Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes? The Benefits & Risks Of Feeding

Key Takeaways

• Sweet potatoes taste great and provide a plethora of health advantages. Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Fortunately, they are a healthy snack and safe for dogs to consume.
• The key is moderation, just like with any food. You should only give your dogs sweet potatoes in moderation, never more than 10% of their whole daily intake.
• When given in moderation, sweet potatoes may be a healthy treat for our dog friends. They offer more nutritional advantages, such as being low in fat and high in dietary fibre.
• In dog food recipes and treats, sweet potatoes are becoming more and more common. However, providing sweet potatoes to dogs may have some potential risks. Scroll down to find out!
• To ensure your dog is healthy while introducing sweet potatoes to their diet, follow our step-by-step instructions in this post.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Dogs can consume sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are commonly included as an ingredient in high-quality dog diets because they are abundant in dietary fibre and vitamins (such as A, B6, and C). Also, they contain various minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium.

Nevertheless, be careful how you introduce this fibre-rich starchy root to your dog. Even though dogs can eat sweet potatoes, don't give them any old yam to chew on! Keep reading for practical tips on how to feed sweet potatoes to your dog safely!

You can provide sweet potato for dogs

How Much Sweet Potato Can A Dog Eat?

Sweet potatoes should not typically account for more than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake. A dog's size, age, and general health condition all affect how much sweet potato it can consume. 

Based on their weight, the following are some basic recommendations for how much sweet potato is safe for dogs to consume each day:

• Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds): 1 teaspoon
• Small dog (21–30 pounds): 1–2 teaspoons
• Medium dogs (31–50 pounds): 2–3 teaspoons
• Large dogs (51–90 pounds): 1–2 tablespoons
• Extra-large dogs (over 90 pounds): 3–4 tablespoons

Remember that an excessive amount of any meal can upset a dog's stomach and increase their chance of gaining weight. Thus, you had better consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary adjustments for your dog.

Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes For Dogs

When given in moderation, sweet potatoes may be a healthy treat for your dog friends. In fact, commercial dog food and treats are starting to contain this vitamin-rich carbohydrate often.

Sweet potatoes give a number of nutritional advantages, as long as you keep an eye out for other components that may find their way into human recipes and don't offer too much. Check them out below!

Rich Source Of Fiber

One of the best vegetables for fibre is sweet potatoes, which promote regular, healthful bowel motions in your pets. Depending on the kind of fibre, sweet potatoes can also help with diarrhoea and constipation. 

In addition, higher-fibre foods like sweet potatoes can help a pet lose weight by replacing calories, enhancing feelings of fullness, and increasing metabolism.

High In Beta-Carotene

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, just as other orange vegetables like carrots. It is an antioxidant that protects against heart disease and helps lower the risk of certain kinds of cancer.

In your dog's body, each beta-carotene molecule transforms into two molecules of vitamin A, which is necessary for your dog's skin, eyesight, growth of bones, and reproduction.

Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene.

Full Of Vitamins And Minerals

Sweet potatoes provide a healthy treat for dogs since they are rich in vitamins A, C, B3, and B6. These vitamins improve healthy vision, strengthen the immune system, and preserve energy levels. Sweet potatoes also include potassium, which aids in blood pressure regulation, and manganese, which promotes healthy bones and metabolism.

In general, these nutrients are essential for bolstering your dog's defences against illness, keeping their skin and hair in good condition, and encouraging healthy bone growth. 

Low In Fat

Sweet potatoes are a great low-fat dog treat, making them perfect for pets who need to control their weight. Their low-fat level offers vital nutrients without increasing the danger of obesity. Furthermore, they are a delicious and healthful substitute for processed, high-fat snacks due to their natural sweetness. 

Low Glycemic Index

As a source of carbohydrates, sweet potatoes possess a comparatively low glycemic index. It means that they avoid blood sugar spikes by releasing sugar into the circulation more gradually. For dogs—especially those with diabetes or those who may acquire weight—this makes them an excellent choice. 

Packed With Antioxidants

Another benefit of providing sweet potato for dogs is that it contains antioxidants. By neutralising free radicals, antioxidants lessen oxidative stress and shield cells from harm. They also help reduce inflammation, support heart health and may minimise the risk of chronic illnesses in dogs. 

Dogs who eat sweet potatoes can benefit from a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich food that promotes lifespan and improves their overall well-being.

Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants.

Healthier Alternative

Although white potatoes are less expensive than sweet potatoes, they are not as nutrient-dense. White potatoes have a higher carbohydrate content, which makes them one of the many foods that can contribute to blood sugar issues and obesity. Sweet potatoes should be an ideal choice for your pet's meal.

