Are Potatoes Poisonous to Dogs?
Solanum tuberosum · Solanaceae (nightshade)
Potatoes are safe for dogs in moderation — with some precautions.
Important precautions
This is a conditional case. RAW, GREEN, or SPROUTED potatoes (and potato skins, leaves, and stems) contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids and should NOT be fed to dogs. PLAIN, fully COOKED potatoes (boiled, baked, or mashed) are generally safe in moderation because cooking substantially reduces glycoalkaloid levels. Caveats: (1) Must be plain - no butter, milk, salt, garlic, onion, or other seasonings (garlic and onion are themselves toxic). (2) Never feed green or discolored skins; remove any green parts and sprouts. (3) Cut into small soft pieces to avoid choking. (4) Treats including potato should be no more than ~10% of daily calories; potatoes are starchy/high-carb so large amounts risk GI upset and weight gain. (5) Introduce gradually in small amounts and monitor. (6) Avoid fried, salted, or seasoned forms such as French fries and chips. (7) Note: this entry covers white/regular potatoes (Solanum tuberosum); sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a different plant and are not in the nightshade family.
If your dog ate a risky form — the peel, seeds, pit, green/raw parts, or a product containing xylitol — treat it as urgent: call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.
Frequently asked questions
- Are raw potatoes dangerous for dogs?
- Yes. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid toxin from the nightshade family, which is highest in raw, green, and sprouted potatoes. Eating raw potato can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and muscle weakness, and large amounts can affect the nervous system. Avoid feeding raw potato; cook it plainly first.
- Can dogs eat plain cooked potatoes?
- In moderation, yes. Cooking substantially lowers solanine, so plain boiled, baked, or mashed potato with no butter, salt, garlic, onion, or seasoning is generally safe as an occasional treat. Keep it to a small portion (treats should be under ~10% of daily calories) since potatoes are starchy and can cause GI upset in large amounts.
- What about green potatoes, sprouts, and skins?
- Avoid them. Green-skinned, sprouted potatoes and the potato plant's leaves and stems have the highest glycoalkaloid levels and are the most likely to cause solanine poisoning. Remove any green parts and sprouts, and do not feed green skins. If your dog eats green or raw potato and shows vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or incoordination, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
Sources
Related plants & foods
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Toxicity can vary with the amount eaten, your dog's size, and individual sensitivity. If you suspect poisoning, contact a veterinarian or poison-control hotline immediately.