Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Many brands of high-quality dog food and a variety of healthy dog treats contain small amounts of sweet potato. But can dogs safely eat sweet potatoes on their own?
The short answer is yes, sweet potatoes are safe for dogs to eat, but only when cooked with the skin removed. Similar to yams, and other kinds of potatoes, raw sweet potatoes contain toxic properties. However, the cooking process neutralizes the threat and leaves a nutritious addition.
That being said, you must always run new additions to your dog’s diet by your veterinarian. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about how sweet potatoes can be added to your dog’s diet safely.
How Are Sweet Potatoes Good For Dogs?
When steamed, or boiled, sweet potatoes provide exceptional nutrition to a dog’s diet. That being said, they need to be prepared without any additional ingredients.
We enjoy sweet potatoes with cinnamon and sugar, or even sometimes sautéed with onions and garlic. None of these are good options for dogs, especially onions and garlic, as both are toxic for canines.
If properly prepared, a sweet potato has a ton of nutritional benefits. They’re full of magnesium, vitamin B6, manganese, beta carotene, calcium, zinc, and potassium.
This combination aids greatly in preventing heart disease, aids in your dog’s digestive process, and keeps their coat nice and shiny.
Dietary fiber is a huge benefit, but can also cause significant stomach upset when moderation isn’t adhered to. Basically, a little goes a long way in providing all those nutrients with little fat or calories.
How Can I Safely Give Sweet Potatoes To My Dog?
As mentioned above, moderation is key here, as well as preparation.
Sugar content is still a cause for concern, even if the amount isn’t as great as a regular potato. In general, sweet potatoes should not be a daily part of your dog’s diet. They’re best as an occasional addition, served in small amounts, as mix-ins to give dog food a bit of variety.
It’s also important to note that any dog food or dog treats, that have a high amount of sweet potatoes in them should be avoided. Recently the American Kennel Club updated its stance on the safety of sweet potatoes when served in significant portions.
Over time, foods like sweet potatoes, potatoes, and yams, can bring on Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease.
You can safely serve sweet potato to your dog, though. You just have to always serve it cooked. Raw potatoes, of any kind, contain solanine and oxalates. These can do significant damage over time to your dog’s kidneys and nervous system, leading to kidney failure.
Fortunately, the cooking process reduces the levels of solanine and oxalates to a consumable level, leaving a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.
Do you include sweet potatoes in your dog’s homecooked meals? Do they enjoy the taste? Let us know in the comments below.
