food
Potato
SAFE
Plain cooked potato is safe in small amounts. Raw or green potato contains solanine and should be avoided.
What to do
Serve only plain cooked potato. If your dog has eaten raw, green or sprouting potato, or a large amount of peelings, ring your vet for advice.
When to contact a vet: Seek veterinary attention if your dog is trembling, very wobbly, drooling heavily, repeatedly vomiting, or seems weak after eating raw, green or sprouting potato, or if a whole potato may be blocking the gut.
Symptoms to look for
- drooling
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- tremors after eating raw or green potato
- slow heart rate in severe solanine cases
Why
Plain, peeled, well-cooked potato with nothing added is safe for most dogs as an occasional small portion, and is often used in bland diets and commercial dog foods. Raw potato and any green or sprouting potato are a different matter: they contain solanine, which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in larger amounts, tremors or a slow heart rate. Potato is also starchy and high in carbohydrate, so it should not become a routine addition for dogs that need to lose weight, and it is not suitable for diabetic dogs without veterinary advice. Roast potatoes, chips, crisps and mash made with butter, salt, milk, onion or garlic must be avoided, because the additions are the real risk.
- Substances of concern
- solanine in raw, green or sprouting potato
- Safer parts
- Peeled, plain, thoroughly cooked (boiled or steamed) potato flesh, cooled and served in small pieces.
- Parts to avoid
- Raw potato, green or sprouting potato, potato peelings, potato plant leaves and stems, and cooked potato with butter, salt, oil, onion or garlic such as chips, crisps, roast potatoes and creamy mash.
- Preparation
- Peel, boil or steam until soft with no salt, butter or oil, cool fully, and cut into small pieces.
- How much matters
- A tablespoon or two for a medium dog as an occasional part of a meal, not a daily addition.
- Severity
- Low when plain and cooked, moderate for raw or green potato
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Toxicity
- PDSAVeterinary organisation — Preparation
- American Kennel ClubVeterinary information — Nutrition
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.