The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

There are lots of human foods that your pup may love, but they can be harmful to your pet's health. Sweet potatoes do not fall into this category. In fact, they're some of the most nutritious foods that you can feed your dog. But what are the benefits of sweet potatoes in your dog's diet, and will your pup actually eat them? Here's what we know about sweet potatoes for dogs.

Can Dogs Actually Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, and for most dogs, it's one of the greatest treats they'll ever eat. This is something you won't have to convince or trick your pup into eating, as most love the taste just as much as we do.

What may surprise you is that you may already be feeding your dog sweet potatoes. If you check the labels on your dog food, sweet potatoes are often one of the ingredients in the kibble.

They are also becoming increasingly popular in dog chews. There are some benefits to cooking a sweet potato as if you were going to eat it yourself and then feeding it to your bestie. However, there are some things to consider before heading to the grocery store to buy sweet potatoes.

What are the Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs?

According to the American Kennel Club, "Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. In addition, eating fiber regularly lowers the risk of heart disease and certain cancers."

Does your pup like to beg for table food? If so, you've probably gotten the puppy dog eyes as they look up at you as if tears are seconds from forming, and you feel terrible because you aren't giving in to their every whim. The bad news is that you can't just feed them whatever types of food they want. The good news is that you can give them some types of table food, like sweet potatoes.

These orange tubers of goodness are healthy thanks to including vitamins A, B46, and C, calcium, potassium, and iron. These are necessary to help your pup live a longer, healthier life. There are a few things to consider, however, such as how much you should feed them and how sweet potatoes for dogs should be prepared.

Do I Need to Bribe My Dog to Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Most dogs love sweets and will be thrilled with the chance to take a chunk out of sweet potatoes—especially if they see you eating it. However, you may already be feeding your dog sweet potatoes. This is because they're often included in pet food and many different types of treats.

To cook it, you just need to stick it in the oven for a few minutes, just like you do when you're cooking for yourself. Raw sweet potatoes are not recommended because your dog could choke on them. It's also a good idea to remove the skin, as many pooches have a hard time digesting it.

Another cooking tip is to avoid adding seasoning. This is especially true in the case of marshmallows. Your dog will definitely not approve of this advice, but sometimes we have to do what's best for their bodies, not their gluttonous little tummies.

Can You Feed a Dog Too Many Sweet Potatoes?

If your puppy were answering this question, the answer would doubtless be, "Absolutely not, give me more!" The truth is that you can give them too many sweet potatoes. If you feed them too many, your healthy dog could quickly become obese thanks to all the extra calories and carbohydrates, amongst other health issues.

One risk of sweet potatoes for dogs, at least in large amounts, is too much Vitamin A. This can lead to bone and muscle weakness. For dogs who are already overweight and getting too big for their doggie sweaters or suffering from diabetes, you'll only be making matters worse by feeding them too many sweet potatoes.

Ultimately, you’ll want to save sweet potatoes as special treats after events like a car ride or a long walk.

If this is new food to your dog, then proceed with caution at first. The only way to know how it will affect your dog's body is to give it to them slowly. You'll want to look for signs such as constipation and other unusual side effects before you make sweet potato dog treats a regular thing. If you have questions about how much to feed your pooch based on their side and breed, then consult your veterinarian.

Are There Other Types of Veggies I Can Safely Feed My Dog?

While it may be surprising, many dogs love veggies, which are healthy for them. For picky dogs who turn their noses up at anything that isn't Kibbles and Bits, you can always sneak veggies into their food. But remember that what is healthy for us may not benefit your dog.

Veggies that will help improve the health of your dog include white potatoes, peas, green beans, broccoli, and carrots, according to Pet MD. Peas are some of the most healthy, thanks to a vast range of vitamins such as Vitamin C, A, K, B1, B6, B3, and B2, as well as manganese, fiber, folate, phosphorus, protein, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and potassium. They also have antioxidants. Because of this, they make the ideal superfood for dogs who need a little extra weight loss.

To learn more about what dogs can and can't eat, contact us today.

FAQs

Can I Feed My Dog Sweet Potatoes Every Day?

Your dog says yes, but the Dodo says no. Sweet potatoes are ideal for rewards and treats but should not replace your pup's regular meals. If you aren't sure how much is too much for your specific dog, then consult with your veterinarian. This is especially true for smaller dogs who can eat their weight in sweet potatoes.

Which is Better For Dogs, Sweet Potatoes or Carrots?

Like us, dogs will probably be better off eating carrots. This is because carrots are naturally lower in calories and carbohydrates. Because of this, you can feed your dog more carrots, although it shouldn't replace their regular meals.

How Do Sweet Potatoes for Dogs Compare to Regular Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are both healthy when cooked properly. Both can be a source of energy for your pup and are fine when fed in appropriate proportions.

Finally, while you may think that yams and sweet potatoes are the same, they aren't. There are a lot of similarities, however, as they are both root vegetables. So feel free to feed both to your dog.