Are Potatoes in Dog Food Bad? The Complete 2026 Nutrition Guide

If you've flipped over a bag of kibble recently and spotted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or pea starch near the top of the ingredient list, you're not alone in wondering: are potatoes in dog food bad? The question has dog owners divided, thanks largely to an FDA investigation that began in 2018 linking certain "boutique" diets to a serious heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The reality, as with most nutrition questions, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

This guide breaks down the veterinary science behind potatoes in commercial dog food, when they're perfectly safe, when they warrant concern, and exactly what to look for when choosing your dog's next bag of kibble — whether that includes potatoes or not.

The FDA Investigation: What We Actually Know About Potatoes and DCM

In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it was investigating reports of DCM in dogs eating diets that listed potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, or other legume seeds as principal ingredients. These diets were frequently labeled "grain-free" and marketed by boutique or small-scale manufacturers.

Here's what the data actually showed by the time the FDA released its 2019 update:

• 560 reports of DCM in dogs were submitted to the FDA between 2014 and 2019
• Over 90% of reported diets were labeled grain-free
• The most commonly reported brands included Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature's Variety, NutriSource, Nutro, and Rachael Ray Nutrish
• Potatoes and legumes appeared as primary ingredients in the majority of implicated diets

When Potatoes in Dog Food Are Perfectly Fine

Potatoes are not toxic to dogs when cooked. In fact, they're a legitimate carbohydrate source used in many well-formulated, AAFCO-compliant diets produced by major manufacturers with decades of feeding trial data. The distinction that matters is context:

Potatoes Are Generally Safe When:

• The diet is produced by a manufacturer that conducts AAFCO feeding trials (not just formulation analysis)
• Potatoes appear below a named animal protein in the ingredient list (e.g., chicken is listed first, potatoes fourth)
• The manufacturer employs a full-time veterinary nutritionist (DACVN or PhD in animal nutrition)
• The food has a documented history of safe use across thousands of dogs over multiple years
• Your dog has no specific health conditions requiring carbohydrate restriction

Potatoes May Warrant Caution When:

• The diet is from a small manufacturer without feeding trial data
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils are the first or second ingredient
• The food is marketed as "grain-free" and uses potatoes/legumes as the primary carbohydrate replacement
• Your dog is a breed predisposed to DCM (Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers)
• Your dog has diabetes mellitus requiring strict glycemic control

Nutritional Requirements: What Your Dog Actually Needs

Before evaluating any ingredient, it helps to understand the baseline nutritional targets for your dog. The Merck Veterinary Manual and AAFCO nutrient profiles establish these minimums:

Caloric Needs by Weight and Activity Level

The resting energy requirement (RER) formula is: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. From there, you multiply by a life-stage/activity factor:

Adjustment factors: These are starting points. Monitor your dog's body condition score every 2 weeks and adjust portions up or down by 10-15% based on weight trends. Cold-weather dogs may need 20-30% more; brachycephalic breeds often need 10-15% less due to lower exercise tolerance.

How to Read a Dog Food Label: The Ingredient Analysis Guide

Understanding whether potatoes in a specific food are problematic requires knowing how to decode the label. Here's a systematic approach:

Top Recommended Dog Foods: Potato-Free and Potato-Inclusive Options

The following recommendations are based on AAFCO compliance, manufacturer reputation, feeding trial data, and veterinary nutritionist consensus. Prices reflect average retail costs as of early 2026.

Ingredients to Avoid and Why

Homemade Diets: What You Need to Know Before Cooking for Your Dog

A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association evaluated 200 homemade dog food recipes sourced from websites and pet care books. The results: 95% had at least one essential nutrient deficiency, and 83.5% had multiple deficiencies. Common gaps included calcium, vitamin E, zinc, iodine, and essential fatty acids.

This doesn't mean homemade diets are impossible — it means they require professional formulation.

If You're Considering a Homemade Diet With Potatoes:

• Use only fully cooked, peeled white or sweet potatoes — no green spots, no skins
• Potatoes should constitute no more than 20-25% of total caloric intake as a carbohydrate source
• Pair with a high-quality protein source (minimum 40% of calories from named animal protein)
• Add a veterinary-approved supplement blend to cover calcium, trace minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins
• Have your dog's blood work evaluated every 6 months to monitor for developing deficiencies

Raw Diet Considerations

Raw diets (BARF, prey model) carry documented risks including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli contamination — both for your dog and your household. The AVMA discourages feeding raw animal-source protein due to public health risks. If you choose to feed raw despite these warnings:

• Source human-grade meat from inspected facilities
• Practice strict kitchen hygiene — separate cutting boards, thorough surface disinfection
• Never feed raw diets in households with immunocompromised individuals, young children, or elderly persons
• Have stool cultures performed quarterly to monitor for pathogen shedding
• Work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet meets AAFCO nutrient profiles

The 7-10 Day Food Transition Protocol

Switching your dog's food too quickly is the number one cause of diet-transition diarrhea, vomiting, and food refusal. Follow this schedule regardless of whether you're moving from potato-inclusive to potato-free or making any other dietary change:

For sensitive dogs: Extend each phase to 3 days (making a 12-15 day transition). Adding 1-2 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) per meal can help stabilize stool during transitions.

