If you are growing vegetables in your backyard, you might be wondering if your dog can also eat some of your fresh harvest.
While vegetables are considered safe and healthy for humans to consume, some animals may not like the taste. Also, there are veggies that are also found to produce harmful effects in dogs.
Cooked sweet potatoes can be fed in moderation, and can even be made into delicious doggy treats for special occasions.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEET POTATOES TO DOGS?
Sweet potato, which is a root vegetable, is rich in fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. They also contain manganese, beta-carotene, and Vitamin B6. These nutrients can boost your dog’s immune system and contribute to a sharper vision, and a decrease the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers. According to research, sweet potatoes can also help in easing dog’s allergies because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it should be emphasized that sweet potatoes must be cooked thoroughly and only fed in small quantities.
HOW CAN I PREPARE SWEET POTATOES FOR MY DOGS?
Although sweet potatoes are generally safe for dogs to consume, it is best to prepare them the right way. They must be cooked, but you can mash, bake or boil them and mix with other healthy food options for dogs. French fries and other processed sweet potato foods for humans are not recommendable because they may contain chemicals, preservatives, and other substances harmful to an animal’s health.
ARE SWEET POTATOES BAD FOR DOGS?
Preparing sweet potatoes is easy and they not expensive, however, it is not advisable to give too much to your furry friend because they can contribute to muscle weakness brought by an excessive supply of Vitamin A. But generally, sweet potatoes can be a part of your pet’s diet, every now and then, and only a teaspoon at a time.
If you notice any bad reaction when your pet eats this vegetable, it is best to stop. Always consult your veterinarian if you want to make sure that your pet can eat certain types of food.
CAN DOGS EAT RAW SWEET POTATOES?
No. Never feed your dog raw sweet potatoes. They are harder to chew and much more difficult to digest. Raw sweet potatoes could give your dog an upset stomach, and even block their digestion. Additionally, many dogs eat very fast and “breathe in” the food, so cooking sweet potatoes and making sure they’re soft and/or mashed can prevent potential choking.
DOG DIET FAQS
CAN I FEED MY DOG SWEET POTATO EVERYDAY?
Although in small doses, sweet potato is okay to feed your dog, it is not recommended to be consumed more than once every week at the most.
IS SWEET POTATO GOOD FOR A DOG WITH DIARRHEA?
Sweet potato is full of starch and natural fiber, so is great for clearing up diarrhea
WHICH IS BETTER FOR DOGS PUMPKIN OR SWEET POTATO?
Both are great for soothing an upset stomach, but pumpkin is considered to be the better option
Make sure to take a look at our other doggy diet pages and tips, such as whether dogs can eat carrots, strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, and more.
