Can dogs eat sweet potato everyday?

Quick Answer

Yes, dogs can eat sweet potato everyday. Sweet potatoes are a healthy, nutrient-dense food that is safe for dogs to eat in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Sweet potatoes provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that can benefit your dog’s health. However, sweet potatoes do contain natural sugars, so portion control is important when feeding them daily. Consult your veterinarian for advice on incorporating sweet potatoes into your dog’s routine diet.

Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that can provide health benefits for dogs, including:

Vitamin A – Supports vision, growth, immune function, and skin health.
Vitamin C – An antioxidant that promotes immune health and collagen formation.
Potassium – Important for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function.

Fiber – Aids digestion and intestinal health.
Beta-carotene – An antioxidant that converts to vitamin A as needed in the body.

The vitamins, minerals, and fiber in sweet potatoes can complement your dog’s regular diet nicely. The antioxidants can also help combat free radicals that damage cells.

Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a safe and healthy food for dogs to eat in moderation. The vitamins, fiber, and phytochemicals they provide have some notable benefits:

Digestive health – The fiber aids digestion and gut motility.
Weight management – They are lower in calories than white potatoes.

Heart health – Antioxidants help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
Immune boost – Vitamins promote immune cell function.
Healthy skin and coat – Vitamin A supports skin cell health.

The natural sugar content is relatively low compared to other fruits and vegetables. As long as you control portions, sweet potatoes make an excellent carb source to mix into your dog’s meals.

Are There Any Risks?

Eating sizable amounts of sweet potatoes daily over an extended period can pose some risks for dogs, including:

Weight gain – Sweet potatoes are relatively high in carbs.

Digestive upset – Too much fiber can cause loose stools.
Tooth decay – The natural sugars can damage teeth.
Dangerous mold growth – Raw sweet potatoes may contain mold.

Pesticide exposure – Only give dogs organic, washed sweet potatoes.

Providing small, cooked portions and rotating sweet potatoes with other low glycemic vegetables can help minimize these risks. Introduce sweet potatoes gradually to monitor for any digestive issues. Also be mindful of pesticide residue if using non-organic potatoes.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skin?

Yes, dogs can eat sweet potato skin in moderation. The skin contains concentrated amounts of fiber that can aid digestion. It also retains much of the vitamin and mineral content of the tuber. However, avoid feeding the skin if it seems excessively thick or difficult to chew. Over time, eating large amounts of skin can potentially cause intestinal blockages. It’s usually safest to peel the skin before cooking and pureeing the sweet potato for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes?

It’s best to avoid feeding dogs raw sweet potatoes. Raw sweet potatoes contain compounds called oxalates which can crystalize in the dog’s digestive tract, causing damage. Cooking helps break down oxalates to safer levels. Raw sweet potatoes may also contain mold or other bacteria that can cause illness. Ensuring sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked before serving will make them safer and easier for your dog to digest.

How to Prepare Sweet Potato for Dogs

When preparing sweet potatoes for your dog, follow these tips:

Wash thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria.

Peel the skin which can be tough to digest.
Cut peeled potatoes into smaller pieces to cook faster.
Cook until very soft all the way through – steaming, boiling, microwaving, or baking.

Mash or puree the sweet potato well before serving.
Avoid adding any seasonings, salt, butter, or sugar.

Cooking softens the natural fibers in the sweet potato, making it easier for your dog to break down and digest. A pureed consistency also lowers the choking risk. Serve the sweet potato plain or mix into your dog’s regular meals.

How Much Sweet Potato Should I Feed My Dog?

When introducing sweet potatoes, start slowly with small amounts:

Small dogs: 1-2 tbsp per day.
Medium dogs: 3-4 tbsp per day.

Large dogs: Up to 1/2 cup per day.

Gradually increase the portion size if your dog tolerates it well. As a rule of thumb, sweet potatoes should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total caloric intake per day. Too much can lead to weight gain or diarrhea. Monitor your dog’s body condition and adjust amounts as needed. Rotating sweet potatoes with other low glycemic veggies can help provide variety.

Tips for Serving Sweet Potatoes Safely

When feeding sweet potatoes regularly, keep these safety tips in mind:

Select smaller, evenly sized sweet potatoes which tend to be more tender and less fibrous.
Always inspect for mold, bruises, or other signs of spoilage.
Wash and peel to remove potentially toxic pesticide residue.

Cut into even, small pieces to ensure thorough cooking.
Cook until extremely soft all the way through.
Test temperature before feeding to avoid mouth burns.

Puree or mash well before serving.
Portion carefully to prevent weight gain or diarrhea.

Following these tips will help make sweet potatoes a delicious and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. Monitor your dog’s health and activity level and adjust portion sizes as needed.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potatoes

Here are some easy ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into your dog’s meals:

Toppings

Mix mashed sweet potatoes into your dog’s regular kibble or canned food. The sweet flavor often entices picky eaters.

Bake

Make sweet potato “pup-skins” by slicing small whole potatoes, brush with olive oil, season, and bake until tender.

Freeze

Puree cooked sweet potatoes and freeze in portions inside a Kong toy for a nutritious treat.

Hydrate

Add cooked, mashed sweet potato to your dog’s water for extra hydration on hot days or when sick.

Snacks

Dehydrate thin slices of sweet potato in the oven or a dehydrator for crunchy treats.

What To Avoid when Feeding Dogs Sweet Potatoes

It’s important to avoid these common mistakes when preparing sweet potatoes for dogs:

Undercooking – Raw sweet potatoes can be difficult to digest properly.
Leaving skin on – The tough skin is fibrous and can cause obstruction.

Irregular chunks – Can pose choking hazard if not thoroughly chewed.
Added salt – High sodium can be dangerous for dogs.
Butter or oil – Adds unnecessary fat and calories.

Sugar or spices – Can cause digestive upset in dogs.
Moldy portions – Toxic if ingested.

Stick to plain cooked sweet potato pieces mashed or pureed into a smooth texture your dog can eat safely.

Can Dogs Have Canned Sweet Potatoes?

It’s fine to feed your dog canned sweet potatoes on occasion as long as they are plain. Avoid any products with added syrups, sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Canned varieties won’t provide as much fiber and nutrient density as fresh sweet potatoes. But they can provide an easy option for mixing into your dog’s meals when you don’t have fresh potatoes on hand. Focus on low sodium options and rinse before serving to reduce the salt content.

Recipes with Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

Here are some dog-friendly recipes featuring nutrient-rich sweet potatoes:

Sweet Potato Pupcakes

Ingredients:

1 large cooked, mashed sweet potato
1 egg
1/2 cup oat flour

1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix together mashed sweet potato, egg, flour and baking powder until well combined.
Scoop batter into muffin cups. Bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool before serving. Can be stored in fridge for 4-5 days.

Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato, sliced 1/4″ thick

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 225°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Brush sweet potato slices with olive oil then sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake for 2 hours, flipping once. Let cool completely before serving.

Can be stored in airtight container for 1 week.

The Bottom Line

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious carb source that most dogs can eat and benefit from in moderation. Their vitamins, minerals, and fiber support dogs’ overall health. Cooked, peeled, and pureed sweet potatoes can be fed everyday as part of a balanced diet. Pay attention to serving sizes based on your dog’s size and activity level. Monitor your dog for any digestive issues. Overall, sweet potatoes make a tasty and healthy addition to a dog’s diet when fed properly. Consult your vet if you have any concerns.