Sweet potatoes are an excellent treat and source of nutrients for dogs. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much of even healthy foods can lead to weight gain or digestive upset. Here’s a guide on how much sweet potato you can safely feed your dog.
Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a healthy, low-calorie, fiber-rich food that provides many important nutrients for dogs. Some key benefits of sweet potatoes for dogs include:
- Excellent source of vitamin A and beta-carotene which are important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- High in vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
- Good source of vitamin B6, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Low glycemic index so less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
- Rich in anti-inflammatory plant compounds like anthocyanins.
- May help promote digestive health due to high fiber content.
Both the flesh and skin of sweet potatoes are safe for dogs to eat. However, it’s best to serve them cooked plainly with no added sugar, butter, or seasonings.
How much sweet potato can I give my dog?
The amount of sweet potato you can feed your dog depends on your dog’s size and caloric needs. As a general guideline:
- Small dogs (under 10 lbs): No more than 2-3 tbsp cooked sweet potato per day.
- Medium dogs (10-25 lbs): No more than 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato per day.
- Large dogs (25-50 lbs): No more than 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato per day.
- Extra large dogs (over 50 lbs): No more than 1 cup cooked sweet potato per day.
You should start with smaller amounts and gradually increase to the maximum to monitor your dog’s reaction and prevent digestive upset. It’s also best to divide the daily portion into 2-3 smaller servings given throughout the day.
Nutritional content of sweet potatoes for dogs
Here are some key nutritional facts about sweet potatoes:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g cooked sweet potato |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Carbs | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 28,058 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2.4mg |
| Manganese | 0.25mg |
| Potassium | 337mg |
As you can see, sweet potatoes are packed with important vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in fat and calories.
Benefits of sweet potatoes for dogs
Here are some of the top benefits of adding sweet potatoes to your dog’s diet:
Excellent source of vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of the best plant-based sources of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, immune function, skin health, growth, and reproduction.
High in antioxidants
Antioxidants like anthocyanins found in the purple flesh and skin of sweet potatoes help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. This may help prevent chronic diseases and support overall health.
Good source of vitamin C
Vitamin C promotes a healthy immune system, wound healing, collagen production, iron absorption, and skin and coat health in dogs.
Excellent source of fiber
The high fiber content in sweet potatoes can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation in dogs. It also promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Provides antioxidants
Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and manganese which help fight cellular damage from free radicals and inflammation.
May help manage blood sugar
Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index which means they are less likely to cause spikes and crashes in your dog’s blood sugar levels.
Potential concerns with sweet potatoes for dogs
While sweet potatoes themselves are safe and nutritious for dogs, there are some potential concerns with how they are prepared and served:
Sugar or seasonings
You should never feed your dog sweet potatoes prepared with added sugar, butter, cinnamon, marshmallows, or other flavorings meant for human consumption. Plain boiled or baked sweet potato is healthiest.
Choking hazard
Cut sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Dogs can try to swallow large pieces whole.
Allergies
While rare, some dogs may be allergic to sweet potatoes. Look for symptoms like itching, gastrointestinal upset, or skin reactions after feeding.
Pesticides
Only feed organic sweet potatoes or wash them well to minimize pesticide residues.
Oxalates
Sweet potatoes contain oxalates which can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible dogs. This is usually only a concern for dogs with existing kidney issues.
Digestive upset
Eating too much sweet potato at once can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or excessive gas. Transition slowly to a new food.
Tips for feeding your dog sweet potatoes
Follow these tips for safely incorporating sweet potatoes into your dog’s diet:
- Wash, peel, and steam or boil sweet potatoes until soft. Do not add any butter, salt, sugar, or spices.
- Mash or cut the sweet potato into small, bite-sized pieces for your dog.
- Start by giving a small amount (a teaspoon or two) and gradually increase to recommended serving sizes if well tolerated.
- Mix some sweet potato in with your dog’s regular food or serve it on its own as a treat.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Avoid raw sweet potatoes, as they are difficult for dogs to digest.
- Be mindful of any digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea and discontinue use if it persists.
- Stay within the recommended serving sizes based on your dog’s size.
What part of sweet potato can dogs eat?
Both the flesh and skin of sweet potatoes are safe and nutritious for dogs to eat. The skin contains beneficial fiber and antioxidants. However, some dogs may not like the texture of the skin so you can peel it if needed.
Can I feed my dog sweet potato everyday?
You can feed your dog a small amount of sweet potato every day as long as it’s given in moderation. Limit daily servings to the recommended quantities based on your dog’s size to prevent overconsumption of sugars and calories. Rotate sweet potatoes with other low calorie vegetables to add variety.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes for dog food?
Sweet potatoes should not completely replace balanced commercial dog food, which provides a full nutritional profile. However, substituting up to 10-25% of your dog’s food with cooked sweet potato can add flavor and nutrients.
Are canned sweet potatoes good for dogs?
Canned sweet potatoes can be a quick and convenient way to feed this veggie to your dog. Look for unsweetened, plain varieties with no added syrups or flavorings. Rinse canned sweet potatoes to remove excess sodium. Fresh, cooked sweet potatoes are still best.
Can dogs eat sweet potato skins?
Yes, dogs can eat sweet potato skins. The skins contain extra fiber which promotes digestive health. They also contain more antioxidants than the flesh. However, some dogs dislike the texture so feel free to peel before serving if your dog won’t eat the skin.
Can dogs eat purple sweet potatoes?
Yes, dogs can safely eat purple sweet potatoes. The purple color comes from antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins. These antioxidants provide extra health benefits and aren’t dangerous for dogs. Start with small servings as the new color may put some dogs off.
Can dogs eat sweet potato leaves?
It’s best to avoid feeding sweet potato vines and leaves to dogs. While not necessarily toxic, they can contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth pain and gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Can dogs eat raw sweet potatoes?
Raw sweet potatoes are difficult for dogs to digest properly and don’t provide much nutritional value. It’s best to cook sweet potatoes before feeding to dogs. Boiling, steaming, microwaving, or baking all work well. Never feed your dog raw sweet potato skins.
Can dogs eat sweet potato fries?
It’s best to avoid feeding your dog sweet potato fries or any other heavily processed, fried sweet potato products. The extra oil, batter, and seasonings used are unhealthy. Plain cooked sweet potato with no additions is safer and more nutritious.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are a healthy treat and supplement for dogs when given in moderation. A few tablespoons of plain, cooked sweet potato can provide vitamin A, antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients. Limit quantities based on your dog’s size and only feed plain, cooked sweet potato with no added seasonings. Gradually introduce this tasty veggie to monitor for any digestive upset. Combined with a nutritious dog food, sweet potatoes can be a great addition to your pup’s diet.