Can dogs eat mashed potatoes? A question that is asked almost daily on the “Net” is, “Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?” Many people have their own dogs, and when they were puppies, they were fed potatoes by their mothers. While it is true that some dogs have a powerful appetite, most dogs do not. The main reason for this is because of the chemicals that are in the potatoes. When these chemicals come into contact with the dog’s skin, then the dog has a very uncomfortable reaction.
Dogs don’t like to eat mashed potatoes because they contain an enzyme called alpha-amanine. This is a compound that is only found in foods that contain an amino acid called lysine. The line is part of a group of amino acids known as cysteine. So when dogs eat foods with lysine, they may feel sick.
There is another reason why your dog may not want to eat mashed potatoes, but it really has nothing to do with the food at all. Believe it or not, potatoes themselves can be poisonous! That’s right, the starchy part of the potato has been found to contain a toxic chemical known as tryptophan. You may have heard of this being called tryptophan-gate.
Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes? Most Asked Question and Facts About This Topic
So that you know, tryptophan is an amino acid that helps make serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for many of your senses. When your dogs do not get enough of it, they become depressed and lethargic. As if that was not enough, mashed potatoes also cause high blood pressure, which is dangerous to your dog.
If you look back at history, you will find that humans have eaten raw meat and insects for thousands of years. Raw meats were extremely nutritious when eaten, but today most meat is treated chemically, and its nutritional value is severely depleted. Dogs also eat insects. Many of them are high in protein, yet dogs need a lot of protein in their diet. Raw potato is high in protein, but just a tiny fraction of the protein in raw beef!
The answer to the question, can dogs eat mashed potatoes? Probably depends on the size of the dog. If you have a tiny breed, you may have to give your dog something else to eat. On the other hand, medium or large breeds can definitely eat it. It is probably a good idea to get your dog a little advice on healthy eating habits.
