Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato?

If you're a sweet potato fan, you might be wondering if your dog can eat it too. Sweet potatoes are a nutritious treat and delicious for both people and dogs! These delicious vegetables are packed with nutritional value, and dogs go absolutely bonkers for the flavor! Sweet potatoes are an excellent addition to your dog's diet if they're prepared properly and given in moderation. Dogs can eat sweet potatoes that are cooked, peeled, and made especially for them. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of this tasty treat!

 

 

Is Sweet Potato Safe for Dogs?

In short, yes! Sweet potatoes for dogs are safe as long as they are cooked and peeled. Raw sweet potatoes aren't ideal because they can upset your dog's stomach and cause an intestinal blockage. The plant contains trypsin inhibitors that can impact your dog's ability to digest protein - cooking sweet potatoes good enough destroys these compounds.

 

It's also crucial that you don't make your dog eat any part of the potato vine since it's toxic to them. Ingesting any part of a sweet potato vine can lead to acute poisoning. The vines from sweet potatoes can adversely affect your dog's brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Symptoms that are associated with sweet potato vine poisoning in a dog include:

 

• Seizure
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Hallucination
• Dilated pupils
• Reduced heart rate
• Excessive urination
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooling or salivation
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Numbness in their paws
• Liver and kidney damage
• Irritation around the mouth

 

 

 

Is Sweet Potato Good for Dogs?

Sweet potatoes for dogs are a nutritious and delicious treat they can enjoy safely when given in moderation. While raw sweet potatoes and their vines can pose a risk, cooked sweet potatoes are an excellent addition to your dog's balanced diet too. They offer numerous health benefits that contribute to your dog's overall wellness.

 

 

Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

Sweet potatoes offer a range of health benefits for dogs, making them a nutritious addition to their diet. Here are some of the advantages to ease your concern on can dogs eat sweet potatoes:

 

 

Dietary Fiber

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system in dogs. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, reduces constipation, and promotes overall gut health, making sweet potatoes a beneficial addition to your dog's diet.

 

 

Beta-Carotene

These tasty tubers are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy vision and bolstering the immune system, helping to protect your dog from infections and diseases.

 

 

Essential Vitamins

Sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins like Vitamin A, B6, and C, which are important for your dog's overall health. Vitamin A supports skin and coat health, vitamin B6 ensures proper brain and nervous system function, and vitamin C promotes immune health and reduces inflammation.

 

 

Low-Fat, Nutrient-Dense Snack

Sweet potatoes are low in fat, making them an excellent snack option for dogs, especially those who are overweight or prone to weight gain. They provide essential nutrients without adding excess calories, helping to maintain a healthy weight.

 

 

Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat

The vitamins and antioxidants found in sweet potatoes, particularly vitamin E, can contribute to healthier skin and a shinier coat. Regular inclusion of sweet potatoes in a dog’s diet can help reduce skin irritation and dryness, improving overall skin condition.

 

 

Supports Heart Health

Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, a key mineral that helps regulate heart function and blood pressure in dogs. Including potassium-rich foods like sweet potatoes in your dog's diet can contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.

 

 

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Sweet potatoes contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is especially beneficial for older dogs or those suffering from conditions like arthritis, promoting joint health and mobility.

 

 

Boosts Energy Levels

Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy for dogs. Unlike simple carbs that can cause blood sugar spikes, the slow-releasing energy from sweet potatoes helps maintain steady energy levels, making them a beneficial option for active dogs or those needing sustained energy throughout the day.

 

 

Minerals in Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are also rich in essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. Calcium supports strong bones and teeth, potassium regulates fluid balance and muscle function, and iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. These minerals contribute to your dog's overall wellness, supporting key bodily functions.

 

 

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties

With their natural anti-inflammatory properties, sweet potatoes are an excellent option for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to human foods. They can help reduce inflammation, alleviate skin irritation, and promote a healthier digestive system, making them a soothing choice for sensitive pets.

 

 

 

Remedy for Digestive Issues

The high fiber content in sweet potatoes can also serve as a natural remedy for dogs with digestive issues. Whether your dog is experiencing diarrhea or constipation, feeding sweet potatoes often can help regulate their digestive system and promote healthy digestion. Introduce them gradually to avoid any gastrointestinal upset.

 

Related Article: The Best Dog Itchy Skin Home Remedy – Full List

 

 

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Sweet Potato?

In rare cases, dogs can be allergic to both sweet potato skins and potatoes. Possible symptoms of a sweet potato allergy include itchiness, paw biting, loose stool, vomiting, and ear inflammation. Since this allergy isn't very common, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for the best advice.

 

 

How Much Sweet Potato Can I Give My Dog?

Like with any other treat, moderation is crucial when it comes to sweet potatoes for dogs. If you choose to cook a sweet potato for your dog, it's best to provide it to them in small portions! If you have a toy dog breed, half an ounce (about 1-2 teaspoons) is a good place to start. Are are sweet potatoes good for dogs that are larger? Well, one tablespoon should do the trick; don't overdo it!

 

 

How Can I Give Sweet Potato to My Dog?

The best way for your dog to eat sweet potatoes is by cooking them at home yourself. You can prepare these vegetables in a few different ways. When preparing this treat, make sure you remove the skin first. Not peeling the skin only makes it harder for your dog to eat and digest. Plus, it could even be a choking hazard for some dogs.

 

There are plenty of natural and low ingredient sweet potato treats that are good for your pup! HolistaPet offers CBD Dog Treats + Heart & Immune Care for those looking for new foods to give their dog a tasty snack. These CBD dog treats include sweet potatoes and blueberries to provide your puppy with a wide range of nutrients! The antioxidant boost from these ingredients promotes your dog's heart function. Plus, CBD may boost your dog's mood and mobility.

 

 

 

Can I Feed Raw Sweet Potatoes to My Dog?

Feeding raw sweet potatoes to your dog is generally not recommended due to the potential risks involved. Raw sweet potatoes are tough and fibrous, making them difficult for dogs to chew and digest, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, or an upset stomach. Additionally, the raw texture increases the risk of choking, especially for smaller dogs or those prone to gulping their food.

 

 

How Often Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Dogs can safely enjoy sweet potatoes as a treat a few times a week, but it's important to keep portion sizes appropriate and consider your dog's overall diet. The frequency with which you feed your dog sweet potatoes should depend on your dog's size, activity level, and specific health needs.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato

So, are sweet potatoes good for dogs? Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals for pups. They can help a dog's digestive system function better. Since sweet potatoes are whole foods, they pose little threat to the digestive tract and are unlikely to cause immune responses. However, it's crucial not to feed your pup any raw sweet potato since it can endanger their health and be a choking hazard.

 

Similarly, the vines from sweet potatoes are poisonous to canines. The best way to feed your pup sweet potatoes is by boiling or baking them without any extra ingredients. Treats are also another reliable option. See more about dog nutrition here.