White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes. Like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine.
How much solanine is toxic to dogs?
Solanine, solanidine and related compounds are water-soluble and heat-stable. The toxins are principally found in leaves, green berries and, in the case of potato, greened tubers. Suggested toxic levels range from 0.1 to 1.0% of animals body weight, consumed as green plant.
Can dogs have solanine?
Typically, when ingested by dogs and cats, it rarely results in toxicity. A large amount needs to be ingested (e.g., chronically in cattle) for solanine to result in severe poisoning. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea), lethargy, weakness, and even confusion.
What does solanine do to dogs?
Green potato poisoning in dogs occurs when a dog consumes too much solanine, which is a glycoalkaloid naturally produced in green or raw potatoes, potato skins, and the foliage from the potato plant. Solanine poisoning can cause heart problems, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset.
Are green potatoes poisonous to dogs?
Potato plants, skins, and sprouts are all bad for dogs because of their solanine levels. The same is true of potatoes that have been left to turn green. If your dog consumes too much solanine, he can become very sick.
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