Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? NZ Safety Answer

Why

Raw potatoes and the green parts of the potato plant (including the skin, sprouts, stems, and leaves) contain solanine, a toxic glycoalkaloid compound. Solanine acts as a natural defense mechanism for the plant but is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal irritation and neurological issues. While cooking destroys most of the solanine, making plain, cooked potatoes digestible for dogs, they are still exceptionally high in starch and simple carbohydrates. Feeding potatoes regularly can lead to weight gain, obesity, and rapid blood sugar spikes, which is particularly dangerous for diabetic dogs. Furthermore, human preparations of potatoes—such as chips, roast potatoes, buttery mash, or hash browns—are loaded with fats, salt, butter, and seasonings like garlic and onion, which are highly toxic to dogs.

How much is a problem

Raw or green potatoes should never be fed in any quantity. Even a small piece of green potato skin can cause solanine toxicity in a small dog. For plain, thoroughly cooked potatoes (boiled or baked without skin, oil, or salt), a single bite-sized piece (about one teaspoon) can be given as a rare treat. It should not become a staple of their daily diet.

If your dog has eaten it

If your dog ate raw potatoes, green potato skins, or parts of a potato plant in your backyard garden, monitor them closely. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include severe vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, weakness, confusion, dilated pupils, and an abnormal heart rate. If you observe any of these symptoms or know your dog ate green potatoes, seek veterinary care immediately. If they ate a plain, cooked potato, they may experience mild gas or soft stool but should otherwise be fine.

Safer alternatives

A much healthier and safer option is plain cooked sweet potato (kumara) or plain cooked pumpkin, both of which offer better fiber and vitamin profiles without the solanine risk.

Related reading

• Dog Food Guide NZ
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide
• New Dog Owner: First 30 Days NZ

References

• Pet Poison Helpline, Nightshade, checked 2026-07-16: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/nightshade/
• ASPCA, Our Top Three Summer Garden Safety Tips, checked 2026-07-16: https://www.aspca.org/news/our-top-three-summer-garden-safety-tips

When to see a vet

If your dog shows signs of solanine poisoning (vomiting, weakness, dilated pupils) after eating raw or green potatoes, contact your NZ vet or emergency clinic immediately.

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (July 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*