Sweet potatoes are generally safe but are sweet potatoes healthy? It's a good idea to start small because they do have a lot of health advantages for dogs. This will allow you to verify if your dog's stomach can handle it. All dog owners should incorporate this approach of slowly introducing fresh foods and observing how their dog responds.
Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?
This versatile veggie provides dogs with a long list of health advantages. They have an unbelievable amount of vitamins A, B6 and C. They also contain potassium, manganese and other minerals. A dog's immune system and digestion can benefit tremendously from these. Sweet potatoes provide your dog with the desired Vitamin A for bolstering their eyes and skin. Stable weight is an added plus because sweet potatoes are not high in fat and they carry minimal calories.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
Always offer cooked food to your pooch. Vegetables are tough because of cellulose. Cooking makes them easily chewable and digestible. Baking, boiling or steaming them are all good options.
Keep in mind that sweet potatoes should be plain. Butter, salt or any spices can make it unhealthy and dogs have no need for the extra flavor. You can simply mix plain cooked sweet potatoes into your dog’s food.
Giving sweet potatoes as a treat is also an option; especially if you like making your own dog treats. Sweet potato chips are simple to make as they need to be sliced thin and just baked till crispy. The crunch and flavor will make them a huge hit with the dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes?
Raw sweet potato for dogs aren’t great. Digesting this dish can be a challenge and sweet potatoes are tough so require a lot of chewing. Think about biting into a raw potato—not fun, right? Stick with cooked sweet potatoes to avoid any tummy troubles for your dog. PetMD recommends cooking them because small pieces of raw sweet potatoes can be a choking hazard as well as being unsuitable for digestion.
Some people wonder “Can dogs have sweet potatoes that have been seasoned?” Seasoning like salt, spices and oil is bad for any pup so keep them far away.
How to Safely Feed Sweet Potatoes to Your Dog
Start with a small piece of cooked sweet potato when it is time to introduce them to your pup. See how they like it. If they handle it well, you can give them more next time. Still it should be a treat for the dog, not an everyday meal. Learn how to do it right here.
Keep it plain. Serve sweet potatoes without any added flavors.
Watch the portions. Keep it small because a lot of fiber in food can lead to stomach issues.
Keep an eye on your dog. After they try sweet potatoes for the first time, watch for any signs of discomfort. If they’re fine, sweet potatoes can be a treat they enjoy.
Use them as treats. Instead of making it a daily thing, give them occasional sweet potato dog treats. Zoetis has an amazing recipe for sweet potato chews that are not only delicious but also full of nutrients.
Conclusion
So after reading about all the pros and cons, you have the answer to the question “Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?” When cooked properly and served only from time to time, sweet potato benefits make it a healthy and tasty treat for dogs. The variety they add to your dog’s diet is another plus. Don’t forget to keep it simple and watch the portions. This great new addition to their food will earn you bonus points with your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat sweet potatoes daily?
Too much of any food group can cause health problems. Same is the case with sweet potatoes. It is best to feed it to them occasionally or as a treat.
