Can dogs eat potatoes?

Caution — cooked only, no raw or green

Plain cooked potato is fine in small amounts. Raw potatoes, green potatoes, and potato sprouts contain solanine and are toxic.

The full picture

Like tomatoes, potatoes are nightshades and contain solanine — concentrated in the skin, sprouts, and any green parts. Cooking destroys much of the toxin, which is why plain boiled, baked, or steamed potato flesh is generally safe. Raw potato, green potato, or sprouted potato should never be fed. Chips, crisps, and roast potatoes cooked with salt, oil, and seasonings are separate issues. A few pieces of plain cooked potato mixed into a meal is fine; a high-potato diet isn't ideal.

Risks to watch for

  • Solanine poisoning from raw or green potato
  • Obesity from high-carb forms
  • Salt and fat from processed potato foods

Potential benefits

  • Some vitamins and fibre when cooked plainly

Safe portion size

A small amount of plain cooked potato occasionally.

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Safer alternatives

  • Cooked sweet potato
  • Carrots
  • Butternut squash

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Related foods

Sweet potato yes Tomatoes caution Chips (fries) caution Parsnips yes
Written and reviewed by
The Can My Dog Eat editorial team

Every food page is cross-checked against UK veterinary sources including the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal PoisonLine, PDSA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual before publication. We do not accept paid placements from brands. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know — we take errors seriously and correct them quickly.

Spot an error? Report it

Checked against UK veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.