If you’ve ever experienced the heart-melting gaze of your dog while you savor a plate of steamy mashed potatoes, you’re not alone. I know I’ve been there more than a few times.
The temptation to share a small portion with your dog can be strong. But before you reach for that spoon, consider the potential risks.
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes without any adverse effects?
Here’s the scoop:
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Yes, dogs can eat mashed potatoes as long as they are cooked plain, without any additional seasonings.
Mashed potatoes usually contain other additives to make them flavorful. Especially if you order them from a restaurant.
This delicious treat can have butter, milk, cheese, garlic, onion or a variety of seasonings mixed in. A lot of these ingredients are harmful to dogs.
This is why I usually avoid mashed potato takeout and just make it at home. I make it for my dogs without the butter (you can substitute it with coconut oil), garlic and onion.
It’s a lot more time-consuming but worth it.
Pro tip: if you don’t have time to boil the potatoes, just peel and chop them, put them in a microwave safe dish with a splash of water, and heat for a few minutes (time will vary depending on your microwave and potato quantity).
The potatoes should be soft enough to mash. If they’re not, put them in for another minute and check again.
Dogs can’t have seasoned mashed potatoes because they contain ingredients that are harmful to them.
Mashed potatoes are usually made with butter, cheese, garlic, or onion to make them more flavorful. Here’s why those ingredients could be harmful for your dog:
If your dog eats only a spoonful of seasoned mashed potato, it should not be a cause for concern.
However, if your dog eats a whole bowl, or an entire serving of mashed potato, you should monitor them for signs of gastrointestinal upset.
Most of these ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. So, if your dog accidentally ate mashed potatoes with these ingredients, look out for these symptoms:
Allergies and sensitivities to the ingredients I mentioned above should also be taken into consideration. If you know your dog is allergic to milk, butter, cheese, or anything else in your mashed potatoes, then call your vet immediately.
Mashed potatoes that are premade from restaurants and supermarkets can also have added salt to make it more flavorful, so keep an eye out for signs of sodium poisoning:
Remember, dogs have different levels of tolerance to salt. Some may be more sensitive to high levels of salt, while others may handle it better.
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog ate mashed potatoes give your vet a call and monitor your dog closely.
Learn how to tell if your dog is sick.
Mashed potatoes should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
The amount of mashed potatoes your dog can eat will depend on their age, size, activity level, and their individual tolerance to starchy foods.
A spoon or two of plain mashed potatoes is unlikely to harm your dog. But mashed potatoes should not be a substitute for a balanced and complete diet for your pup.
A good rule of thumb is to offer a small amount of mashed potatoes as an occasional treat or as a topper to your dog’s regular food.
A small serving, a tablespoon or less, is enough for a small dog, while larger dogs may be able to tolerate a bit more.
This depends on the specific health issue your dog may be experiencing. In general, feeding your sick dog human food is not recommended.
If your dog is experiencing an upset stomach you can feed them plain mashed potatoes in small amounts.
Plain mashed boiled potatoes can help settle their stomachs, along with other bland food like boiled chicken, white rice, pumpkin, and boiled egg.
If they’re experiencing a more severe health issue like kidney disease or pancreatitis, mashed potato can be harmful and even life-threatening.
That is because these conditions often require a specific diet recommended by a vet. And feeding your furbaby anything outside the recommended diet can lead to further complications.
In any case, we always recommend consulting with your vet before feeding them any human food. Especially if your dog is sick.
There are many different types of mashed potatoes, and they can vary based on the ingredients and preparation method.
Here are some common types of mashed potatoes:
No, dogs can’t instant mashed potatoes.
These are typically made from dehydrated potatoes that have been processed and mixed with various additives, such as salt, preservatives, and flavorings.
They are not suitable for dogs.
Learn whether or not potato skins are good for dogs.
Yes. If you want to treat your dog to a small treat of mashed potatoes, stick to plain, boiled potatoes.
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s best to feed your dogs mashed potatoes that are cooked at home. This way, you are in control of the ingredients and can make it safe for your dog to eat.
Given in moderation, plain, mashed potatoes can have a lot of health benefits to your dog, including:
There are plenty of different ways to give your dog plain, unseasoned mashed potato. But here’s what I recommend:
Keep plain mashed potatoes as an occasional treat or reward for good behavior, rather than a regular part of their diet.
There are plenty of other healthy treats and snacks that can be given in moderation, aside from mashed potatoes.
Usually, whenever I make mashed potatoes for my dogs, I try to add other vegetables instead of butter, milk, and cheese.
Here’s a list of vegetables I boil and add to mashed potatoes:
Now, onto the alternatives:
With that said, here are some of our favorite vegetable dog treats you can give to your furry pooch.
These Sweet Potato treats are made from 100% all-natural ingredients. That means it’s non-GMO, grain-free, and 100% vegan.
Wholesome Pride uses 100% real ingredients in their treats and works with farmers in the US and around the world to sustainably source and produce their products.
They don’t contain any artificial or unnatural preservatives, artificial colors, or fillers, which makes them a good choice for dogs with sensitive bellies or food allergies.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, vegan treat option for your dog that supports sustainable practices, the Halo Garden of Vegan Grain-Free Dog Treats are a great option.
These treats are made with premium, natural ingredients with a delicious blend of protein-rich, non-GMO fruits and veggies, providing a naturally balanced snack that is free from cereals, gluten, and dairy.
They don’t have any added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making them an excellent choice for dogs with ingredient sensitivities or for pet parents maintaining a plant-based lifestyle.
Your furry pooch will love the aroma and crunchy texture of the Peanut AND’ Pumpkin recipe, making this biscuit the perfect treat for training and rewarding them.
The Purina Beneful Baked Delights Snackers with Peanut Butter Flavor dog treats are another excellent choice.
These treats are oven-baked to perfection to give them a crispy texture and are loaded with peanut butter and cheese flavors that your furbaby will love.
With a soft center and accents of apples, carrots, and peas, these snacks are a perfect between-meal treat or a reward for good behavior.
The colorful shapes of fruits and vegetables make snacking fun and enjoyable.
At the end of the day, it’s best to choose healthier alternatives like plain boiled potatoes, carrots, or dog treats made with natural ingredients.
It’s essential to provide your furry friend with a balanced and complete diet to maintain their health and well-being.
With the right nutrition and treats, you can ensure that your dog lives a long and happy life.
Before you go, you might want to know whether your dog can eat potato chips.
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