[Unbelievable Facts] Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins?

Who does not love a pet animal? And what good is it if your pet is a dog? Dogs are the most adorable goddamn pet animals and are considered to be man’s best friend. They are lovely, and friendly and become great companions.

One of the most frequently asked questions by dog owners is, “Can dogs eat potato skins?” The answer is both yes and no. It depends on how the potato skin is prepared. If it is boiled or baked with the flesh still attached, then it is perfectly safe for your dog to consume.

However, if the potato skin is fried or has been seasoned with salt, spices, or other condiments, then it is best to avoid feeding it to your dog as it can cause stomach upset or even be toxic. So, if you are wondering whether you should give your four-legged friend some of those yummy potato skins, just remember to check the preparation first.

Are Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Dogs can eat potatoes. Potatoes are not only safe for dogs but are also packed with nutrients that can be beneficial to your dog’s health. Potatoes become an excellent source of energy and help to maintain a healthy weight.

Potatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which are essential for your dog’s health. Vitamin C, Potassium, Carbohydrates, Protein, Vitamin B6, and Iron, are the main components found in potatoes.

A medium-sized potato with the skin on will provide around 30% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake.

One of the significant benefits of feeding potatoes to your dog is that they are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are slowly digested and absorbed, which means they provide a slow and steady release of energy. They are also excellent food for active or working dogs since they help to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.

Potatoes are also a good source of fiber, which is important for keeping your dog’s digestive system healthy. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool and can also help to regulate bowel movements.

Is Potato Skin Good for Dogs?

Potato skins are not safe for dogs to eat and can cause them to become sick. Potato skins contain solanine and oxalates, which are toxins that can be harmful to dogs. So it’s better to avoid giving potato skins to your dog.

Solanine:

Solanine is a glycoalkaloid poison found in nightshade plants, including potatoes. Solanine is produced naturally as a defense mechanism against predators and can be found in all parts of the potato plant, including the leaves, stem, flowers, fruits, and tubers. When dogs eat the skin of potatoes, they may show signs of solanine poison.

Signs of Solanine Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs that have eaten potato skins may exhibit the following signs of solanine poisoning:

• Weakness
• Diarrhea, vomiting, and other kinds of gastrointestinal upset
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Breathing problems 
• Heart problems, such as cardiac dysrhythmia
• Pupil dilation
• Vision problems
• Seizures
• Fever
• Throat pain

Oxalates:

Potato skin also contains high levels of oxalate. Oxalates are compounds found in many plants that act as a defense mechanism to stop the plants from being eaten. If ingested, oxalates can be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can cause metabolic imbalance and/or kidney failure.

Over 80% of kidney stones are formed by calcium oxalate, which develops in the body after ingesting foods like spinach, rhubarb, rice bran, buckwheat, almonds, and potatoes.

Dogs with oxalate poisoning may experience specific symptoms. There is a difference between the symptoms of soluble oxalate poisoning and insoluble oxalate poisoning. Some symptoms of soluble oxalate poisoning include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Excessive salivation
• Heart rhythm abnormality
• Blood in urine
• Tremors
• Symptoms of kidney failure, such as polyuria (frequent urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst)

So it’s better to avoid giving potato skins to your dog. If you think your dog has eaten potato skins and is showing any of the above signs, then it’s better to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

 

How do you feed potatoes to your dogs?

It is essential to choose the right food for your dog to maintain optimal health. Though there are many cheaply made and unhealthy options on the market, feeding potatoes to your dogs can provide them with a range of nutrients that are essential for their health.

Here are five ways to feed potatoes to your dogs:

1. Boiled potato slices

Boiling potatoes removes any harmful toxins that may be present on the skin. Slicing the potato into thin pieces makes it easy for your dog to eat and digest.

2. Mashed potatoes 

Mashed potatoes are a soft food option that is easy for dogs to eat. You can add other healthy ingredients to the mashed potatoes, such as carrots or green beans, to improve their nutrient intake.

3. Baked potato wedges 

Baked potato wedges offer a crunchy alternative to other potato-based dog foods. Make sure that the wedges are not too thick, as this can make them difficult to chew.

4. Potato Pancakes 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make potato pancakes for your dog. 

Start by shredding two cups of potatoes. In a separate bowl, whisk together two eggs and ¼ cup of flour. Add the shredded potatoes to the egg mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

Next, heat up some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. 

Scoop ¼ cup of butter into the pan for each pancake and cook until both sides are golden brown. 

Let the pancakes cool before feeding them to your furry friend.

5. Potato Soup 

Finally, for a warm and comforting meal, try making potato soup for your dog. 

Start by boiling some chopped potatoes in water until they’re soft.

Then, mash the potatoes and add them to a pot with chicken broth, carrots, green beans, and celery. 

Bring the soup to a boil and then let it simmer for 10 minutes before ladling it into bowls for you and your pup to enjoy.

 

Conclusion:

So, can dogs eat potato skins? The answer is no – at least not in large quantities. While potatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat, the skin and eyes of potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. If you want to give your dog some mashed potatoes as a special treat, make sure to remove the skin first.

And always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about what foods are safe for your particular pet. Thanks for reading. Be sure to visit our blog regularly for more tips on keeping your furry friends happy and healthy.