Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes can be good for digestive health in dogs because they are high in dietary fiber, low in fat, and contain good vitamins like B6, vitamin C and magnesium.

They are also rich in beta-cartone which converts to Vitamin A when in a dog’s body.

Most dogs will tolerate sweet potatoes well but some may be allergic to them.

What Are Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that come from the morning-glory family.

The origin of the sweet potato is thought to come from Central or South America and it was domesticated more than 5,000 years ago.

Are Sweet Potatoes Good For Dogs?

The short answer is, yes sweet potatoes can be a nice addition to a healthy dog’s diet.

Sweet potatoes can be good for digestive health in dogs because they are high in dietary fiber, low in fat, and contain good vitamins like vitamin B, C and magnesium.

They are also rich in beta carotene which converts to Vitamin A when in the dog’s body.

Vitamin A is good for your dog’s vision, muscle strength, heart health and growth.

Sweet potatoes have many health benefits and contain iron, calcium and zinc and are low in sodium.

Dr. Jean Dodds,  a respected veterinarian and one of the foremost experts in pet healthcare states, “Clearly, sweet potatoes are a superior source of nutrition for companion animals than white potatoes.

Can All Dogs Have Sweet Potatoes?

Some dogs can be allergic to sweet potatoes so it’s always best for pet parents to check with their veterinarian before adding them to their dog’s diet, especially if they have known food allergies or a sensitive stomach.

Sweet potatoes contain sugar so they have a high glycemic index. 

They don’t have as much sugar as white potatoes but pet owners that have diabetic pets should definitely consult with their vet first.

Vitamin A is good but too much Vitamin A can lead to muscle weakness and bone problems so moderation is key. 

 

How To Make Sweet Potatoes For Dogs

It’s super easy to make sweet potatoes for your dog and you can prepare them in a few different ways:

• Baked
• Dehydrated
• Steamed
• Boiled

Baked or dehydrated 

Some of the most popular ways that dog owners give their furry friend a great snack of sweet potatoes is by buying or making sweet potato chews.

You can make sweet potato chews by slicing and baking them in the oven or drying them out in an oven or dehydrator.

Dehydrated sweet potatoes make a great tasty treat but the process takes a little bit of time.

But it’s easy and a great, nutritious snack to give your dog during the day. 

You can slice them up as french fries, or potato chips or make them into treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size

Steamed or boiled 

If sweet potato fries aren’t an option, you can also boil or steam sweet potatoes, mash them up and add them right to your dog’s food. 

Some dog owners will sprinkle a little Ceylon cinnamon on the chew or in the mash and some will add coconut oil or turmeric.

As with any new food, it’s always recommended to start off feeding sweet potatoes to your dog slowly and gradually increase.

Since sweet potatoes contain fiber, too much too soon can cause digestive upset.

Can Dogs Have Raw Sweet Potatoes?

Raw potatoes are harder for dogs to digest. 

They can cause gastrointestinal issues and could be a choking hazard for smaller dogs so it’s recommended to stick to giving a dog sweet potatoes that have been cooked.

Raw sweet potatoes that are dehydrated in some commercial dog foods do not normally pose an issue to healthy dogs.

Sweet Potato For Dogs With Diarrhea

Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber and could help to help bind together loose stool and correct some forms of diarrhea. 

However, it is always recommended to speak with your veterinarian if your dog is having bouts of diarrhea to rule out any serious medical issues.

While cooked (not raw) sweet potatoes MIGHT help with diarrhea it could also make matters worse and no one wants that. 

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

The fun thing about sweet potatoes is that you can use them to make a variety of homemade treats for dogs.

You can simply dehydrate slices of sweet potato and use them as a tasty treat for your dog or you can use them in homemade baked dog biscuits. 

Sweet potatoes tend to work well with unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter or even cheese. 

As always, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian before adding any new food to your dog’s diet. 

Pumpkin vs Sweet Potato For Dogs

When you’re comparing the health benefits of pumpkin vs. sweet potato for your dog, it can be challenging to decide which one is best.

Both can be beneficial for a dog’s digestive system due to their high fiber content but pumpkin has fewer carbohydrates. 

Foods high in carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and even white potatoes provide a boost of energy but also have a high glycemic index which can be a problem for dogs with diabetes and can also lead to obesity.

However, moderation is key for any food or treat that is added to a dog’s diet so if your dog is healthy and likes sweet potatoes add into a rotation of special treats that they get. 

 

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