Can dogs or cats eat potatoes?
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Can dogs eat potatoes?
Potatoes can be a starchy treat that dogs may safely eat in moderation. They're an excellent source of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. However, it's essential to prepare potatoes properly before feeding them to your furry friend.
Raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal upset or even be fatal in large quantities. It's crucial to only feed cooked potatoes to your dog. Baked or boiled potatoes without any seasonings or toppings are the safest choice for your pup. (That also means no frying in oil — say no to french fries!)
It's also important not to overfeed potatoes to your dog, since they're high in carbohydrates and calories. Eating too many potatoes can lead to weight gain.
As always, make sure you consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog's diet. If your dog eats potatoes (or any food) and begins showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. And if your dog ever requires veterinary care because of anything they ate, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat potatoes?
Cats can eat potatoes safely, but only in moderation. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and provide various nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium.
It's important to note that you should never feed raw potatoes to your cat: They contain solanine, which is toxic to felines — especially when eaten in large quantities. Any potato you give to your cat should be boiled or baked thoroughly. You should always avoid any salt, seasonings, or oils, all of which could harm your pet (french fries are out!).
Finally, just remember that cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only absorb so many nutrients from plant-based foods. Potatoes should only be an occasional treat, and should never displace the meat in your cat's diet.
As always, make sure you consult your veterinarian before making changes to your cat's diet. If your cat eats potatoes (or any food) and begins showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. And if your pet ever requires veterinary care because of anything they ate, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.
Can cats eat...
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet