Should potatoes be part of a dog's diet?

I often hear that potatoes are toxic to dogs. But then how is it possible, that they are often a part of high-quality dog food? Are they harmful, suitable or even beneficial for dogs?

Many people believe that potatoes are harmful to dogs, but not all potatoes are alike! Only raw unpeeled potatoes are toxic because of the solanine they contain in their raw state. Not even boiled potatoes are entirely suitable for dogs, as they digest potato starch poorly and they could cause intestinal problems in large quantities.

So why do potatoes appear in high-quality dog food? The key is the way in which they are processed - extrusion (simplified processing at high temperature and pressure). This radically reduces the content of antinutrients and natural toxins. This means that the dog only gets the valuable and highly digestible components from the potatoes. 

The digestibility of starches after extrusion is even similar to the digestibility of animal proteins. In addition, potato starch crystals perfectly clean the surface of the intestines and significantly improve the health of the digestive tract, as well as the immune system.

So what benefits do potatoes offer dogs? They particularly contain a large amount of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and calcium. They are also rich in vitamin C, A, B and E. Thanks to their carbohydrate content, they are also a great source of energy.

Another advantage is that they don't cause allergies unlike grains, which dogs can't even digest. These allergies result in digestive and skin problems. Potatoes are also less caloric than grains. 

Some dog food contains up to 50% of potatoes, particularly for dogs with higher energy demands. Conversely, dogs with diabetes would not be able to eat so many potatoes. 

Do you have any experience with potatoes? Have you noticed a difference between potatoes and grains in your dog's diet?

 

Related articles

Katarina Vigodová on skiing with a dog (part 2)

In the first part of the interview with the Slovak musher Katarina Vigodová, we talked about how to prepare for a skiing trip with your furry friend. Today we are going to hit the skiing trails with Katka. What commands should the dog know? Why are a...

7 trends in the world of pets in 2022

Breeding supplies are currently becoming a fast growing sector and as with any other industry, even here we can trace the development trends of new products coming to the market. Let's take a look at the biggest trends in the world of our furry...

Tereza Vajner on trends in dog training

We've become accustomed to the sight of dogs in public places. Probably everyone has experienced a dog in the workplace, in a park, in a café, etc. Dog owners should therefore always bear in mind the handling and training of their pets. Let's go...

2022 Canicross Events

We recently wrote about planned musher races. The canicross events aren't being left behind and the fans of running with a dog have plenty to look forward to this year.