The greatest thing on our planet is “Love.” And we all love our dogs, sometimes more than our lives. They matter more than everything to us. When it comes to feeding something new to our furry friends, we dog owners make sure that it will not harm our beloved Dog. And, if you are planning to feed Potato Skins or your Dog accidentally ate Potato Skins, and you have a question in mind: Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins? Are Potato Skins Safe For Dogs? The short answer is “Not Recommended, But Cooked Potato Skins may not cause any harm.”
Are you interested in learning more about the answer? Let’s dive deep into the answer.
Though potato skins still offer some health benefits to dogs in minor cases, yes, to get these benefits, you must read the portion called “How to Safely Feed Potato Skins,” which I will mention in the following. Now, let’s discuss some health benefits associated with Potato Skins.
1. Rich in Dietary Fiber
Potato Skins are rich in dietary fiber. This type of fiber can be very useful when your Dog is gaining weight because it promotes a feeling of fullness.
2. Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Potato Skins are a good source of some essential vitamins and minerals. It contains Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C., Which play a significant role in dogs’ overall well-being. Some health benefits to be mentioned:
Vitamin C: Iron Absorption, Stress Reduction, Immune System,
Joint and Eye Health.
Potassium: Electrolyte Balance, Heart and Bone Health, Metabolism, Kidney and Muscle Function, and Nervous System Function.
Magnesium: Muscle and Nervous System Function, Blood Suger Regulation, Relaxation and Stress, Digestive Health, and Energy Production.
3. Fantastic Source Of Antioxidants
Potato Skins consist of Flavonoids and Carotenoids, which are some essential antioxidants that are required to prevent your Dog’s cells from damaging by free radicals. Antioxidants also reduce the chance of heart disease and cancers.
4. Good For Skin Health
Though in minor but yes, Potato skins are good for skin health. There are some compounds that help your Dog to have a good skin.
Health Risks of Feeding Potato Skins to Dogs
The main facts you have to know are the potential health risks of feeding potato skins to your Dog to clarify the answer.
1. Solanine Poisoning
Raw or Uncooked Potato Skins contain a compound named “Solanine.” If your Dog can’t digest the potato skin properly, it might cause solanine poisoning, which is considered a serious health issue in dogs.
Symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Lethargy, Confusion
2. Digestive Upset
There is a high risk of digestive upset if you feed your Dog Potato Skins. Because Potato Skins consist of fiber. Fiber is healthy for the body but it is toxic if we feed too much.
Symptoms: Stomach pain, Diarrhea, or Constipation.
3. Choking Hazard
Choking hazard often seen in dogs after feeding Potato Skins, specially if you don’t cut the Potato Skin into bite-sized or small pieces.
How to Safely Feed Potato Skins to Dogs
So, All the way, if you decide to feed Potato Skin to your Dog, make sure you are aware of the following rules.
1. Feed Well-Cooked Potato Skins
If you want to minimize the maximum risk of Potato Skins, you should cook the Potato Skin thoroughly and make sure that it is well-cooked. Don’t add any seasonings or oils.
2. Avoid Green Skins
Never feed green skins of Potato to dogs because it contains higher level of Solanine. It can cause serious health issues.
3. Cut into Small Pieces
As there is a high chance of Choking Hazards. Especially for smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas. You should cut the Potato Skins into bite-sized or Smaller pieces. It will make the potato skins easy for your Dog to swallow.
4. Feed in Moderation and Monitor
No matter what food you are feeding your Dog for the first time, you first have to feed it in very small amounts. Also, you have to monitor for any potential health issues. If any unusual issues are seen on your Dog, contact the vet immediately and stop feeding potato skin.
5. Contact With Your Vet
The best you can do is, contact and seeking help from your vet. They can help you with more detailed and personalized information. This will minimize every potential issue.
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Summary
After exploring every section, you may now know whether you should feed Potato Skins or not. However, to avoid potential health risks, you should follow the advice that I have given in the article. Pads Of Paw team wishes you all the best and happy parenting.
