Why
Cooked potato gives vitamin C, B6, iron and magnesium. Raw and green potatoes contain solanine, and rich potato dishes are full of fat and salt.
How to serve potatoes
- Boil or bake plain and serve soft or mashed.
- Cooked skin is fine if it is not green.
Watch out for
- No butter, milk, salt or seasoning.
- Skip fries and hash browns.
- Green or raw potato can cause vomiting, diarrhea or weakness.
How much potatoes can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much potatoes it buys if potatoes is the only treat that day. Potatoes has about 86 kcal per 100 g; 1 medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia.) (167 g) is about 144 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max potatoes a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 30 g (a quarter of medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia.)) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 69 g (half of medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia.)) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 117 g (two thirds of medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia.)) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 158 g (one medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4" dia.)) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Potatoes, boiled, cooked without skin, flesh, without salt.
Other vegetables: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Avoid | Not unsafe, but not worth it. Asparagus is tough raw and loses most of its value when cooked soft. |
| Mushrooms | Avoid | Store-bought mushrooms are generally fine, but wild mushrooms can be deadly. |
| Tomatoes | Avoid | Best avoided. Ripe flesh is generally safe, but the green parts of the plant contain a toxin. |
| Broccoli | Small amounts | Yes, in small amounts. Cooked florets are easiest on the stomach. |
| Brussels sprouts | Small amounts | Yes, a few cooked sprouts. Expect gas. |
| Corn | Small amounts | Yes, off the cob. The cob can cause a dangerous blockage. |
| Peas | Small amounts | Yes, plain green peas in moderation. |
| Spinach | Small amounts | A little is safe, but spinach is not a top choice for dogs. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are potatoes safe for dogs?
Yes, plain and fully cooked, as an occasional extra. Never green or raw.
How much potatoes can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 69 g of potatoes if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?" (updated Jun 1, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.