Pet safety
Is Yukon Gold Potatotoxic to cats & dogs?
Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold'
Is yukon gold potato safe for cats and dogs?
No — yukon gold potato is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists potato (Solanum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The green parts, foliage, sprouts and any green-skinned tubers contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid causing vomiting, drooling, lethargy, weakness and slowed heart rate. Properly cooked, fully ripe tubers are food; raw green or sprouted potato and the plant itself are not safe for pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats yukon gold potato?
The ASPCA lists potato (Solanum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The green parts, foliage, sprouts and any green-skinned tubers contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid causing vomiting, drooling, lethargy, weakness and slowed heart rate. Properly cooked, fully ripe tubers are food; raw green or sprouted potato and the plant itself are not safe for pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to yukon gold potato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate yukon gold potato
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move yukon gold potato out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of yukon gold potato to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to yukon gold potato
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Yukon Gold Potato and pets — frequently asked questions
Is yukon gold potato toxic to cats?
Yukon Gold Potato (Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists potato (Solanum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The green parts, foliage, sprouts and any green-skinned tubers contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid causing vomiting, drooling, lethargy, weakness and slowed heart rate. Properly cooked, fully ripe tubers are food; raw green or sprouted potato and the plant itself are not safe for pets. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is yukon gold potato toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Yukon Gold Potato (Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like yukon gold potato is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats yukon gold potato?
The ASPCA lists potato (Solanum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The green parts, foliage, sprouts and any green-skinned tubers contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid causing vomiting, drooling, lethargy, weakness and slowed heart rate. Properly cooked, fully ripe tubers are food; raw green or sprouted potato and the plant itself are not safe for pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to yukon gold potato, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate yukon gold potato?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of yukon gold potato to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to yukon gold potato?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full yukon gold potato care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete yukon gold potato care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.