Every morning is fulfilling when we pair our coffee with the soft, delicate bite of hash browns. The tenderness when you sink your teeth in it and when crispy edges of its surface land your tongue create a memorable, sumptuous moment with your loved ones.
And completing that moment is the presence of your dog whose tongue drolls on your every bite. But your mind debates your heart: can dogs possibly eat hash brown? Does it bring hazards or benefits to them?
So, we are here to pacify you inside out. This article will guide you on the nature of hash browns and safe ways to feed them to your dogs.
What are Hash Browns?
Hash browns are a breakfast food made from shredded potatoes and then deep-fried. They are delicious, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
In fact, you might have a hard time believing that they’re actually made from potatoes.
Hash browns can be eaten as is or with some ketchup for dipping purposes. You can also eat them with your egg and sausage for a delightful breakfast.
People make hash browns at home as it is effortless to do so, provided you have all the necessary ingredients, such as potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper, and tools like shredder, deep-fryer, and a pan.
Ultimately, hash browns consist of healthy nutrients for the body, yet it depends on how you prepare them.
For example, you can make hash browns with eggs and vegetables to add nutritional value or eat just plain hash browns, which might be unhealthy depending on your food intake.
Food family of Hash Browns
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hash browns belong to the family group of “vegetable and vegetable products.”
As the group’s name implies, hash browns consist of other vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and many more.
This group also includes mushrooms, beans, peas, corn kernels, and soups that consist of vegetables or vegetable products.
Furthermore, hash browns are categorized under the sub-group of “potatoes,” which is self-explanatory since they only contain potato products. Potatoes contain the nutritional value of vitamin C, vitamin B-Complex, and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Potatoes also contain high amounts of carbohydrates that help boost your energy levels throughout the day.
We couldn’t agree more on serving hash browns during breakfast. But one question remains though, can dogs eat hash browns?
Can dogs eat Hash Browns?
Y-E-S. Dogs can eat hash browns, and it is highly recommended for their regular diet. Dogs can eat hash browns just as humans do, yet we suggest serving them chopped into small pieces.
In this way, your dog will have a longer time chewing and digesting his food instead of swallowing big chunks at once.
Dogs are omnivores — animals that eat meat and plant-based food. But, if you can notice, dogs naturally sniff or find something to chew on garden plants or grass.
This is because they are in search of their plant-based food intake. In other words, dogs require food from both animal and plant sources for their dietary needs to achieve a “balanced diet.”
Hash browns can be served as part of their balanced meal, and it is especially beneficial for your dog’s health if he eats vegetables.
So, to an extent, we designed ways to make hash browns more memorable and best to prepare for your dogs:
Best Ways to Feed your Dogs with Hash Browns
Use organic ingredients
We recommend using the freshest potatoes, as well as organic oils and salt. Bring out your creativity by combining ingredients that are nutritious for dogs, such as carrots or broccoli.
You can also add some spices like turmeric, which is known to boost their immune system functions.
Cooked vs. Uncooked
There’s actually no difference between eating hash browns cooked or uncooked, except the texture. Dogs prefer soft and chewy hash brown pieces instead of hard ones.
Thus, we recommend cooking your hash browns in a pan before serving them for a more straightforward digestion process.
Don’t add seasoning if it is not organic.
Dogs can still taste saltiness from seasonings added to your hash brown, but it is best to keep them natural.
Seasoning makes the texture of food harder for dogs to chew on, which might cause throat irritation or choking if they swallow big chunks in one go.
Reasons Why Dogs Can Eat Hash Browns
As a dog owner, you have to consider the nutritional value of hash browns for dogs. Here, we list down why its good to feed them hash browns:
Rich in vitamin C and B-Complex
Hash browns contain potatoes rich in vitamin C and B-Complex. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, which aids in fighting against infections.
On the other hand, the Vitamin B complex prevents anemia by producing red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your dog’s body.
Potassium also found in hash browns helps regulate your dog’s heart and blood flow and reduces the chances of developing kidney diseases.
Source of Carbohydrates
Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates that help boost energy levels in dogs. These carbs also provide the much-needed fuel for active breeds who need more endurance during physical activities such as jogging or hunting.
In addition, carbs from potatoes contain essential minerals and vitamins that dogs need to have a healthy coat and skin.
Antioxidant rich food
Hash browns are made from potatoes known as an antioxidant food, thus helping reduce cancer risks in your dog’s body.
Antioxidants may also aid in slowing down the aging process by protecting cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals usually develop when our bodies are exposed to chemicals, pollutants, and radiation.
Possible Concerns When Eating Hash Browns
The goodness of hash browns stops when your dog’s health experiences an unfortunate series of events.
So, let’s take a pause and check how would your dog negatively react after eating hash brown:
Gastrointestinal complications
Intestinal issues are usually associated with high-fat foods, but this doesn’t mean that dogs can only have them occasionally.
A small number of hash browns should suffice to feed your dog’s dietary needs, which is why it is recommended for all breeds and ages.
