Can horses eat potatoes?

Better not: horses shouldn’t eat potatoes. Penn State Extension says to stay away from raw potatoes as treats, since they belong to the nightshade family, which it calls toxic to horses. According to CliniTox (University of Zurich), the toxins are concentrated in green spots, sprouts and skin, and sound tubers don’t cause poisoning. A 2004 Rutgers fact sheet even listed potato chips and potato products as acceptable treats. We still recommend not feeding potatoes.

Good to know: Rutgers lists potato plants among things horses should avoid at all costs. If your horse ate potato plants, green potatoes or sprouts, call your vet right away and don’t wait and see (RSPCA).