Potatoes in Dog Diets

Are Potatoes Really “Bad” for Dogs?

Potatoes often get a bad reputation in pet nutrition discussions, especially online. Many dog owners encounter articles or social media posts that label potatoes as “bad,” “filler,” or “unnecessary” — without much context.

Like many ingredients, potatoes are neither universally good nor bad. What matters most is how they are used, how much is fed, and the role they play in the overall diet.

Why Potatoes Appear in Dog Food

Potatoes are commonly used in dog foods and toppers because they are:

• A familiar, whole-food ingredient

• Naturally gluten-free

• Neutral in flavor

• Easy to prepare and digest when properly processed

For some dogs, especially those with food sensitivities, potatoes can be a practical alternative to grains or more complex carbohydrate sources.

The Important Difference: Main Diet vs. Small Additions

Much of the concern around potatoes comes from confusion between:

• Dog foods where potato is a primary ingredient fed daily, and

• Small amounts added as a topper or supplemental ingredient

These two uses are very different.

A complete dog food that relies heavily on potatoes as its main ingredient plays a very different nutritional role than a small, measured amount used as a topper.

In a topper like Olewo Rootsies®, potatoes are used in limited amounts, alongside other vegetables, to complement a dog’s existing diet — not replace it.

Whole Potatoes vs. Highly Processed Forms

Another key factor is processing.

Whole potatoes that are gently prepared retain their natural structure, whereas highly refined potato starches or flours behave very differently in the body.

Products made with whole vegetables, rather than isolated components, tend to align better with simple feeding philosophies.

Why Potatoes Are Often Misunderstood Online

Many online claims about potatoes in dog diets:

• Don’t distinguish between raw vs. cooked potatoes

• Ignore portion size

• Confuse fillers with whole-food ingredients

• Apply blanket statements without context

As with most nutrition topics, nuance matters.

A Balanced Perspective

Potatoes aren’t meant to dominate a dog’s diet — and in most cases, they don’t need to. But when used thoughtfully, in appropriate amounts, and as part of a balanced feeding routine, they can fit comfortably into many dogs’ diets.

For dog owners focused on simplicity and gentle feeding, understanding how an ingredient is used is often more important than avoiding it outright.

Learn More About Rootsies

Olewo Rootsies Digestive Dog Food Topper uses whole vegetables, including potato, carrot, and alfalfa, in small amounts designed to complement your dog’s regular food. Learn more here: Olewo Rootsies Dog Food Topper