can dogs eat mashed potatoes

Dogs can eat mashed potatoes, but only if they are plain and free from harmful additives. Plain cooked potatoes are safe and offer some nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. However, mashed potatoes prepared with butter, milk, salt, garlic, or onion can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided. These common ingredients can upset their stomach, cause anemia, or lead to dehydration. For dogs, it is best to serve mashed potatoes plain, without any seasonings or dairy products. Also, mashed potatoes should be given in moderation because potatoes are high in carbohydrates, which can cause weight gain if overfed. Dogs with diabetes should avoid mashed potatoes due to their high glycemic index. In summary, plain mashed potatoes in small amounts are safe for dogs, but avoid the typical added ingredients that make mashed potatoes tasty for humans but risky for dogs.