Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes?

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Mashed Potatoes are a great dish during Thanksgiving and other holidays. They are packed full of minerals and nutrients so they seem like the perfect starchy food to share with our dogs. But are they really? Can dogs eat Mashed Potatoes? Let’s dig a bit deeper to find out whether we should be feeding our canine friends that yummy creamy Mashed Potatoes.

Can dogs eat Mashed Potatoes? Yes, dogs can eat Mashed Potatoes but not too often. Mashed Potatoes are not a natural food for dogs, so our dogs should only eat potato-based products in moderation. You should also make sure the Mashed Potatoes you’re feeding your dog are plain and free from toxic ingredients, seasonings, or additives.

Table of Contents

Can dogs have Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, dogs can have Mashed Potatoes. Can I give my dog Mashed Potatoes? Yes, you can give your dog Mashed Potatoes in moderation. Dogs and Mashed Potatoes go well together as long as you prepare them properly.

Mashed potatoes aren’t just a fun snack for your furry friend; they also provide nutritional benefits. Let’s explore how Mashed Potatoes are good for your four-legged friends.

Are Mashed Potatoes good for dogs?

instant Mashed Potatoes for dog diarrhea — Is Mashed Potatoes good for dogs?

Yes, Mashed Potatoes are good for dogs. Mashed Potatoes pack a bunch of nutrients that can be beneficial to dogs when consumed in moderation. Plain-boiled Mashed Potatoes are free from fats and cholesterol and rich in some essential vitamins and minerals. Let’s break down the nutritional composition of Mashed Potatoes.

Nutritional value of Mashed Potatoes for dogs

A 100 grams or 2/3 cup serving of Mashed Potatoes contains:

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	107
Carbohydrates, g	25
Fiber, g	2.25
Protein, g	2.15
Potassium, mg	410
Phosphorous, mg	50
Magnesium, mg	25
Calcium, mg	10
Vitamin C, mg	9.25
Vitamin A, mg	3.75

Carbohydrates are a popular filler ingredient that dogs don’t need

Despite being heavily featured in commercial dog food, dogs don’t require many carbs to survive. There are 25 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams of Mashed Potatoes and they are not that beneficial for dogs, which is why your furry friends should only eat them sporadically.

Fiber is essential for gut health in dogs

Mashed Potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber lowers cholesterol, controls blood sugar, and keeps gut health in check. High-fiber foods also digest slowly, keeping your dog feeling full all day.

Fun Fact: Fiber can be found in many fruits such as Nectarines. This sweet stone fruit is packed full of fiber, but are they safe for doggy consumption? Check out Can Dogs Eat Nectarines? to find out!

Protein is a macronutrient every dog needs

Protein is a basic need for every dog. Dogs are meat-eaters and need all the protein they can get to stay fit and healthy. Although potatoes have proteins, they are not enough to make Mashed Potatoes a complete dog meal. Instead, you should serve Mashed Potatoes as a side dish to beef or chicken.

Potassium is an excellent electrolyte for dogs

Dogs need electrolytes for the smooth operation of organs, nerves, and muscles. The high potassium content in Mashed Potatoes helps dogs meet their electrolyte needs. Potassium also absorbs excess sodium from the blood, making it excellent for the dog’s cardiac health.

Phosphorous and calcium are both essential to building strong bones in dogs

Dogs need phosphorous and calcium in their diets to keep their bones strong. Without these essential minerals, dogs would suffer from skeletal weakness, bone brittleness, and joint pain. Luckily, Mashed Potatoes carry both of these nutrients in healthy amounts.

Magnesium is vital for proper body functions in dogs

Dogs need about 150 mg of magnesium each day, and a serving of Mashed Potatoes can help them reach that quota. The proper functioning of all vital organs and body functions depends on magnesium.

Vitamin C is a superb antioxidant that’s beneficial to dogs

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that fights free radicals and slows down cell aging. It also reduces inflammation and helps with proper cognitive function.