However, if you notice symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to immediately take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Choking hazard
Potatoes are rich in fiber which makes them hard for dogs to chew on without proper preparation.
Likewise, hash browns contain seasoning and oil, making them harder, especially if they’re not cooked properly or the only thing he eats throughout the day.
Thus, it is best to cut your dog’s hash browns into small pieces that are easy for him to chew on and swallow without causing choking hazards or throat irritation.
Intestinal Parasites
When hash browns are not well cooked, or if you overfeed your dog, they might suffer from intestinal parasites.
Intestinal worms usually reside in the intestines and can cause serious health problems to dogs, such as diarrhea or vomiting if not treated immediately.
Signs your dog is sick from eating Hash Browns
When your dog manifests unusual events after eating hash brown, perhaps, it’s time to bring them to the vet. But, what are some common signs that your dog is sick? Here are the following:
Dizziness
Potatoes contain high amounts of starch that can cause your dog to have blood sugar levels. This is because the starch turns into glucose in their bodies which aids in giving them energy and keeps them active throughout the day.
It might not be a problem with a small number of potatoes, but too much intake may cause dizziness or weakness if they don’t burn off the glucose.
Vomiting and Nausea
Consuming too much hash browns may lead to vomiting or nausea in your dog’s body, which can be a sign of intestinal obstruction from undigested parts of the food.
If you notice these symptoms, it is best to visit a veterinarian right away to check for any blockages in the intestines.
Excessive drooling
Hash browns contain high amounts of sodium which can cause excessive drooling in your dog. Sodium is used as a seasoning and preservative to make hash brown extra tasty for dogs, but too much intake can lead to stomach problems such as nausea or vomiting.
What to do if your dog is sick from eating Hash Browns?
You may experience shock and panic when you notice unusual events in your dog, such as vomiting, excessive drooling, and lethargy. So what should you do if this happens?
Take note of the following:
- Check your dog’s gums for any signs of pale or white color, which can be a sign that your dog is not getting enough oxygen due to shock and pain from intestinal obstruction.
- Do not feed them hash brown water since it can cause further dehydration, aggravating their current condition.
- Monitor their breathing. If your dog has difficulty in inhaling and exhaling air, you have to bring your dog immediately to the vet so he can check for blockages. Choking is common among dogs who are vomiting or experiencing abdominal pain because of intestinal obstruction.
Ultimately, it’s best to bring your dog to the nearest vet so he can assess the situation and treat your dog accordingly.
Avoid these similar foods from this family.
Now, you have ideas on the possible concerns and signs of sickness your dog might have encountered when eating hash browns.
In this section, you have to familiarize yourself with similar foods from this family.
French Fries
If your dog excessively consumes potato chips or French fries, it is best to take him to a veterinarian immediately.
These food items also contain high levels of starch which can cause blood sugar problems if they are not properly digested.
Salty snacks
Salt-based foods such as crackers and pretzels may look like hash browns, but they’re also food items that should be avoided when feeding your dog. They can cause high blood pressure and other heart-related problems if consumed in large amounts.
Burgers
Burgers are a common food item that many dog owners allow their dogs to eat because they look tasty; however, burgers also contain high levels of proteins and fat, which can cause pancreatitis in your pet.
How to Make Hash Brown Safe To Eat?
We thank you for being patient with our guide. This last section will give you tips on preparing a safe hash brown for your dogs.
Compliment their meal with yogurt and fruit
You can also add protein-rich ingredients such as yogurt that will provide a healthy dose of probiotics to your dog.
Probiotics are beneficial for your dog’s digestive system and overall health condition. That is why they should be included in their meal.
Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that fight harmful bacteria, while fruit such as bananas or berries will add taste and vitamin C intake at the same time.
Wash potatoes properly
You should avoid feeding your dog with potatoes that still bear dirt on them. A good practice is to scrub potatoes thoroughly and rinse them properly before having them cooked.
In this way, you can eliminate bacterias causing intestinal parasites.
Peel off the skin of the potato
It will be easier for you to remove or peel off its skin since most dogs don’t like chewing hard foods anyway.
If your dog can’t eat brown in one sitting, you can store it in the fridge. Then, you can feed it again when your dog feels hungry.
Key Takeaways
To wrap up, we want your mind and heart to settle for a moment and repeat after this: Yes, hash browns are best and will always be perfect for your dog’s diet.
Dogs can eat hash browns just as humans do, yet we suggest serving them chopped into small pieces. Since hash browns are made from potatoes, this food contains vitamins and nutrients needed for your dog’s immune system.
However, you must instill caution and awareness when hashing browns contribute to possible health concerns, such as gastrointestinal complications, intestinal parasites, and choking hazards.
In case your dog experiences vomiting, nausea, or excessive drooling, it’s time to bring them to your nearest vet.
So the next time that you feed hash browns with your dog, you celebrate a good morning moment with a hashtag: #HashbrownWithMyDog.
We hope this article helps. See you!