Potatoes are vegetables that are nourishing and filled with various essential nutrients needed for man, but are they suitable for German Shepherds too? This is a significant question that a German shepherd owner must have answers to.
Variety, they say, is the spice of life, but It is very crucial to know if the food you intend to serve your German Shepherd won’t pose any toxicity. There are different varieties of potatoes and several preparation methods so keep reading to find out which is best.
Can German Shepherds Eat Potatoes?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat potatoes of various types as long as they are skinned and well-cooked.
Potatoes are classified as starchy vegetables. They are known to be composed of solanine, a toxic compound that must not be fed to dogs, hence the reason to ensure that it is appropriately cooked by boiling or baking. This should be done to reduce the high solanine concentration before dishing it to your German shepherd.
You can feed your German shepherds with potatoes as a portion of a homemade dish in addition to other foods to make up for a balanced diet or as a topping on their food for memorable events. Read this post on whether German Shepherds find Apples edible.
If you would like to feed your German shepherd with potatoes, make sure you avoid the following.
- Feeding your dog raw potatoes containing high solanine levels
- Feeding your dog potatoes that have green skin
- Feed your dog potatoes cooked with milk, pepper, salt, butter, or other ingredients.
- Serving your dog french fries and/or potato chips which are very unwholesome for both men and dogs
- Feeding your dog excessive amounts of potatoes because of the high carbohydrate content. This is very important, especially in German shepherds with diabetes or obesity.
Can German Shepherds eat Mashed Potatoes?
Of course! German shepherds can eat mashed potatoes as a good source of carbohydrates and other nutrients as long as no spices or seasoning is added. Salt, garlic, and onion can pose some health problems to your German shepherd. Excessive salt consumption can cause dehydration, while garlic and onions can cause anemia in dogs.
Can German Shepherds eat sweet potatoes?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat sweet potatoes. They are a healthier option because they supply dietary fiber and contain more essential nutrients, including vitamin C, B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are great nutrients for your German Shepherd. Not only are they more nutritious, but they are also palatable, and your dog will surely love them.
However, ensure you peel off the skin, making it difficult to digest, and cook it properly to prevent choking and intestinal obstruction.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering if your German Shepherd can also benefit from the nutrients that potatoes give humans, you should have found out by now that your answer is a big yes! Potatoes can be fed to German Shepherds without any side effects as long as they are served cooked, skinned, and in moderate amounts.
