If you’re thinking about foods you can cook and share with your pets, potato skins are likely among the last things to come to mind.
And since potatoes, including mashed potatoes, are safe for dogs, you might be wondering about potato skins.
It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about cooked potato skins or raw potato skins, you should not feed these to your dog.
So, no, dogs cannot eat potato skins.
The skins or peel of a potato are not safe for dogs.
Keep reading to learn more about why you shouldn’t feed potato skins to your pup.
Are Potato Skins Safe For Dogs?
You should know that it is not safe to feed your dog potato skins.
The skin of a potato wreaks havoc on your dog’s digestive system and kidneys.
This is due to the oxalates that are present in the potato skin.
The same applies for raw potato skin, or potato peel.
And the absolute most toxic potato skins are the ones that are slightly green as they are full of oxalates and something called solanine.
The solanine in potato skin is poisonous to dogs.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Potato Skins?
As a dog owner, you already know that despite your best efforts sometimes that pesky put gets food in his mouth that he shouldn’t be eating.
If you think your dog has eaten some potato skin, here’s what you need to know.
Usually the first signs of potato skin consumption by a dog are:
- vomiting
- loose and runny stools
- lethargy
- tremors
- bloating
- seizures
In some instances, potato skin toxicity presents as arrhythmia, which can be serious.
As a general rule of thumb, if you think your dog has eaten something toxic then you should contact your local vet or animal hospital for advice.
Signs of Potato Poisoning in Dogs
In the event that your dog has accidentally consumed too much potato skin, you have to be on the lookout for signs of poisoning.
The solanine in potato skin is highly poisonous to dogs.
Keep in mind that how bad this is going to be for your pup depends not only on how many potato skins were consumed, but also the size and health of your dog.
Here are the signs of potato skin poisoning in dogs:
- bleeding
- burning of the throat
- cardiac dysrhythmia
- delirium
- dilated pupils
- excessive drooling
- gastrointestinal symptoms
- headache
- heart problems
- paralysis
- seizures
- trembling
- vomiting
- weakness
It is vitally important that you immediately take your dog to the local animal hospital or your vet to have the dog checked out.
Final Word
Should you decide to give your dog potato treats, it is advisable to be very cautious because potato skins are not safe for dogs.
If your dog does eat some potato skins, then you should consult with your local animal hospital and watch for signs of poisoning.
There are many safe choices in fresh fruits and vegetables to reach for instead. Your dog might want to munch on a radish or relish a cold kiwi.
Those kinds of snacks are nutritious and delicious. And much safer than a potato skin for your doggo.
I’ve been giving my dog potato skins for years. She’s healthy, last check up all was good. Now she doesn’t get them everyday and they are always cooked. I always check for green on all my fresh potatoes because I knew that was even bad for people. The most disturbing thing is so many producers of potatoes have green skin, not heavy green but green, but I still throw the bag out.
Me too- Yes- I have fed my dog sweet potato and other potato skins – i microwave then mash the potatoes skins included- and my dog is super healthy as well-
i never use green skins on potatoes….
Sweet potatoes arent actually potatoes. Even the lwaves are edible.
I’m so glad to read this. My 110 lb Rhodesian Ridgeback just ate a cooked potato skin from the garbage so I immediately looked it up. I’m stressing out. But I am encouraged that you have given your dog skins and she is ok.
Many foods are high in oxalates.