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My 12 kg Labrador ate a boiled green-skinned potato with sprouts — is cooking enough to make it safe, and what signs should I watch for over the next few hours?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Cooking does not destroy solanine, the toxin in green skins and sprouts. Solanine is heat-stable, so a boiled green potato remains toxic. Watch for vomiting within 1 to 3 hours, tremors, weakness, or an abnormal heart rate. A 12 kg dog eating a moderate amount may show only mild stomach upset, but any green skin or sprout increases the risk. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line (888-426-4435) if you see any of these signs. Keep the dog rested and monitor closely for the next 24 hours.

Green or sprouted potato — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Green skin and sprouts contain solanine, which causes vomiting, tremors and heart problems.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Green or sprouted potato should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Green or sprouted potato has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Green or sprouted potato food facts page.

Open the full food page: Green or sprouted potato food facts →