When we want to have a high-five meal that makes us feel fuller for a long time, mashed potatoes are always our option. Besides, they offer many health benefits and are loaded with nutrients. As caring guardians, we may want our dogs to reap those benefits. But can dogs have mashed potatoes?
Luckily, dogs can eat mashed potatoes, as they contain no toxins if served in the right way. Since potatoes are not dog foods, dogs should have them in small quantities and infrequently. Besides, dogs can’t have mashed potatoes like we do. It means we need to follow some safety concerns before letting our canine friends eat this delicious treat.
Can Dogs Have Mashed Potatoes?
Like us, dogs can also enjoy the goodness of mashed potatoes. However, they can have them the way we do. We usually add salt, seasonings, spices, and butter to make the potato more luscious. These are not acceptable for mammals. Dogs should only have plain mashed potatoes, and that should be in moderation.
Potatoes are plant-based foods that all dogs can’t eat. So make sure first if your paw friend has any allergies or not. Most importantly, you must get your vet’s approval before introducing him to mashed potatoes or any human foods.
Benefits Of Having Mashed Potatoes For Dogs
Mashed potatoes can be beneficial for your dog if he takes them in moderate amounts. In general, potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. Your dog may reap these nutrients from a mashed potato. Vitamin A will improve his vision and body functions. Again, vitamin B6 will support his brain function and reduce the risk of cancer. Vitamin C will protect him from cell damage and scurvy.
Along with ample amounts of vitamins, mashed potatoes offer several minerals too. Such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Calcium is great for improving bone health, whereas iron increases the haemoglobin level. Potassium will regulate your dog’s blood sugar level and blood pressure. Meanwhile, magnesium will promote his muscle health and reduce stress.
Mashed potatoes are also high in antioxidant properties and fibre. The antioxidant properties will save dogs from the damage of free radicals. Besides, the high fibre content can regulate their bowel movement and treat constipation.
Other benefits of mashed potatoes include good metabolism and kidney function, prevention of cognitive ageing, and a better nervous system.
Risks Of Having Mashed Potatoes For Dogs
Mashed potatoes can be risky for dogs, especially when they have huge amounts of them. As said earlier, potatoes have high amounts of fibre. The more a dog ingests mashed potatoes, the more he ingests fibre, which can lead to an upset stomach. Besides, potatoes are high in glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels.
Eating more mashed potatoes can also make a dog consume more carbohydrates. We know carbohydrates turn into fats when stored. This can raise the blood sugar levels, which is not good for a diabetic dog. Also, the high amounts of carbs can make dogs gain weight and become obese.
The veggies that come from the Nightshade plant family, like potatoes, have solanine. This toxic compound is present in raw potatoes. This means that eating raw mashed potatoes is dangerous for dogs. Its solanine content can lead dogs to lethargy, weakness, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal upset, and so on. These are the signs of solanine toxicity.
We usually add salt, gravy, and seasonings to mashed potatoes to enhance their taste. Unfortunately, these ingredients are harmful to dogs, as they can’t ingest them. Also, adding spices like onion powder and garlic powder can pose serious health threats to dogs. These can damage their red blood cells and body organs.
We also add butter to mashed potatoes to make them creamy. Well, this too can be harmful to dogs, as they are lactose-intolerant. Butter comes from milk, and dogs don’t have the enzyme to digest lactase. Hence, having mashed potatoes with induced butter can make them vomit and have an upset stomach.
How To Offer Mashed Potatoes To Dogs?
Always remember to offer fresh and organic veggies to dogs. While preparing a mashed potato for your paw friend, first wash it thoroughly. This will remove the bacteria and pesticides that are usually found in a raw potato’s skin.
Then peel off its skin and check if any green parts are there. The green parts of potatoes contain solanine, which can be harmful to dogs even if they are cooked.
Then make small pieces of the potato, boil the pieces, let them cool, and mash them. Do not add any seasonings, salt, or spices like we usually do for ourselves.
You can add this treat with other veggies or as a topping on dog food. To make the meal look delicious, you may sprinkle some small pieces of coriander leaves as decorum.
How Much Mashed Potatoes Can Dogs Have?
According to veterinarians, dogs should have 10% of human foods and 90% of dog foods in their diet. It means the amount of mashed potato should be small for our canine friends. For a small breed, it should be 1 teaspoon; for a medium breed, 1 ½ teaspoon; and for a large breed, two teaspoons.
Well, these are the maximum amounts of mashed potatoes that your dog can have. Before serving him this treat, see if he is comfortable eating it or not.
For example, you can try offering him a pea-sized amount of mashed potatoes. If he eats it and gives no reaction, let him eat some more. In this way, you can decide whether your dog can eat mashed potatoes.
When Can Dogs Have Mashed Potatoes?
Dogs can have mashed potatoes, but only if they are capable of having them. For example, potatoes are high in carbs, which turn into fats and sugar. If your dog is dealing with obesity or diabetes, he should not have potatoes.
Mashed potatoes offer high amounts of fibre, which is again not good for a dog dealing with an upset stomach. However, they can have small amounts of mashed potatoes, but not as much as we eat.
Some dogs are allergic to plant-based foods. In that case, potatoes can be an unsafe substitute for them. If your dog falls into the same group, keep him away from mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Mashed Potatoes?
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes every day?
Dogs should eat mashed potatoes occasionally, not frequently. Or else he can have committing, weakness, and an upset stomach. Also, ingesting high carbs daily can put too much weight on them.
Why should dogs have cooked potatoes?
Cooking, boiling, steaming, and roasting potatoes reduces their solanine level, which eliminates toxicity from them. Besides, raw potatoes are hard to digest, which can cause intestinal blockage in dogs.
Is mashed potato with milk safe for dogs?
We often add milk, butter, and other dairy products to mashed potatoes to make them creamy. Meanwhile, dogs are lactose-intolerant, which makes them unable to digest milk and dairy products. Hence, mashed potatoes with milk are unsafe for dogs.
Is mashed potato with rice safe for dogs?
Both rice and mashed potatoes are safe for dogs in moderation. However, they should not have any added ingredients, like salt, spices, and seasonings. In short, dogs can have mashed potatoes with rice if they are plain.
Final Verdict
After learning about some potential side effects, we may think again: Can dogs have mashed potatoes? The answer is yes, but in moderation if they are not allergic, if the treat has no ingredients, and if their vet approves it.
Sometimes, dogs get curious and consume more mashed potatoes or any tasty treat than required. In that case, they may throw up and show some symptoms. If your dog does so, don’t panic and observe his symptoms. Then tell your vet about them and offer medications according to his guidance. Also, make sure your dog doesn’t eat veggies for a couple of days after eating so much.
