet potatoes instead—but always serve them cooked and plain as well!
