Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes

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Dogs love eating human foods; that is no secret. However, some human foods are a normal part of a dog’s diet. These foods are used in dog food manufacturing and make great additions to a balanced dog diet. One of those foods is sweet potatoes. If you are a dog owner, you probably wondered, “Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?” and the answer is - yes.

When it comes to feeding your dog things that are outside of their usual diet, there are things you should know. You cannot just give them an uncontrolled amount and let them stuff on it. There are proper ways to give your dog foods like sweet potatoes. If you are thinking of including them in your dog’s diet, here is some helpful information.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?

Whatever you decide to feed your dog, there has to be a good reason for it. There is no sense in giving them things they will not benefit from. Getting your dog used to unhealthy foods is bad and can lead to different health issues. If you are wondering why are sweet potatoes good for dogs, here are some of the best nutrients sweet potatoes contain;

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is vital for several body functions and systems. It helps regulate vision, reproductive functions and boosts the immune system. It also helps the lungs, kidneys, heart, and many other organs to work correctly.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. It helps the dog’s body use and store energy from carbohydrates and protein. It also helps the dog’s body produce hemoglobin, a protein that transfers oxygen to all parts of the body.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is the most popular vitamin supplement, and for a good reason. It helps the dog’s body produce and repair body tissue. It also boosts the immune system and helps the dog’s body absorb iron and heal wounds.

Dietary fiber

Dietary fiber is vital for a balanced diet. It plays a crucial role in digesting food and adds bulk to the dog’s stool. This nutrient is perfect for dogs with diarrhea. It will soak up excess moisture and help return balance to the affected digestive tract.

Calcium

Calcium is one of the most important minerals the dog’s body needs. It helps maintain and build healthy and strong bones. The amount of calcium should be significant in puppy foods.

Potassium

Potassium is another mineral vital for healthy body functioning. It helps control fluid levels, muscle and nerve functions and can reduce pressure and water retention.

If you want to know more about which vitamins dogs need, check out this article - Vitamins for dogs.

Recent studies about sweet potatoes and dogs

There have been some studies regarding dogs that eat food that contains things like;

• Peas
• Lentils
• Legume seeds
• Potatoes

This study managed to make a direct link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and foods containing these nutrients. DCM is a disease of the heart. It reduced the heart’s ability to pump and even increases it in size.

Here is an article that can help you choose the best dog foods - Best dry dog food.

How to give sweet potatoes to your dog?

There are safe ways to give sweet potatoes to your dog. Suppose you decided not to feed them dog foods that already contain potatoes or other similar carbohydrate sources. In that case, you could include them as an addition to your dog’s usual food. Like with any other fruits and veggies you want to include in your dog’s diet, there is one important thing - avoid all spices.

Humans love adding spices like garlic, onions, salt, and pepper, but dogs cannot digest such things. Garlic and onions are toxic to dogs because they contain thiosulfate that can end up causing blood toxicity. Thiosulfate will destroy the dog’s red blood cells, and even though it is rarely fatal, it can cause all sorts of discomforts.

If you want to know more about the effect garlic can have on dogs, check this out - Can dogs eat garlic?

If you are adamant about feeding your dog sweet potatoes, there is a safe way to do it. The best way to make sweet potatoes for dogs is to cook them thoroughly and remove the potato skins. Skins are hard for dogs to digest and can cause intestinal blockage. Make sure the sweet potatoes for dogs are soft since dogs can eat fast and choke. Never feed your dog raw sweet potato. It will cause a stomach upset and can cause constipation.

How much sweet potatoes can dogs eat?

The amount of sweet potatoes your dog can eat will vary based on individual dogs. If sweet potatoes are not included in the dog food your dog is usually eating, it would be best to stick to the “golden rule.”

You shouldn’t feed sweet potatoes to your dog in an amount greater than 10% of their daily food intake. Treat them as you would dog treats. Make sure your dog’s primary food source is their balanced diet, and keep a close eye on the rest of the things they are ingesting.

World Dog Finder team