Luckily, sweet potatoes are now infused in various dog kibbles, like the Venison with Sweet Potato & Mulberry. It also has a blend of the best, freshly cooked animal proteins, which are essential for the robust health and high energy needs of active dogs. This food goes above and beyond regular dog food with a balanced formula catered specifically to the requirements of working dogs.

Risks Of Feeding A Dog Sweet Potatoes

Is sweet potato good for dogs? Yes. However, even with the advantages mentioned above, giving sweet potatoes to dogs carries some potential risks, particularly if they are improperly cooked or given in excess:

Oxalates

Oxalates are present in sweet potatoes that are found naturally in many plants. Larger consumption of oxalates may lead to crystal formation in the urinary tract, which may cause kidney or bladder stones. You should give sweet potatoes to your dogs with caution, especially those who have a history of kidney disease, urinary tract problems, or a propensity for bladder stones. 

Sweet potatoes normally will not harm your furry friend if they eat in moderation. Yet, there is a risk if you overfeed them or if their diet consists mostly of foods high in oxalate.

Uncooked Sweet Potatoes

Don’t feed your dog with uncooked sweet potatoes.

Before giving your dog sweet potatoes, they should always be cooked. When consumed in excessive quantities, dogs may have difficulty digesting raw sweet potatoes due to the presence of solanine, a poisonous chemical.

Allergic Reactions

Although it is uncommon, some dogs may react allergic to sweet potatoes. Itching, rashes on the skin, and upset stomach are symptoms of an allergic response.

High In Sugar

There are natural sugars in sweet potatoes. While little amounts of this are not harmful, dogs that have diabetes or are at risk of obesity may have negative effects from excessive ingestion.

Overconsumption

When given in moderation, sweet potatoes are typically healthy for dogs. Still, too much might have negative health effects. Large amounts of them might irritate the digestive system since they are heavy in fibre. Plus, poisoning from too much vitamin A is possible.

How To Add Sweet Potatoes Into Your Dog's Diet?

The quickest and best approach to give your dog sweet potatoes is to boil or steam them; don't season the amount that you give your dog. Doing so helps preserve greater nutritional content. 

Steps to add sweet potatoes into your dog's diet

Remember to start by giving your dog a little so that you can check for any negative reactions or stomach problems. After feeding your dog sweet potatoes, keep a watch on them. Keep an eye out for symptoms of an unsettled stomach or allergic reactions, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or skin irritations.

You can progressively raise the serving size over time if your dog can handle that quantity. But remember how much sweet potato for dogs is advisable – it shouldn't exceed 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Feed My Dog Sweet Potato Everyday?

Most dogs shouldn't eat sweet potatoes every day because of their high fibre content. It can cause digestive problems like diarrhoea or upset stomachs when consumed in excess. As a result, always check with your veterinarian to ensure sweet potatoes meet your dog's specific nutritional needs and to prevent any possible problems from regular feeding.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Fries?

Dogs can consume sweet potato fries as long as the fries are cooked simply, without any additional additives or flavourings.

Sweet potato fries from stores or restaurants may contain dangerous ingredients for dogs, such as salt and spices. Besides, they are frequently cooked in oil. Unsettling stomachs, thirst, or even more serious health issues may result from these substances. 

For this reason, sweet potato fries are best made at home without the use of oil, salt, or spice, either baked or air-fried.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes Raw?

Don't give raw sweet potatoes to your dog. Because they're hard to chew, some dogs may choke on them. Furthermore, it may be hard for a dog's digestive system to leave them uncooked. Occasionally, they may even result in intestinal blockages, which is something you wouldn't want to deal with with your pet!

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skin?

Because of their chewy exterior, which can choke dogs and possibly create intestinal obstructions, potato skins are not safe for dogs to consume. Before adding any sweet potatoes to your pet's food meal, make sure they are boiled and that the skins, along with any stems or leaves, are removed.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Dogs may consume canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to check the label thoroughly. Dogs may be harmed by additional sugars, salt, or preservatives found in certain canned sweet potatoes. For the best result, you should select a kind that is unsweetened, low in salt, and devoid of any additions or flavours.

Can Dogs Be Allergic To Sweet Potatoes?

While uncommon, sweet potatoes can cause an allergic reaction in certain dogs, resulting in symptoms like swelling, itching, and others. Thus, it is crucial to stop feeding your dog sweet potatoes and see your veterinarian if you see any signs of an allergic reaction. Additionally, you should always introduce new foods gradually and watch your dog's response.