Vitamin A is for looking sharp and sharp looking in canines

Vitamin A keeps the dog’s body, skin, and coat healthy and also helps improve their vision. A dog that doesn’t get enough vitamin A would suffer from night blindness and look dull and sickly.

Are Mashed Potatoes bad for dogs?

is Mashed Potatoes bad for dogs — Are Mashed Potatoes bad for dogs or are Mashed Potatoes ok for dogs?

In some cases, Mashed Potatoes can be bad for dogs. Here are 5 reasons Mashed Potatoes can be dangerous for our canine friends.

1. Mashed Potatoes with dairy

Dairy products like milk, sour cream, cheese, and butter are popular Mashed Potato additives. Unfortunately, most dogs are lactose intolerant, and feeding them anything containing dairy will give them digestive distress

2. Mashed Potatoes made for humans

Never feed your dog leftover Mashed Potatoes that you made for humans family members or human guests. The Mashed Potatoes we eat are laced with spices, seasonings, and condiments that may cause irritation, indigestion, and even toxicity in dogs.

3. The instant or store-bought Mashed Potatoes variety

Not only do frozen, instant, and store-bought Mashed Potatoes contain unsafe ingredients, they’re also full of preservatives which makes them unhealthy for canine consumption. Always prepare Mashed Potatoes for your furry friend yourself.

Fun Fact: While homemade chicken noodle soup is great for dogs, can the same be said for store-brought canned chicken noodle soup? Check out Can Dogs Eat Chicken Noodle Soup? to find out!

4. Overweight dogs

Potatoes are rich in carbs, and feeding a lot of unnecessary carbs to an overweight dog will make them put on more weight. Such dogs are also at risk of developing pancreatitis if they keep on indulging in fattening foods.

5. Vet’s disapproval

Lastly, any food should be off-limits to your pooch if your vet deems it harmful. While healthy dogs can sometimes indulge in human food, older or senior dogs or those with medical conditions should stick to a natural, well-balanced and healthy diet.

Are Mashed Potatoes ok for dogs?

People who like feeding their pups leftover food never stop to think, “Is Mash Potato ok for dogs?”

It’s important to note that our furry friends are not trash cans, and their tummies are not designed for disposing of human food. Instead, you need to prepare their meal according to their body needs. Here’s how you can do that with Mashed Potatoes:

Only give your pups Mashed Potatoes if you’ve prepared them yourself.
Potato skin contains toxins, so always peel them off before cooking.
Don’t add butter, salt, pepper, or any other herbs.
Avoid garlic and onion flavoring as they are extremely toxic to dogs.
Skip the milk. Dogs are lactose intolerant.
Cool the Mashed Potatoes to room temperature before serving.
Use as a meat additive rather than a complete meal.

So, is Mashed Potato ok for dogs? The answer is yes, only if you use the above method, plus some tips that we’ll discuss below.

5 Tips for feeding your dog Mashed Potatoes

1. Pick the right potatoes

Potatoes with green on their skin are laced with a high concentration of solanine: a natural pesticide that is toxic to dogs. Although the heat destroys the solanine in ripe potatoes, green potatoes retain it even after cooking. So avoid any potatoes that are green or looks green.

2. Start small

Any new food should not become a part of your dog’s diet right away. Always start small and check their reaction before increasing the quantity of the new food. The same goes for Mashed Potatoes. If your K9 friend hasn’t had potatoes before, start small.

3. Feed in moderation

Even if your pooch is used to eating them, don’t go overboard with Mashed Potatoes. The FDA claims potatoes to be one of the causes behind Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): a fatal heart condition in dogs. Feeding them Mashed Potatoes daily can subject them to heart issues.

4. Use as a meal additive

We love eating Mashed Potatoes as a side dish to meat; the same should go for dogs. Instead of making Mashed Potatoes a meal, serve a little bit of Mashed Potatoes to them as a side dish with their natural protein-based food. Your dog will love it and slurp it all up.

