Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are a healthy, nutritious food for humans. But can dogs eat sweet potatoes as well? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are not toxic to dogs and can be a tasty treat in moderation. Here's what you need to know about feeding sweet potatoes to dogs.

Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which supports vision, a healthy immune system, and more. The vitamin C in sweet potatoes supports collagen production and immune health. The fiber helps with digestion and weight management. The vitamins and minerals in sweet potatoes provide antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and cell damage.

So yes, sweet potatoes provide valuable vitamins and nutrients for dogs. They can be a nutritious supplement to your dog’s regular diet.

Potential Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

Some potential benefits of adding sweet potatoes to your dog's diet in moderation include:

• Source of fiber to aid digestion
• Antioxidants to reduce inflammation
• Vitamin A for healthy skin, coats and eyesight
• Beta-carotene as an anticancer nutrient
• Vitamin C for immune health
• Manganese for bone health
• Potassium to support muscles and heart function

As with most fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet. But used sparingly, they can provide great health benefits.

Can Dogs Eat Raw, Cooked, Dehydrated or Frozen Sweet Potatoes?

Dogs can eat sweet potato in a variety of ways:

Raw: Most dogs can eat raw sweet potatoes without issue. Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes and thoroughly wash them before feeding to remove dirt or pesticides. Raw sweet potato contains enzymes and additional nutrients. But some dogs may have difficulty digesting them raw.

Cooked: Steaming, boiling or baking sweet potatoes makes them easier to digest. Remove the skin first since it can be tough for dogs to eat. And don’t add any seasonings since many common spices can be unsafe for dogs.

Dehydrated: Dehydrated sweet potato chews or chips provide a crunchy, stimulating texture dogs love. They’re easy to digest but limit portions since dehydrated foods can have more calories due to their condensed nutrients.

Frozen: Cooked, mashed sweet potatoes can be frozen in portions for easy use later. Thaw the sweet potato puree and mix it into their kibble or serve on its own.

Canned: Some canned dog foods and canned pumpkin mixes contain sweet potato puree. Check the ingredients list for added sugars, syrups or seasonings as these could cause stomach upset.

As you can see, dogs have several sweet potato options to try for variety. Cooked sweet potato, dehydrated chips and frozen puree tend to be easiest for dogs to digest.

Are Sweet Potatoes Safe for Dogs? How Much Can They Eat?

In most healthy adult dogs, sweet potatoes are considered safe in moderation. Puppies, elderly or sick dogs and diabetic dogs may need to avoid or limit sweet potatoes depending on their condition. Some tips for safe feeding include:

• Introduce slowly in small pieces to check for tolerance, gas or loose stools.
• Limit intake to a few tablespoons per day for small dogs or 1⁄2 cup for large dogs.
• Avoid feeding the skins, vines or leaves which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
• Don’t add sugar, spices or flavorings meant for humans.

When choosing sweet potato dog treats, inspect the ingredient list as well. Some dried sweet potato chews contain extra spices, vegetables or binding agents. If your dog tolerates pure sweet potato well but reacts to a processed treat, those additional ingredients may be the culprit.

It’s also important not to allow dogs free access to sweet potatoes around the home. Raw sweet potatoes contain higher amounts of oxalates. In rare cases, oxalates could cause kidney damage if very large amounts are ingested.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any other questions about the safety of feeding your dog sweet potatoes.