If your dog refuses the new food: Try warming it slightly (to body temperature, around 101°F / 38°C) to increase aroma. Mix in a teaspoon of low-sodium chicken broth. Never starve a dog into eating — food refusal lasting more than 48 hours in an otherwise healthy adult dog warrants a veterinary check.

Supplements: Does Your Dog Need Them?

If your dog eats a complete-and-balanced commercial diet that meets AAFCO standards, additional supplements are generally unnecessary — and in some cases, excessive supplementation can cause harm (fat-soluble vitamin toxicity, calcium-phosphorus imbalance).

When Supplements May Be Beneficial:

Monitoring Success: How to Know Your Dog's Diet Is Working

After switching foods, evaluate these four markers over 4-8 weeks:

1. Body Condition Score (BCS)

Use the 9-point Purina Body Condition System. Your dog should score a 4 or 5 out of 9:

• Ribs: Easily felt with slight fat covering — like running your fingers over the back of your hand
• Waist: Visible from above, an hourglass shape behind the ribs
• Abdominal tuck: From the side, the abdomen tucks up behind the rib cage

2. Coat and Skin Quality

A well-nourished dog has a shiny, soft coat with minimal shedding beyond seasonal norms. Skin should be supple, not flaky or inflamed. Dull, brittle coats or excessive dandruff appearing 2-4 weeks after a diet change may indicate essential fatty acid deficiency.

3. Energy and Behavior

Appropriate energy for your dog's breed and age. Lethargy, irritability, or exercise intolerance can signal caloric insufficiency or nutrient imbalance. Conversely, hyperactivity and inability to settle may indicate excess calories or stimulant-like ingredients.

4. Stool Quality

Ideal stool is firm, well-formed, dark brown, and easy to pick up. Use this scoring guide:

• Score 1 (too hard): Dry pellets, difficult to pass — may need more fiber or water
• Score 2-3 (ideal): Log-shaped, holds form, minimal residue when picked up
• Score 4-5 (too soft): Soft but formed — transitional, may resolve with time
• Score 6-7 (diarrhea): Unformed, liquid — if persistent beyond 48 hours, contact your vet

Frequently Asked Questions

Are potatoes in dog food bad for all dogs?

No. Cooked potatoes in diets produced by major manufacturers with AAFCO feeding trials and veterinary nutritionist oversight have not been shown to cause harm. The concern centers on specific grain-free formulations from smaller manufacturers where potatoes or legumes replace grains as primary carbohydrate sources, and where overall diet formulation may affect taurine metabolism. Individual breed predisposition to DCM also factors into risk assessment.

What's the difference between white potatoes and sweet potatoes in dog food?

Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index (44-61) compared to white potatoes (78-111), meaning they cause slower blood sugar rises. Sweet potatoes also contain more beta-carotene and fiber. Both are safe when cooked and included in a balanced diet. Neither is inherently "better" — the concern in the DCM investigation applied to both equally when used as primary carbohydrate sources in grain-free formulations.

My dog has been eating a grain-free potato-based food for years. Should I switch?

Don't panic, but do have a conversation with your veterinarian. They may recommend a cardiac evaluation including an echocardiogram and blood taurine levels, particularly if your dog is a breed predisposed to DCM. If your dog checks out healthy, you can decide together whether a gradual transition to a diet with more feeding-trial data is warranted.

Can I give my dog cooked potatoes as a treat?

Yes — plain, cooked, peeled potato in small amounts is safe. For a 25 lb (11.3 kg) dog, limit to 1-2 tablespoons per serving, no more than 2-3 times per week. Never add butter, salt, garlic, or onion. Treats should not exceed 10% of total daily caloric intake.

What is the best dog food for dogs with DCM risk?

Veterinary cardiologists generally recommend diets from manufacturers that conduct AAFCO feeding trials, employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and have decades of documented safety data. Purina Pro Plan, Hill's Science Diet, and Royal Canin are most frequently recommended. For breeds at elevated DCM risk, your veterinarian may recommend a specific therapeutic diet and periodic cardiac screening.

Does my dog need supplements if I switch to a new food?

If the new food meets AAFCO complete-and-balanced standards and your dog is healthy, supplements are typically unnecessary. Exceptions include dogs with confirmed deficiencies (diagnosed via blood work), senior dogs with cognitive decline (MCT oil may help), and dogs with osteoarthritis (glucosamine/chondroitin). Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements — some can interfere with medications or cause toxicity at high doses.

How do I switch my dog to a new food safely?

Follow the 7-10 day transition protocol outlined above: 75/25 for days 1-2, 50/50 for days 3-4, 25/75 for days 5-6, and 100% new food by day 7-10. Extend the timeline for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Monitor stool quality throughout, and add plain canned pumpkin if loose stools develop during the transition.