Can Dogs Eat Tater Tots? What You Need To Know

Crispy potato puffs are so much fun to eat, but can dogs eat tater tots? Keep reading to find out how safe or dangerous they are for dogs.

As you can guess, too many carbs or fried food is bad for your dog’s diet. But what about small amounts of tater tots or hash browns? In this guide, we will look closer at these fried snacks and see whether they are good or harmful to your dog’s body.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating tater tots.

What Are Tater Tots

Tater tots are shredded potatoes that are pressed into a cylindrical shape. Then they are deep fried in vegetable oil until they are perfectly crispy. They are made with raw potatoes – usually white potatoes.

Tater tots are usually sold in fast-food restaurants as a side. You can also buy frozen tater tots at the grocery store and bake them at home.

They share the same basic ingredients as french fries and potato chips.

You might also find sweet potato tater tots sold at some restaurants.

Can Dogs Eat Tater Tots

Pet owners, we all know what it’s like. You sit down to eat one of your favorite foods, only to be met with some big puppy dog eyes from your furry companion.

But since tater tots are so high in carbs and calories, they aren’t a good treat for dogs. If your tater tots were deep-fried, they might give your pup stomach upset, too.

On the other hand, if the tater tots were baked, unsalted, and made without garlic or onion, a small amount of potato tots might not hurt your dog.

If you want to give your dog potatoes, it’s better to give them dehydrated sweet potato dog treats. They are full of nutrients.

Are Tater Tots Good For Dogs

Even though they are a quick treat, there aren’t any nutritional benefits of tater tots for dogs. Sweet potatoes are known for being a good source of both vitamin C and vitamin B.

But the nutritional value of potatoes decreases when you process them and deep fry them into tater tots. So, no, tater tots are not good for dogs.

Are Tater Tots Bad For Dogs

Yes, tater tots are basically bad for dogs. When you deep fry them, you increase the amount of bad fats in them. And too much fat isn’t good for your dog’s digestive system – especially if your dog already has health problems.

Large amounts of fried foods can lead to weight gain and heart problems.

You should also watch out for tater tots that are made with onions or onion powder. Onions are toxic for dogs because they contain something called N-propyl disulfide, which breaks down red blood cells. It can lead to anemia or organ failure.

Garlic and onions can also contribute to kidney problems. But that’s not the only dangerous thing about tater tots. They are often coated in a lot of salt. Dogs are very sensitive to salt and if they eat too much, they could get sodium poisoning.

Are Tater Tots OK For Dogs

If you want to share a tater tot, there is a healthier option for dogs. Even so, a bite or two of these forms of potatoes probably won’t hurt your dog.

It’s all about portion control. Large quantities aren’t good for your dog’s health. If they eat a bunch of them at once, they might get an upset stomach.

Beware of Green Skin

Do not let your four-legged friend eat any kind of potato that is made with green skin. The green skin indicates high levels of solanine.

Dogs are even more sensitive than we are, so any kind of potato skins are dangerous for dogs because of the solanine levels.

Can Dogs Have Tater Tots

It’s best if your dog doesn’t have any tater tots. But, if you want to introduce them to this new food, do it slowly. If your furry friend shows any signs of allergic reactions – itching, sneezing, or coughing – don’t let them eat anymore.

In general, it’s safer to not give your dog tater tots.

DIY Tater Tots

It’s always better to make food for your dog at home. Cooking potatoes without bad fats, garlic, onion, or too much salt.

Do not make loaded tater tots or cheesy tater tots for dogs, especially if you don’t know whether your dog is lactose intolerant.

And remember, this should be a sometimes treat. Dogs need to eat animal protein, not carbs. You might already know that a few potatoes are a part of grain-free dog food, but you should talk to your veterinarian before going grain-free with your pup.

Can My Dog Eat Tater Tots

As long the tater tots are baked and not fried, unsalted, and don’t have any garlic or onions, a few tater tots probably won’t hurt them.

But, if your dog already has health issues, it’s best to keep them away from tater tots.

If you have an old dog, soft tater tots might be a fun treat. Just make sure that they aren’t eating fatty food. This means the tater tots should be baked and not fried. Fried foods might have a negative impact on your dog’s health.

Final Thoughts

It’s better if your dog doesn’t eat tater tots – especially if they are deep-fried and have a lot of salt. These things could cause adverse health effects.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are even more resources about different types of vegetables dogs can and can’t eat.

Find lots of information on human food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) right here on Spoiled Hounds!

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