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Do Sweet Potatoes Hurt Dogs?

Three whole sweet potatoes and on sweet potato that is sliced up

You may be looking for a new food that you can give your dog to switch up their diet. There are many healthy options for a treat you can give to your dog.

Potatoes are something that everyone will feed their dogs as a treat on occasion. When looking for a healthier option, most people think about sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a great healthier option of foods to give your dogs.

This article will explain all the great health benefits and some of the disadvantages of feeding your dog sweet potatoes.


Common negative facts about sweet potatoes

While sweet potatoes are usually very healthy to feed your dog, they can be very starchy. Given their name sweet potatoes, you would be right thinking that they were high in sugar content. This excess sugar can cause problems in some dogs and should be excluded from the diet of dogs with diabetes. Sweet potatoes also contain a lot of carbohydrates. If your dog lives a very sedimentary lifestyle, sweet potatoes may make them gain weight.


Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Before you give your dog sweet potatoes, it is best to check with your veterinarian. Your dog may have a medical condition where they do not need to eat sweet potatoes. It is best to discuss adding anything new to your pet's diet before serving it to your dog.


Health benefits of sweet potatoes for dogs

There are many great health benefits from feeding sweet potatoes to your dog. Common health benefits are:

Dietary fiber to aid in digestion

Sweet potatoes contain lots of fiber. This can help with digestion. This extra fiber in their diet can help your dog feel full while eating less food. This is a perfect thing to help your dog if they need to lose weight. Most people know that fiber can help their digestive system function more effectively. If your dog is suffering from diarrhea, the extra fiber found in sweet potatoes can help cure their diarrhea. Fiber will help bulk up the stool in your dog’s system. This allows the stomach to heal and the toxins to be removed easier.

Losing weight and having a better functioning GI system will help your dog have a healthier and stronger immune system. Your dog needs and healthy immune system just like people do. A dog can get sick and have a disease, just like people. Offering sweet potatoes to your dog will help boost this immune system and, over time, keep your dog healthy for a long life.

Beta Carotene

Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, which helps prevent cancer in your dog. Since there is not a cure or prevention for cancer, many owners may try to prevent cancer development in a natural way. Giving your pet food that helps promote health will benefit your dog in the long run. When your dog gets older, they may start to show signs of aging and deteriorating health.  Eating foods that contain beta carotene will help your dog to be able to fight the negative effects of aging

Antioxidants

Sweet potatoes have antioxidant properties. The antioxidant helps speed up the healing process in case your dog is hurt or sick. Sweet potatoes are high in sugar, but they have such good anti-aging aspects. As long as the sugar levels in your dog are at appropriate levels; then, your dog should not have any side effects with eating sweet potatoes.

Minerals

Sweet potatoes contain many essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin C. All of these are essential for your pet’s health. Sweet potatoes also contain these great minerals: iron, copper, and manganese. Your dog is receiving most of the nutrients through their dog food; however, adding sweet potatoes to their diet on occasion will help boost their overall vitamin and mineral intake. Adding sweet potato to your dog’s diet will allow them to get stronger and healthier than if they depend solely on dog food.


How to feed a dog sweet potatoes?

When feeding sweet potatoes to your dog, you should always cook them. Raw sweet potatoes can be very hard and cause problems if your dog does not fully chew them. You can stem, boil, or bake sweet potatoes to make your dog a tasty treat. When feeding sweet potatoes to your dog, make sure only to give them a small amount. They are better than regular potatoes, but too much can cause some problems.

Never give your dog candy sweet potatoes. This is something that most people really enjoy, but all the added sugar is not good for your dog.

There are many great sweet potatoes recipes that you can make for your dog. Many dogs love the different recipes that you can make. This is a great way to bond with your dog by allowing them to help you make their new tasty treats.


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When looking for a new treat that is safe to give your dog, consider sweet potatoes. They can be high in sugar, start, and carbs but have many wonderful properties. Sweet potatoes can help your dog lose weight, help keep them healthy, or help prevent cancer or other illness. Next time you are cooking sweet potatoes for yourself, consider giving a few bites to your dog.


Meet The Author 

Dr. Sara Ochoa DVM

Veterinarian

Since she was a little girl, Dr. Ochoa knew that her dream was to become a veterinarian. With a tremendous passion and love for animals, she is now a great source of knowledge for others. Dr. Ochoa lives happily with her husband Greg and her babies: Ruby the Schnoodle and Bam-Bam the bunny.



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