Sweet potatoes make for a tasty side dish at dinner. But are these vitamin-packed spuds safe for dogs to eat too? As a healthy whole food, sweet potatoes can be a great occasional snack or addition to your dog’s diet. Keep reading to learn if and how much sweet potato is good for dogs.
Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?
Sweet potatoes offer lots of key nutrients dogs need. Things like:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Beta carotene
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
This vitamin and mineral content supports dogs’ immune systems, digestion, eyesight, muscles, and cellular function.
Additionally, sweet potatoes contain soluble fiber. This fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels while keeping dogs fuller longer to prevent overeating. The fiber also promotes regular bowel movements and gut health.
So yes – sweet potatoes are a safe, healthy, and nutritious food for dogs in moderation.
Can Dogs Have Canned or Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
It’s fine for dogs to eat cooked sweet potatoes or organic canned varieties made for dogs. In fact, they’re safer than raw.
Cooking helps break down fibers and carbs for easier digestion and nutrient absorption. Just avoid seasoning with butter, oils, sugar, or other unhealthy add-ons meant for humans.
Canned sweet potatoes let you quickly puree and mix this veggie into your dog’s regular food too. Just confirm whoever packed the food is approved for pet diets first.
How Should You Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Dogs?
When preparing sweet potato treats or additions for your dog at home:
- Wash, peel, and cube raw sweet potatoes before boiling, backing, or microwaving until very soft all the way through. Allow to cool before serving.
- Mash, puree, or dice cooked sweet potatoes before mixing into their kibble.
- For dehydrated chips, slice boiled potatoes thin, spray with broth, and dehydrate at low heat overnight until crispy.
- When using leftovers, ensure no extra seasonings or sweeteners were added during human prep.
Pro tip: Save the sweet potato water from boiling to mix into your dog’s water bowl!
How Much Sweet Potato Should Dogs Eat?
While sweet potatoes are safe for dogs, too much of any new food can lead to upset stomachs or diarrhea. When first introducing this veggie, start slowly.
Give pieces of mashed sweet potato or a few tablespoons mixed into their food. For small dogs, start with 1-2 bites or tablespoons maximum. Slowly increase portion sizes if no digestive upset.
As a rule of thumb, sweet potatoes should make up no more than 10-15% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake after the transition period. Monitor your dog’s reactions carefully when trying new human foods. Your vet can provide specific dietary guidelines too.
What Parts of Sweet Potatoes Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat the flesh of sweet potato safety. The skin can also provide added fiber for digestion, but should get cooked first.
Avoid feeding dogs raw sweet potato skins though as they may be tough to digest.
The leaves, vines, and stems of sweet potato plants contain harmful oxalates and shouldn’t get fed to dogs. Keep curious pups away from any decorative sweet potato vines in your home or garden.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes Every Day?
While sweet potatoes make nutritious occasional treats, they likely shouldn’t comprise a daily part of most dog’s diets. Too much vitamin A and carbohydrates causes problems.
Unless a veterinary nutritionist recommends prescription sweet potato dog food for a specific condition, save this starchy vegetable for once or twice a week. Rotating other fresh fruits and vegetables keeps variety in vital nutrients while preventing excesses.
Monitor your dog after eating sweet potatoes too – some react poorly despite the health qualities. Stay vigilant ensuring the added carbs don’t negatively impact your dog’s waistline either. Weight gain causes a slew of health issues.
Questions and Answers About Dogs and Sweet Potatoes
Q: Can diabetic dogs eat sweet potatoes?
A: Consult your vet first, but the soluble fiber of sweet potato may help regulate diabetic dogs’ blood sugar levels. Introduce slowly and watch closely for reactions.
Q: Are sweet potatoes safe for dogs with kidney disease?
A: Yes, the low protein, nutrients, and fiber aid dogs with kidney issues. Check with your vet on optimal portion sizes tailored to your dog’s individual dietary needs and restrictions.
Q: Can puppies eat sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, but only once weaned from mom and eating solid food well. Cook and puree to a mushy texture appropriate for your puppy’s size and tooth stage.
Q: Do dogs need vegetables like sweet potatoes?
A: Dogs don’t require veggies or fruit, but they benefit from key nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber when these human foods get introduced properly in moderation.
Follow basic guidelines for preparing and serving sweet potatoes safely, introduce them slowly, and monitor your dog’s reactions. With a few precautions, let your dog enjoy this tasty, healthy snack!