5. Use sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a safer, nutritious, and healthier alternative to white potatoes. Using them to make Mashed Potatoes would provide your pooch a nutrition-packed meal that has none of the risks of white potatoes.

Handy Hint: Instead of Mashed Potatoes, pet owners can make Mashed Butternut Squash. Butternut Squash is also packed full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to dogs.

Can dogs eat Mashed Potatoes and gravy?

No, dogs should not eat Mashed Potatoes with gravy. Gravy contains an unhealthy amount of salt. Although the salt makes gravy appealing to us, it gives gravy more sodium than a dog can take safely. Gravy may also contain onion or garlic flavoring, both of which are toxic to dogs.

Can dogs eat instant Mashed Potatoes?

Instant Mashed Potatoes aren’t toxic to dogs, but they’re not very healthy for your dog either. These processed potatoes are high in salt and preservatives, giving them a high sodium content. In addition, preparing them requires milk, which doesn’t suit most dogs that are lactose-intolerant.

So, can my dog eat instant Mashed Potatoes? Yes, your dog can eat instant Mashed Potatoes in very small amounts, but it is not recommended. Although instant Mashed Potatoes won’t harm your dog, they are not the healthiest and can even cause both short-term and long-term health issues in dogs.

Can dogs have instant Mashed Potatoes?

Ideally, dogs should not have instant Mashed Potatoes. We don’t recommend feeding your dog instant Mashed Potatoes—especially if they’re lactose intolerant or have diarrhea. Preparing instant Mashed Potatoes usually requires milk.

Dogs and dairy products don’t go well together, and milk can mess up their digestive system. Considering their tendency to cause stomach distress, you can see how bad instant Mashed Potatoes are for dogs with diarrhea and other stomach issues.

Can dogs eat Mashed Potatoes and corn?

Yes, dogs can eat Mashed Potatoes and corn. Corn is safe for dogs in moderation, and your dog can eat Mashed Potatoes and corn safely. Make sure to cut the corn off the cob first and only serve the corn to your pup.

Do check if your furry family member has any corn allergies by feeding them a small amount at first.

Can dogs eat garlic Mashed Potatoes?

No, dogs should not eat garlic Mashed Potatoes. Garlic in all forms is poisonous for dogs, whether raw, cooked, powdered, dried, and liquid. Pet owners should never use garlic in any dog food. The same goes for onion.

Can dogs eat Mashed sweet Potatoes?

Yes, dogs can eat Mashed sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are even healthier than regular potatoes, and your dog would love Mashed sweet Potatoes every now and then. However, as with Mashed Potatoes, it is best to serve it plain without any milk or seasoning and definitely in moderation.

Can puppies eat Mashed Potatoes?

We know dogs can occasionally eat Mashed Potatoes if you prepare them right, but can a puppy eat Mashed Potatoes? The answer is yes, puppies can eat Mashed Potatoes as long as they are plain and don’t have any seasoning, spices, milk, or oil on them.

Mashed Potatoes for dogs recipe

The only ingredient you need is potatoes; no salt, pepper, or milk.

Skin the potatoes and chop them into small mouth sized chunks.
Put the chunks in a pot filled with cold water.
Place the pot on high heat and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat upon boiling and cover the pot.
Let the pot simmer and wait until the potatoes are very soft.
Mash them until they form a paste.
Let the Mashed Potatoes cool to room temperature.
Serve on the side on on top of chicken or beef.

So, can dogs eat Mashed Potatoes?

As you can see, dogs can certainly eat Mashed Potatoes, but in moderation and not too often. Mashed Potatoes can give our canine family members some health benefits if prepared right, but potatoes are generally not a natural dog food since they are high in carbs.

There’s also the risk of stomach issues and DCM with potatoes. Only feed this treat occasionally, and serve it as a meal additive rather than an entire meal.