Can dogs eat russet potatoes?
In this article, we will answer the query, “Can dogs eat russet potatoes?” along with some other questions like what is the nutritional value of russet potatoes? Can dogs eat raw potatoes? Can dogs eat potato skin? Can dogs eat mashed potatoes? What are the risks of consuming too many potatoes?
Can dogs eat russet potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat russet potatoes. Dogs can consume russet potatoes if they are cooked. Raw russet potatoes are dangerous for your dog’s health. It is very important that you should properly cook the potatoes. Raw russet potatoes have a poisonous alkaloid known as solanine. This compound is poisonous to your dog.
What is the nutritional value of russet potatoes?
Following are the nutritional benefits of russet potatoes:
Potassium
Potassium is one important mineral in potatoes. Potassium is essential in lowering blood sugar levels in the body. Russet potatoes have an adequate amount of potassium in them.
Antioxidants
Potatoes have vitamin C in them, which is a very potent antioxidant. Antioxidants lower the unwanted inflammatory process in the body. One of the antioxidants is quercetin. Vitamin C and quercetin reduce the growth of cancer cells in the body and improve the overall health of the body.
Vitamin C is also an immune booster in the body. Vitamin C helps in the promotion of immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Vitamin C protects the body and prevents any kind of infection in the body.
Fiber
Fiber is one of the components of most vegetables. Fiber improves digestion by improving bowel movements in the body. This prevents many digestive problems like constipation.
Your pet needs a balanced diet to live a healthy life. A balanced diet prevents many gastrointestinal upsets in the body.
Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. It is important that you should consult your vet before giving or changing any kind of food. All dogs are not the same; although they belong to the same family, the environment modifies their body system.
Sweet potatoes have many vitamins and minerals which are essential for the normal functioning of the body. These vitamins and minerals are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
Iron plays an important role in the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin which is a protein in the red blood cells of the body that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body organs.
Vitamin A has a role in vision. The deficiency of vitamin A can cause night blindness.
Can dogs eat raw potatoes?
No, dogs cannot eat raw potatoes. Raw potatoes have solanine which is a toxic compound in the potatoes. Moreover, raw potatoes are high in carbohydrates which are deadly if fed to a diabetic dog.
One other problem with the high amount of carbs is obesity. If a dog consumes too many raw potatoes, there is a likely chance his weight will increase over time. The excess amount of carbohydrates are converted into fats by the liver. You know well that fats are responsible for obesity in dogs.
Can dogs eat potato skin?
Yes, dogs can eat potato skin but in moderation. Potato skin is crunchy, and it tastes good, but you should keep in mind the quantity you are offering to your dog. Why is quantity important? This is because potato skin has a compound known as oxalate.
Oxalate is responsible for kidney stone formation. Most kidney stones are made up of calcium oxalate. Keep the potato skin consumption in moderation.
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat mashed potatoes. They are safe for your dog. The mashed potato recipe takes time to prepare. The thing you should keep in mind while preparing this recipe is to keep it plain. Do not add any kind of seasonings or sauce to it.
Please do not add onion and garlic in mashed potato recipes, as both of them are toxic for your dog, even in small quantities.
So far, we have discussed the beneficial effects of potatoes and their varieties. Now let’s discuss the harmful effects of potatoes.
What are the risks of consuming too many potatoes?
Although potatoes are a healthy diet to consume for your dog, it has some harmful effects if consumed in large quantities. Following are the signs and symptoms of consuming too many potatoes:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Weakness due to dehydration
Recent studies about dog food containing potatoes show that consuming potatoes for a long period of time can cause canine dilated cardiomyopathy. In this condition, a dog’s heart is unable to pump enough blood into the circulation.
Other FAQs about Potatoes that you may be interested in.
Why do rotten potatoes smell so bad?
Why soak potatoes before frying?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the query, “Can dogs eat russet potatoes?” We also discussed other questions like what is the nutritional value of russet potatoes? Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Can dogs eat mashed potatoes? Can dogs eat raw potatoes? What are the harmful effects of consuming too many russet potatoes? And can dogs eat potato skin?
References
https://petfoodfuss.com/dogs/can-dogs-eat-russet-potatoes/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10118-night-blindness-nyctalopia
https://www.animalcareclinicjc.com/news/2021/1/4/can-dogs-eat-potatoes
https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-potatoes/
