Have you ever given your pup a bite of sweet potato? If you have, we’re guessing he loved it!
Sweet potatoes, with all their sweet, orange goodness, are an amazing food to share with your dog. These root vegetables are rich in fiber and nutrients, boasting healthy doses of beta-Carotene, manganese, and vitamins A, B6, and C. And since sweet potatoes are safe for dogs, your furry friend can enjoy the health benefits of these tasty tubers just like you do!
Because many human foods can be unsafe for dogs, it’s natural to wonder, “Can dogs have sweet potatoes?” Don't worry, this is one food that’s safe to share with your best furry friend. Here, we’ll provide you with some preparation ideas that are perfect for your pup, as well as a few things to be aware of when it comes to dogs and sweet potatoes. So grab your furry friend and get ready to learn all about this delicious, dog-friendly treat.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
The answer is simple: yes! In fact, they’re not only OK, they’re fantastic. Sweet potatoes can be included as a small part of your pup’s daily meals, or given as a tasty treat.
Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes For Dogs
There are many benefits of sweet potatoes for dogs, including beta-Carotene for sharp vision, fiber for regularity, cancer-fighting antioxidants, and a host of vitamins and minerals, according to PetMD. In addition, sweet potatoes have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a great choice for dogs with food allergies.
PetMD also explains that sweet potatoes can be used as a home remedy if your pup is suffering from a bout of diarrhea. The high fiber content in just a small dose of sweet potato helps ease digestive issues and reduce loose stools.
Can Sweet Potatoes Be Bad For Dogs?
Despite being identified by Modern Dog Magazine as one of the top 10 "people" foods for dogs, sweet potatoes do have a few drawbacks.
Let's take a look at some of the don’ts of sweet potatoes for dogs:
1. Don’t allow your dog near sweet potato vines. Though the sweet potato itself is healthy and safe, the vines are definitely not!
“Sweet potato vine is known for its toxic ingredients, with similar characteristics to LSD," according to Vetary. "Ingestion of the vine may have a poisonous effect on dogs. The vines are highly toxic and can adversely affect the kidneys, brain, heart or liver.”
2. Don’t overdo it. Regardless of what type of food you choose to feed your pup on any given day, always remember that moderation is key. The same goes for dogs and sweet potatoes. The Honest Kitchen advises, “If you decide to cook sweet potatoes for addition to your dog’s diet, add just a small amount (a teaspoon for a small dog or a tablespoon for a large dog) as the sudden addition of too much extra fiber could lead to gastrointestinal issues.”
How About Raw Sweet Potatoes?
Don’t feed your dog raw sweet potatoes. According to Feedipedia, via the Daily Puppy, “Raw sweet potatoes and peels contain trypsin inhibitors, which reduce your pup's ability to digest proteins.”
How Should You Feed Sweet Potatoes To Dogs?
If you’re going to feed your dog sweet potatoes, you’ve got a pretty easy job, since you can prepare it in a variety of ways. As discussed before, though, be sure it’s not raw! Aside from the hazards mentioned above, another reason raw sweet potatoes are a no-go is that they can pose a choking hazard.
“If you are going to feed your dog a potato, it should be baked or boiled, with nothing added to it,” says the American Kennel Club.
Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treats
Another option is to try dehydrated sweet potatoes for dogs. You can make these tasty, chewy DIY sweet potato dog treats by purchasing a dehydrator, or putting thinly sliced sweet potatoes into the oven at a low temperature for several hours. Click here for a great how-to guide!
Are you planning on sharing these yummy treats with your furry friend? Please SHARE this article with your dog-loving pals who may want to try it!
