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Pawrennial

Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

Yes, in small amounts.

Plain, cooked sweet potato is a healthy occasional treat for most dogs. Always cook it, since raw sweet potato is hard to digest and can cause a blockage, and skip butter, sugar, and toppings.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?

Sweet potatoes contain fiber and are rich in vitamin A. They're also starchy and high on the glycemic index, so they're a treat, not a main part of the diet. Dogs that are diabetic, overweight, or less active should have very little.

Always cook it

Raw sweet potato is hard to chew, can upset the stomach, and may cause an intestinal blockage. Bake, boil, or steam it until soft, remove the skin, and mash or cube it.

How much sweet potato can a dog have?

A teaspoon or two for small dogs, or a tablespoon or two for larger dogs, is plenty as a treat. Too much can cause loose stools, and too much vitamin A over time isn't good either.

What to avoid

  • Sweet potato casserole, pie, and fries
  • Butter, sugar, syrup, marshmallows, salt, or spices
  • Sweet potato vines and raw peel

Helpful tools and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat sweet potato skin?

It's best to remove it. The skin is harder to digest and can cause stomach upset.

Are sweet potato chews safe?

Plain dried sweet potato chews made for dogs are a popular treat. Choose ones with no added ingredients, check they're not too hard, and count them in your dog's treat budget.

Are grain-free foods with sweet potato safe?

The FDA has been investigating a possible link between some diets heavy in legumes or potatoes and a heart disease called DCM. Sweet potato as an occasional treat is different from a whole diet, but if you feed a grain-free food, talk to your vet.

Sources

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