One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to never, ever feed your dog raw potatoes or potato peels of any kind. It might seem harmless, but trust me, it’s not worth the risk. You see, raw potatoes contain a compound called solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
I found this out the hard way when I made the mistake of giving my dog some raw potato peels. At first, I didn’t think much of it. After all, I had seen dogs eat all sorts of things without any issues. But little did I know, I was about to be in for a messy surprise.
Within a few hours, my poor dog started vomiting uncontrollably. It was a horrible sight, and I felt absolutely helpless. I rushed him to the vet, where they confirmed that the raw potatoes were the culprit. The solanine in the potatoes had irritated his stomach and caused him to become extremely sick.
The vet explained to me that solanine is a naturally occurring toxin found in nightshade vegetables, which include potatoes. While cooking potatoes can significantly reduce the levels of solanine, raw potatoes still contain enough of the compound to be harmful to dogs.
In addition to vomiting, solanine can also cause diarrhea in dogs. So not only was my dog throwing up, but he also had an upset stomach that resulted in a messy clean-up for me. It was a lesson learned the hard way, but one that I will never forget.
I share this story as a cautionary tale to all dog owners out there. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of certain foods for our furry friends. While potatoes themselves are not inherently toxic to dogs, it’s crucial to ensure they are cooked thoroughly before feeding them to your pet.
So, to answer the question, yes, raw potatoes can give dogs diarrhea. The solanine in the potatoes can irritate their stomach and cause digestive issues. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding raw potatoes or potato peels to your dog altogether.
If you’re looking for a safe alternative, cooked potatoes can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Just make sure they are plain and free from any seasonings or additives that could be harmful to your furry friend. Your dog will thank you for it, and you’ll avoid any messy clean-ups in the process.