Did You Know You Can Serve Sweetpotatoes to Dogs?
We stand by our statement that sweetpotatoes are the most versatile food around. Not only are they great for babies, kids, and adults, but they are also great for your four-legged, furry friends.
Nutritionally speaking, sweetpotatoes are high in fiber, Vitamins A and C and potassium, and also offer micronutrients, like calcium, magnesium and iron. Sweetpotatoes are also high in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in your pet, similar to humans. This may be especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint problems.
These nutrients help aid in digestion, as well as promote healthy skin and muscles, and a shiny coat.
You may have noticed that many premium dog foods are switching their ‘energy source’ from grains to sweetpotatoes. This is because sweetpotatoes suit many dogs as they tend to be hypoallergenic.
Why are sweetpotatoes great for dogs?
“When prepared the right way, sweetpotatoes make a great treat for dogs of all shapes and sizes,” says Iram Sharma, a DVM and writer for PupVine.com. “They are also low in fat and do not contain any common allergens for dogs.”
That’s why you’ll see them as an addition to many dog foods on the market. Plus, they can be a bit sweet, which may also make them more palatable to dogs, in addition to their soft texture.
If your dog is struggling with gastrointestinal issues, adding mashed sweetpotatoes to their food could be a great first step. However, veterinarians caution avoiding additional seasonings on sweetpotatoes, including salt and pepper, butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows.
Can dogs eat the skin?
As long as the sweetpotato is washed and cut into small pieces, the skin is safe for the dog to eat. However, large chunks may pose a choking hazard for some dogs.
“The skin of a sweetpotato is safe and non-toxic to a dog, but they shouldn’t eat large amounts of it,” adds veterinarian Chyrle Bonk. “The skin can be harder to digest which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and other digestive issues if fed in large amounts.”
Are there any contraindications for serving sweetpotatoes to dogs?
“If a dog has allergies, diabetes or a history of pancreatitis, it may not be appropriate to feed them sweetpotatoes,” says veterinarian Patrik Holmboe, of Cooper Pet Care. “These conditions require strict diet control, so an owner should always follow the recommendations of their veterinarian.”
Most experts also share that eating sweetpotatoes raw is not good for dogs, and can increase the risk of choking and gastrointestinal issues.
Furthermore, feeding dogs too many sweetpotatoes can lead to digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, so always monitor your dog if adding this new food.
Easy sweetpotato recipes for dogs
Microwaving a sweetpotato is a quick and easy way to prepare this superfood. Many veterinarians also recommend boiling them and removing the skin if your dog is sensitive to fiber or choking.
There are several ways to make your own dog treats or foods, too. If you have a dehydrator, simply dehydrating sweetpotatoes makes for a great dog treat! Many recipes also involve a combination of sweetpotatoes, oats, peanut butter, and or shredded fruits and veggies (like apples or carrots). Here are 10 fun homemade sweetpotato dog treat recipes.
So, if you’re planning on introducing or serving sweetpotatoes to your pup, just make sure to wash it properly, cook it, and always check with your veterinarian with any other questions. Why deprive man’s best friend of man’s favorite food?